Department of Natural Philosophy Class Listing

The GSW  annual Winter experience known as “Celebrate Winter”. You can participate in the event by carrying out some activities and reporting and reflecting on those activities afterward. Have fun! 

(Apprentices in the Southern Hemisphere can take this class in May, June, or July.  Apprentices in the Northern Hemisphere can take it in November, December, or January.)

Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon. Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books, 2004. Print. 

No other required texts. Materials will vary for each student, depending upon the projects selected.

Beginning with the 2009 event, the GSW student who participates in one of the annual Earth Day Challenges (EDCs) may earn 2 credits by participating in the event, carrying out several activities, and reporting and reflecting on those activities afterwards. 

You MUST have completed an Earth Day Challenge before signing up for this class.

NOTICE: This class can ONLY be taken after you have successfully completed the Earth Day Challenge (EDC). Earth Day is April 22. The requirements for the EDC will be posted in the forums prior to Earth Day by the Natural Philosophy Department. We apologize for any confusion. Thank you.  

(see Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard, pp. 67-73)

The ancient Mithraic Mysteries held that a person must master all of the four Elements before he can attain Spiritual enlightenment and wisdom. He must successfully undergo Initiations of Earth, Water, Air and Fire—each of which challenges a different aspect of ones nature. This Class will teach you about these natural Elements and their Spirits, to prepare you should these initiations arise on your path.

Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon. Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books, 2004. Print. 

What comes to mind when considering the natural forces of fire? The fiery ball in the sky called the Sun? The heat and lava of a volcano? Perhaps the ravenous energy of a wildfire. All of these forces of nature make life on Earth possible for us. Each of these fiery forces can be destructive, and yet, used appropriately, they are essential for the health of the planet and the very life of nature’s creatures. 

This class will introduce you to some of the fiery forces on our Earth and in the Cosmos. Come study about wildfires, volcanoes, deserts, and storms - just some of the fiery forces of our world! We will consider how these forces impact our life on Earth and the life of all nature's creatures.

Course Objectives:

1. To learn about the natural forces connected to the element of Fire.

2. To explore how these forces develop and why they exist.

3. To engage in a simple research project in a chosen area of Fire science 

Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon. Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books, 2004. Print. 

Extreme caution should be used in the practical sections of this course which involve exploring ancient techniques of lighting a fire.   

Youth students should have parental permission and supervision for this course.

Throughout the ages, Wizards, Philosophers, and Scientists have sought to understand the Great Mysteries and Secrets of Life and time.  In this class we will discuss some basics to be able to look at natural mysteries in a wizardly way.

Location: Classes will take place at one of the following: (a) Prof. Moonwriter’s home (including wilderness areas and green spaces in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area), or (b) a Moot or Conclave with Prof. Moonwriter or her designee in attendance.

Some of the class work is done at in-person sessions lasting 1-2 hours, while some is done by the student, independently. Students will also complete a final reflective exam.

Required textbooks, materials, and equipment: Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard; weather-appropriate clothing; the materials for a survival kit of the Ten Outdoor Essentials (including pocketknife, compass, matches, raingear, a large plastic square or drop cloth, a compass, a plastic whistle, and a small first aid kit—all components are inexpensive and/or readily available); a telephone book (or plant press), a small field journal or spiral notebook, and pen or pencil.

Optional: colored pencils, camera.

In this "hands on" class, will learn about the traditional Medicine Wheel, how to create your own wheel, and how to work with it.  Some of the lessons in this class are exercises that will give you experiences to help you understand the worldview, or attitude to life, of the indigenous Americans who envisioned the Medicine Wheel. You will then be able to create your own Medicine Wheel, either large or small, and experiment as you create your own practices.  The exercises will help you experience the energy of the stones of the Medicine Wheel.   In the essays, you will reflect on this process.   

Course Objectives

1. To understand the symbolism involved in a Medicine Wheel.

2. To create one’s own Medicine Wheel.

3. To learn to use the Medicine Wheel in your own practice.

Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon. Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. Franklin Lakes, NJ: New Page Books, 2004. Print.

This class teaches about the practice of smudging for purification.  Use extreme caution with flame to avoid the risks of fire.  Caution should be taken as inhaling too much smoke is hazardous to the lungs.  Anyone with asthma or a respiratory illness should choose another option.  Youth students must have parental permission and supervision when smudging or using flame.

Trees are not just an important part of the ecosystem of which we humans are a part, but they can also form their own ecosystems that include everything from mammals and birds to fungi and single cell organisms that live in the shared environment of the tree.

Access to the book “The Great Kapok Tree” by Lynne Cherry. You don’t need to own the book, as it is readily available in most libraries.   

Outdoor observation tools: magnifying glass, ruler, measuring tape, camera, notepad and pencil (bring a nice long one) for recording.

A tree to observe, either in your backyard or in a nearby park (must be a naturally growing tree!).

A dead tree log or branch to observe, either in your backyard or in a nearby park.

In this first class of a course on various National Parks within the United States, you will learn about the first ever National Park, Yellowstone, and its many and varied geothermal and non-geothermal features. You will also learn about the park’s geological and human history, as well as the wildlife that inhabits it and the recreational opportunities it offers.

One aspect of Nature Studies is the study of the impact we humans have on Mother Nature. The class will examine how we all generate staggering amounts of garbage, what happens to it after we are done with it, what we can do to create less of it, and how we can turn trash into a renewable resource, i.e., everything that’s behind Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. As part of the class you will conduct a survey of the garbage generated in your household and make one magickal or altar tool from recycled material.

Two garbage can liners for each garbage can in your house

A few paper bags to collect recyclables

A bathroom or kitchen scale

A journal for recording (does not need to be your Wizard’s Journal)

Materials for your final project, depending on the project you choose

Caution should be used when handling garbage. Wear gloves and safety glasses, watch out for sharp objects, and thoroughly wash your hands after handling garbage.

• A Practical Guide for the Amateur Naturalist, by Gerald Durrell (ISBN 978-0863188701)
• The Amateur Naturalist, by Nick Baker (ISBN 978-0792293484). This book is also sold as The New Amateur Naturalist (same author) under the ISBN 0-00-715731-2. These are identical books.
• The DK Practical Naturalist (ISBN 978-0-7566-5899-1).

Phenology is the art and science of cyclical seasonal natural phenomena. When you observe the trees losing their leaves in autumn, a creek’s annual flooding, seasonal auroras borealis, birds flying south during the winter, or the first frost of the year, you’re watching phenology in action. By observing, studying, and contemplating phenology, you will connect with the Earth’s natural cycles on a deeper level and further embrace your place in the magickal web of the natural world.

Your textbook for this class is a downloadable PDF booklet: The Phenology Handbook. A Guide to Phenological Monitoring for Students, Teachers, Families, and Nature Enthusiasts (by Haggerty and Mazer).^*

https://www.usanpn.org/files/shared/files/Haggerty&Mazer_ThePhenologyHandbook_v3Aug2009.pdf

To view this material, you will need to download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader, if you have not already. This software is free and will allow you to view the document and print a copy for a quick reference if you so choose. This digital text will also be used for future (advanced) versions of this class and similar subjects at Grey School.

Although not required, you will also benefit from having access to one or more field guides relevant to your current location. These are usually inexpensive when purchased (Amazon.com or Abebooks.com are great sources). Most are also typically available in local libraries. The guide(s) should cover plant, animal, and/or bird identification.

You may have heard of the “Seven Wonders of the World”. Those wonders were all manmade structures, but Nature has done a fine job of creating Wonders of her own, without human help. Many of these Natural Wonders sites have been known for their beauty and were considered to be sacred places by the indigenous peoples living near them. This is the third class in a course that will explore the Natural Wonders of the World around the globe. In this class, we will focus on caves and caverns.

Required texts and materials: None

Completion time: 4-6 weeks

Pre-requisites: None

Safety warnings: None

The crypto-terrestrial realm of the fayerie is often experienced through sacred places in the natural world—magickal glens and forests, across distant oceans, and on long forgotten isles. The liminal gateways are hidden betwixt and between enchanted pairs of hazel trees, mounds of sacred stones, a portal of toadstools, through the reflection of the full moon on a secluded pond, and the hollow of the might oak. These are but a few of the entry points through the overlapping dimensional realities of worlds, however what is the realm of the fayerie? How are the laws of manifestation and permanence different from our own? How do these realms overlap? Walk with us through this adventure to answer these and other thought provoking questions about the world of the fayerie and their magick.

Magickal Journal, Honey, Cream, Button, Pebbles, Sand, Sticks, Flour, Cup (or bowl) and a candle (lantern or lamp)

As you have learned in the pre-requisite class, Treecosystems 201, trees are not just an important part of the ecosystem of which we humans are a part, but they can also form their own ecosystems that include everything from mammals and birds to fungi and single cell organisms that live in the shared environment of the tree. Even other trees can grow within the ecosystem. In this class, you will learn in more depth what factors go into creating certain treecosystems. Your assignments will focus on conducting some fieldwork to explore the treecosystems in a natural area close to where you live.

Outdoor observation tools: magnifying glass, ruler, measuring tape, small shovel or trowel, large plastic garbage bag, camera, notepad and pencil (bring a nice long one) for recording, a soil testing kit, a microscope (if you have access to one; it’s not a requirement).

As an apprentice wizard majoring in Nature Studies, you are approaching the completion of your Major and the end of your studies. In this class, you will work with the Department Dean or an assigned professor to develop an individual and unique project that summarizes your knowledge in the field. You will use that knowledge to delve further into the field, creating a project of unique merit and worth. You will also work closely with your Professor to consider how to move from studying your Major in the classroom to working with it in real-life.

Please note:
1. This is a required class for Nature Studies Majors , both for graduation and Major completion.
2. This class has two sections: Nature Studies 799a and Nature Studies 799b. 799a is a lecture class, while 799b is a hands-on lab. You must enroll in both classes simultaneously.

This class does not accept magister students, as it is the culmination of the course of studies of the Apprentice Program.

As an apprentice wizard majoring in Nature Studies, you are approaching the completion of your Major and the end of your studies. In this class, you will work with the professor to carry out a unique project.

Please note:
1. This is a required class for Nature Studies Majors , both for graduation and Major completion.
2. This class has two sections: Nature Studies 799a and Nature Studies 799b. 799a is a lecture class, while 799b is a hands-on lab. You must enroll in both classes simultaneously.

 This class does not accept magister students, as it is the culmination of the course of studies of the Apprentice Program.

Before joining these classes, students must be Seventh Years and majoring in Nature Studies, and must have completed all other requirements for the Nature Studies Major. You should also have completed 162 credits in GSW studies, including all required classes at all seven levels.

Magister students will not be accepted.