Department of Wortcunning Class Listing

Most Grey School students are anxious to begin learning about herbs, and how to use them in all kinds of magickal practices. In this class, we’ll explore the nature of herbs and many of their uses as you take your first steps into the world of herbology! This class is part of the Wortcunning Major and Minor.

NOTE: This class DOES have a prerequisite. Do NOT request this class until you have taken the class "Safety and Herb Use" also available in the Wortcunning Department. Thank you. 

Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. You’ll need simple kitchen supplies (measuring cups and spoons, a saucepan, a lidded jar, a vase, food coloring), a bunch of fresh mint, sage, or thyme (this may be purchased from most grocery stores). For one experiment, you’ll either need (a) a piece of celery (or a fresh carnation) and some red food coloring, or (b) a potted houseplant.

The purpose of this class is to explain what it means to be an herbalist wizard (Green) and to guide you through your wortcunning studies by exploring the classes offered in this department. You will understand how, to become a successful Green wizard, you need to combine your theoretical knowledge with thorough and safe field work. The class also contains the list of classes for the wortcunning Major and Minors, with an explanation and several suggestions to organize your studies. 

Magister students who want to focus on wortcunning will find advice in this class to structure their studies.

Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard

"Safety and Herb Use" is required.

“Introduction to Herbology” is recommended but not required.

This class is an introduction to ethnobotany. It aims to show how ethnobotany has always been the very fabric of our interactions with "foreign" or "strange" plants - how Europeans came to learn reluctantly at first from herbalists, shamans, and witches the use and lore of herbs for profit, until they understood (very recently!) to what extent ethnobotany is essential to our understanding of the world, and our very survival. In this class, the history of ethnobotany will provide ground for reflection about our relation to magick, to the divine, to health, and to ethics. Completion of the class entails writing essays to discuss research, ethics, history, so as to develop your own vision or understanding of ethnobotany, as applied to your magickal practice. There will be a final project to complete - and hopefully some fun along the way!

This theoretical approach to ethnobotany will then lead to a second class, with practical work on the field.

This class will require students to travel around where they live and use local resources such as libraries, botanical gardens, etc. A field guide of local herbs could be useful, but not compulsory at this point.

It is required to have taken the "Safety and Herb Use" class before applying for "Ethnobotany 201," and strongly advised to have passed "Introduction to Herbology".

This class began from a class created for the 2007 Washington Conclave and uses materials created by Prof. Jeremy Brown and Prof. Moonwriter.

While there are few more spiritual activities than gardening, not everyone has access to land for creating a full-scale garden. In this class, we’ll learn the magick of container gardening, which can be a worthy substitute. By the end of the class, you’ll have learned the skills necessary to plant, maintain, and harvest a simple container garden. You’ll also learn to work big magicks in your mini-garden.

Note: This class primarily addresses outdoor container gardening. Indoor containers are much harder to start and maintain, and require different considerations. I strongly recommend you work with outdoor containers, and this class will proceed accordingly. If you have questions about this, please email the instructor.

You will need…

1. One or more large containers, 14” or wider in diameter and equally deep. Note: the bigger the container, the more you’ll be able to grow. Your container garden’s location should be protected from wind and should receive at least 6 or more hours of direct sunshine each day. If you don’t have a warm, sunny outdoor location, a sunny south-facing indoor window or room may work, although your choices of plants and success will be limited.

2. A way to water the containers easily, i.e., either a nearby faucet and a garden hose or a large watering jug and close proximity to a faucet.

3. Three basic garden tools: a hand trowel, a pair of garden gloves, and a pair of hand pruners for trimming your plants.

4. Packaged commercial potting/container soil—this is important: dirt dug up from the ground won’t work for container gardens.

5. Plant food—liquid or granular—suitable for container gardens.

6. A supply of seeds or plant starts (small plants that are transplanted into your containers); these will vary according to what you decide to plant.

7. A camera; you’ll be submitting regular photos of your containers. (This is required.)

This class will help you understand the role of the Green Wizard in the multiverse - in what we sometimes call the mundane world and the magickal one, if they are separate. You will learn about the basic ethic and core concepts of Green Wizardry, the different paths of the Green Wizard, and their motivations.

Textbook: Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard, by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart.

The aspiring student of Wortcunning must become familiar with the nature and use of a number of herbs. In this class, the student will select a single herb to focus on, and will conduct an in-depth study of that herb. Through this activity, the student will take the first step in creating an herbal formulary. In this class, the selected herb will be chosen from the following list of useful, generally safe herbs: aloe, calendula, celery, chamomile, dandelion, lavender, lemon, lemon balm, mint (any kind), parsley, plantain, rosemary, sage (Salvia species), and thyme.

This is a required class for all Wortcunning Majors and Minors. This is also a pre-requisite class for later classes in the “formulary” series.

In this set of classes (201, 301, 401, and 501) the student will learn to prepare herb-based infusions (simples and potions, both hot and cold), decoctions, syrups, steam and shower inhalants, skin washes, baths, and charged waters. 601 will have creams, balms, tinctures, and more.

Emphasis in this class will be on developing practical skills that can be used in a variety of magickal works, including healing, alchemy, wortcunning, and magickal practices. Simple “base” recipes will be provided; the student will use these to carry out their own laboratory experiments. Although the class will not specifically focus on gathering and drying herbs, basic instructions will be given for doing this, as well as suggestions for other means of obtaining herbs.

The Grimoire and Companion are required; other herbal resources will be recommended. Students will need the same ingredients used in Herbcrafting 201, cloth for compresses, (depending on recipes chosen), solid vegetable shortening, vegetable glycerin, flaxseed meal or powdered clay (available from your local arts and crafts store or organic shop), a length of cotton muslin or flannel, a bottle of cider vinegar and perhaps one or two other simple materials. You will need flowers such as roses or lilac. A kitchen scale would be ideal.

Safety and Herb Use

(1) Youth apprentices should have parental or adult supervision while working with hot infusions, as these require boiling or near-boiling water. Pour water carefully to avoid splashing or spilling. Treat any burns with immediate application of ice and (if you have it) aloe gel. (2) The descriptions, recipes, and recommendations in this class should not be construed as medical advice; please see your favorite health care provider for questions related to medical treatments.

Introduction to Gardening: Land and Spirit

OR

Introduction to Container Gardening

Not required but highly recommended: Hopman, Ellen Evert, A Druid’s Herbal of Sacred Tree Medicine, Destiny Books, Rochester, VT 2008

Each plant has a magical resonance associating it with a particular Element. An Elemental garden presents a collection of plants all relating to the same Element, along with decorations that support the theme. In this Class, you will learn about Air gardens and Fire gardens.

Each plant has a magical resonance associating it with a particular Element. An Elemental garden presents a collection of plants all relating to the same Element, along with decorations that support the theme. In this Class, you will learn about Water, Earth, and Spirit gardens.

The aspiring student of Wortcunning must become familiar with the nature and use of a number of herbs. In this class, the student will select a single herb to focus on, and will conduct an in-depth study of that herb. Through this activity, the student will take the first step in creating an herbal formulary. In 400-level formulary classes, the selected herb will be chosen from the following list of useful, generally safe herbs: burdock, catnip, cinnamon, clove, fennel, garlic, ginger, horehound, marshmallow, mullein, oats, red clover, willow, and yarrow.

None. However the student will need access to reliable herbal reference materials—including at least one “hard copy” of a book on herbs or herbal practices (I will supply a suggested references list)—and to a supply of the selected herb. The student will also need basic herbcrafting materials, which can be found in any home kitchen.

The student should always exercise the expected level of caution and precision when working with herbs.

In this set of classes (201, 301, and 401) the student will learn to prepare herb-based infusions (simples and potions, both hot and cold), decoctions, syrups, steam and shower inhalants, skin washes, baths, and charged waters. 501 covers making your own herbal bitters. 601 will have creams, balms, tinctures, and more.

Emphasis in this class will be on developing practical skills that can be used in a variety of magickal works, including healing, alchemy, wortcunning, and magickal practices. Simple “base” recipes will be provided; the student will use these to carry out their own laboratory experiments. Although the class will not specifically focus on gathering and drying herbs, basic instructions will be given for doing this, as well as suggestions for other means of obtaining herbs.

The Grimoire and Companion are required; other herbal resources will be recommended. Students will need the same ingredients used in Herbcrafting 201, plus at least two essential oils (depending on recipes chosen), solid vegetable shortening, vegetable glycerin, flaxseed meal or powdered clay (available from your local arts and crafts store or organic shop), a length of cotton muslin or flannel, a bottle of cider vinegar and perhaps one or two other simple materials. You will need flowers such as roses or lilac. A kitchen scale would be ideal.

Safety & Herb Use

(1) Youth apprentices should have parental or adult supervision while working with hot infusions, as these require boiling or near-boiling water. Pour water carefully to avoid splashing or spilling. Treat any burns with immediate application of ice and (if you have it) aloe gel.

(2) The descriptions, recipes, and recommendations in this class should not be construed as medical advice; please see your favorite health care provider for questions related to medical treatments.

Wildcrafting means going out into nature to harvest plants for their magical or medicinal value. It’s a good way to obtain fresh, potent, organic herbs and is an important skill for anyone interested in Wortcunning. Wildcrafters must always consider their environmental impact, and must keep in mind both ethics and conservation in their practices. In this class, we will explore the basics of wildcrafting.

“Safety and Herb Use” (L1)

 Much of this is covered in the lessons. However, we need to have safety precautions up front.

Rule #1: Use common sense!! Wildcrafting safety is mainly common sense.

Always triple-check the herbs you harvest! If you are not 100% certain of the plant, leave it be! There are many poisonous look-alikes. It is best to go with someone who is experienced until you gain some experience yourself.

Any time you go into the wild, take water and a first aid kit with you. A bag of trail mix or a couple of granola bars may come in handy, also.

Let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return. Then check in when you do return. The buddy system is best - having someone else with you. Cell phones don't always get a signal in the wild so you cannot depend on your cell phone. Take a compass and know how to use it. The GPS on your phone will be useless if it has no signal.

 Watch for snakes and other poisonous species. Wear boots, long pants, and long sleeves. It is best to dress in layers. Carry a staff or long stick.

THIS CLASS IS FOR THOSE ATTENDING IN-PERSON AT THE PHYSICAL CAMPUS ONLY. 

Dates: May 27-28 and September 9-10 2023

This class requires additional tuition to be paid at https://www.greyschool.net/tuition  before being accepted.

Wildcrafting means going out into nature to harvest plants for their magical or medicinal value. It’s a good way to obtain fresh, potent, organic herbs and is an important skill for anyone interested in Wortcunning. Wildcrafters must always consider their environmental impact, and must keep in mind both ethics and conservation in their practices. In this class, we will explore the basics of wildcrafting.

Rule #1: Use common sense!! Wildcrafting safety is mainly common sense.

Always triple-check the herbs you harvest! If you are not 100% certain of the plant, leave it be! There are many poisonous look-alikes. It is best to go with someone who is experienced until you gain some experience yourself.

Any time you go into the wild, take water and a first aid kit with you. A bag of trail mix or a couple of granola bars may come in handy, also.

Let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return. Then check in when you do return. The buddy system is best - having someone else with you. Cell phones don't always get a signal in the wild so you cannot depend on your cell phone. Take a compass and know how to use it. The GPS on your phone will be useless if it has no signal.

So what is a Magickal Masterful Gardener and how do you become one? This class leads you through creating a magickal garden and, on the way, learn what it is like to be a Magickal Masterful Gardener.

­ Due to the nature of this class, you may only sign up for this class just before or during the growing season in your area. (March to September in northern latitudes; September to March in southern latitudes; any time in equatorial latitudes) 

Wand, a place for the garden (either a plot of land or containers), plants, tools, camera (and ability to submit the photos)

either

Introduction to Gardening: Land and Spirit

OR

The aspiring student of Wortcunning must become familiar with the nature and use of a number of herbs. In this class, the student will select a single herb to focus on, and will conduct an in-depth study of that herb. Through this activity, the student will take the first step in creating an herbal formulary. In 400-level formulary classes, the selected herb will be chosen from the following list of useful, generally safe herbs: basil, black tea, borage, cayenne, comfrey, echinacea, flax, green tea, hops, hyssop, mullein, nettle, psyllium, raspberry, slippery elm, tea tree, and vervain.

None. However the student will need access to reliable herbal reference materials—including at least one “hard copy” of a book on herbs or herbal practices (I will supply a suggested references list)—and to a supply of the selected herb. The student will also need basic herbcrafting materials, which can be found in any home kitchen.

Completion of “Herbal Formulary 301.”

What herbal bitters are, why they work, and how to make your own.

This class will teach you what herbal bitters are, a bit about their history, and why you might want to make your own. Incorporating bitters into your herbal regimen may be of great benefit to your health. They impact more than one of your organs and might begin a healing process that other remedies have not accomplished.

Of course, you should work with your professional health care provider and contact him/her before adding anything to your regimen. Herbs are medicine, too! They have side effects and can also interact unfavorably with prescription medicines. A good addition to any herbal library would be a book on herb/drug interactions. You can find one at your favorite bookseller or online. A link to an online herb/drug interaction checker is in Lesson 1.

Ingredients to make your chosen recipe – bitter herbs and a bottle of alcohol such as vodka or grain alcohol and a glass jar with a good lid. Alternatively, you can use apple cider vinegar if you do not use alcoholic products. Those made with vinegar do not have as long a shelf life as those made with alcohol. However, they are a safe alternative for those who do not or can not use alcohol.

As explained by Professor Moonwriter:

"IMPORTANT: If working with alcohol, you must use drinkable alcohol for these recipes.

 EXTREME CAUTION: Do NOT use rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol for tinctures! Rubbing alcohol is poisonous if consumed.

IMPORTANT: Tinctures use drinkable alcohol. Everclear or a high-quality vodka works well; brandy may work, too. Aim for alcohol that is 80-proof (40% alcohol) or higher ...."

Safety and Herb Use

Observe normal safety measures. SINCE ALCOHOL IS BEING USED, THIS CLASS IS NOT FOR MINOR STUDENTS – adults only. NOTHING IN THIS CLASS IS MEANT TO CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. Consult with your doctor if you have health concerns.

These are traditional recipes. Allergies are possible with any food or herb. Individual results may vary according to any number of factors beyond the scope of this class. Contraindications, as well as magnification of medications - either herbal or prescription - should also be carefully considered. 

**One key to effective garden design is the concept of themes. This class explains how to design a garden based on a central idea. The two examples included are a Moon Garden and a Healing Garden.

Students will need access to some botanical waste for composting (kitchen scraps, grass clippings, leaves, etc.) plus suitable tools, container(s), and space for their chosen method of composing.  Gloves are recommended for all activities involving compost materials.  A camera and a means of transmitting pictures are also required.

Some compost methods require a substantial amount of physical activity and/or the use of large garden tools.  Use common sense and take care of yourself.  Youth students will benefit from parental supervision for some compost methods.  Anyone with an allergy to mold or pollen might not be comfortable working with compost.  A filter mask or a filtered bucket may help protect against allergens. When working with decomposing materials, it’s a good idea to wear gloves and/or to wash your hands after working with compost.

The aspiring student of Wortcunning must become familiar with the nature and use of a number of herbs. In this class, the student will select a single herb to focus on, and will conduct an in-depth study of that herb. Through this activity, the student will take the first step in creating an herbal formulary. In 600-level formulary classes, the selected herb will be chosen from the following list of herbs: boneset, cleavers, coffee, elder, eucalyptus, evening primrose, eyebright, feverfew, ginkgo, hawthorn, honeysuckle, juniper, licorice, mugwort, and skullcap.

None. However the student will need access to reliable herbal reference materials—including at least one “hard copy” of a book on herbs or herbal practices (I will supply a suggested references list)—and to a supply of the selected herb. The student will also need basic herbcrafting materials, which can be found in any home kitchen.

The student should always exercise the expected level of caution and precision when working with herbs.

In this class, the student will use herbs and essential oils to prepare creams, ointments, lotions, balms, and other topical applications. Adult students will also explore the making of alcohol-based tinctures. Emphasis in this class will be on developing practical skills that can be used in a variety of magickal works, including healing, alchemy, wortcunning, and magickal practices. Simple “base” recipes will be provided.

Notes: This class began from a class created for the 2007 Washington Conclave and uses materials created by Prof. Jeremy Brown and Prof. Moonwriter.

You will need: (1) A good herbal reference of your choice. (2) Depending on recipes chosen, small glass or stainless steel bowls, small and medium saucepans, a double boiler, glass jars with tight lids (canning “Mason” jars work well), one or two glass custard cups or measuring cups, measuring cups and spoons, mortar and pestle, and a medium wire whisk. (3) In addition, you should have at least one neutral carrier oil (e.g., safflower, sunflower, almond, etc.), one or two essential oils (your choice), beeswax, cocoa butter, paraffin wax, black pepper, salt, petroleum jelly, apple cider vinegar, spring water or distilled water or rose water, drinkable alcohol (for adult students) or vegetable glycerin, and vitamin E capsules. (4) Optional ingredients may include honey, rubbing alcohol or witch hazel, lemons, garlic, ginger, carrots, varied grains and seeds (cornmeal, barley, etc.), red pepper flakes, borax, vegetable food coloring, dried or fresh herbs, a 2-liter plastic beverage bottle, and tincture of benzoin. (Details and recommendations on what and where to purchase these items will be given in the lesson materials along with each recipe.) (5) A scale that can weigh in ounces. A kitchen scale or postal scale works well. (6) A digital camera or other means of taking digital photos, which will be included in your lab reports.

(1) Youth apprentices should have parental or adult supervision while working with hot materials, which, in this class, may involve hot oils, hot melted waxes, and boiling liquids. (2) Pour materials carefully to avoid splashing or spilling. Treat any burns with immediate immersion in ice water followed by application of ice and (if you have it) aloe gel. (3) When melting waxes and butters, use a double boiler or work over very low heat. Waxes and butters are flammable and can easily catch on fire. If fire begins, cover the pan with a lid and remove the pan from the heat. (4) The descriptions, recipes, and recommendations in this class should not be construed as medical advice; please see your favorite health care provider for questions related to medical treatments.

The aspiring student of Wortcunning must become familiar with the nature and use of a number of herbs. In this class, the student will select a single herb to focus on, and will conduct an in-depth study of that herb. Through this activity, the student will take the first step in creating an herbal formulary. In 700-level formulary classes, the selected herb will be chosen from the following list of herbs: black cohosh, ephedra, ginseng, goldenseal, horsetail, mistletoe, motherwort, nutmeg, rue, saw palmetto, self-heal, soy, St. John’s wort, valerian, and wormwood.

Several herbs have not been included in the Formulary classes as they are dangerously toxic and regulated (as narcotics) or illegal in some countries. These include datura, deadly nightshade, foxglove, hemlock, Lignum vitae, mandrake, peyote, tansy, yew, and yohimbe.

            Note: There will eventually be 15 herbcrafting classes: 3 each at Levels 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. The lists of herbs will vary at each level, with the simplest, safest herbs at Levels 3-5 and those requiring the most caution or precision at Levels 6-7.  The classes will be spread over five Levels so that Wortcunning students will be able to choose them based on Level and herb. However, “Formulary 301” is a pre-req for all additional Formulary classes, regardless of Level.

None. However the student will need access to reliable herbal reference materials—including at least one “hard copy” of a book on herbs or herbal practices (I will supply a suggested references list)—and to a supply of the selected herb. The student will also need basic herbcrafting materials, which can be found in any home kitchen.

Completion of “Herbal Formulary 301.”

The student should always exercise the expected level of caution and precision when working with herbs. This is especially true in this class, which features herbs that may be quite toxic if used incorrectly.

As an apprentice wizard majoring in Wortcunning, 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 Wortcunning Majors , both for graduation and Major completion.
2. This class has two sections: Wortcunning 799a and Wortcunning 799b. 799a is a lecture class, while 799b is a hands-on lab. You must enroll in both classes simultaneously.
3. You will need to have real-life or virtual access to a good library.
4. Before joining these classes, students must be Seventh Level and majoring in Wortcunning, and must have completed all other requirements for the Wortcunning Major.

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 Wortcunning, 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 Wortcunning Majors, both for graduation and Major completion.
2. This class has two sections: Wortcunning 799a and Wortcunning 799b. 799a is a lecture class, while 799b is a hands-on lab. You must enroll in both classes simultaneously.
3. You will need to have real-life or virtual access to a good library.
4. Before joining these classes, students must be Seventh Level and majoring in Wortcunning, and must have completed all other requirements for the Wortcunning Major.

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