Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard

386 Pages·2004·24.54 MB·English

by  Oberon Zell-Ravenheart

Acclaim for the Author
“Oberon Zell! Who better to write a young Wizard’s the life of a Wizard not only in image but in service. His
Grimoire than this living legend from the magickal world? enchanting art, writings and talks are themselves a magical
Here is the man who recreated living unicorns, who traveled manifestation, and his influence on our community is leg-
to the remote South Seas in search of genuine mermaids, endary.” —Jesse Wolf Hardin
who created the Church of All Worlds. If there is anyone Author, Kindred Spirits: Sacred Earth Wisdom
who can bring magick to life for a million aspiring Wizards, (Swan•Raven 2001) Earthen Spirituality Project
it is Oberon. I recommend him to any publisher who wants
to catch the rising tide of youthful interest in benevolent “I’d heard about Oberon’s diligence in the magickal
magick.” —Amber K community since day one as a Witch over 18 years ago. I
Author: Pagan Kids’ Activity Book (Horned Owl 1995) finally had the joy of meeting this wonderful gentleman and
True Magick: A Beginner’s Guide (Llewellyn 1985) Elder in our community recently, who has obviously filled
his life, spirit, and mind with all manner of magickal infor-
“Oberon Zell-Ravenheart is, in my opinion, one of the mation, and more importantly, practical applications. The
most intelligent and creative people in modern Paganism. idea of his helping young men along the Path of Beauty is
He has been doing this as long or longer than almost anyone nothing short of brilliant.
else. He has been personally involved with many important “For too long Wicca has been mistaken as being a
historic events in the creation of the Earth-based spiritual- woman’s art, and indeed many books direct their writings to
ity that is important to so many people today. And he has that audience. In so doing we have cut off the God, and made
the unique distinction of being probably the most influential many men, both young and old, feel isolated and somewhat
male in the Goddess movement! He is the perfect man to out of the loop. A book of this nature helps balance our
teach young apprentice Wizards how to find their place in Wheel, with honor, respect and gratitude as guides (not to
the world. He can help them to use magick in a responsible mention a heaping dose of fun and fulfilling activities).
and respectful way. —Patricia Telesco
“Oberon is a gifted storyteller, a powerful magician, Author: Advanced Wicca (Kensington Citadel 2000)
and he is young at heart. He loves what he is doing and he Charmed Life (New Page 2000) and 40+ other titles
will unselfishly offer to share what he has learned with
those who are ready for it. I have known Oberon, or known “I couldn’t imagine someone more appropriate to write
of him, since 1969, and I am eagerly looking forward to his this book than Oberon Ravenheart. I have worked with him
book and to what I can learn from it! Viva Oberon!” personally for over 25 years, and have found him to be an
—John Sulak excellent teacher, craftsman, artist, scholar, and general cre-
Co-Author: Modern Pagans (RE/Search 2001) ative genius. The boys who read this book will be lucky to
have him as a mentor. His ability to organize information
“I have known Oberon Zell for a number of years and into nifty charts and easy-to-access language remains un-
have had the pleasure of being in ritual with him. He is a equaled in the magickal community.” —Anodea Judith
pioneer, leader, and visionary among Pagans and within the Author: Wheels of Life (Llewellyn 1987)
magickal community. One of the founders of the Church of Eastern Body-Western Mind (Celestial Arts 1997)
All Worlds, he also pioneered Green Egg, which was the
premier Pagan publication. His work contained therein was “To those who study the occult, in particular, Witch-
thought-provoking, scholarly, and challenging. craft, the name of Oberon Zell-Ravenheart is internation-
“Oberon is an experienced writer and Wizard; he brings ally-known and respected. He is a genuine Wizard, and he
years of practice, expertise, and highly principled, scholarly has written this book for any person wishing to become
care to this endeavor.” —Dana D. Eilers one. Perhaps, as some have written, Oberon Zell-Ravenheart
Author: The Practical Pagan (New Page 2002) is the real Albus Dumbledore to aspiring Harry Potters!
Pagans and the Law (New Page 2003) “As a handbook and guide for becoming a Wizard, this
is as near perfect and honest a book as one will find today...a
“I’m excited to have been asked to contribute to Oberon great service to the occult community.
Zell-Ravenheart’s Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. There “Oberon has written a classic on Wizardry. This is his
is no more important task than the awakening of wonder, masterpiece. One of the pioneers of Paganism in the United
magic and love for the inspirited Earth in the greater culture. States, his lifetime of learning and information is shared
And no one more ideal to pull it off than Oberon. with readers from all walks of life. The lessons in this fine
“There is a trend reflected in the interest in Harry book are accurate, honest, and entertaining.
Potter and Tolkein—with boys 8-18 experiencing a growing “If you want to become a Wizard, this is the book to
hunger for things heroic and vital. There’s never been a bet- start with, and learn from. This Grimoire is must-have read-
ter opportunity for affecting and inspiring them. They’re ing for readers interested in true magick.
looking for alternatives, for role models and inspiriteurs. “Highly recommended. Congratulations to the author
“Oberon has the talents as well as experience to make for writing a classic, and congratulations to New Page Books
it happen, the way he brought together a church, a move- for publishing it for readers.” —Lee Prosser
ment...and our Grey Council. He awakens a fire in every Ghostvillage.com review
young person he comes into contact with, having long lived (from Fate Magazine, 3/19/2004)
Corrected pages 3rd printing.1.p65 1 6/10/2004, 2:58 PM
GRIMOIRE FOR THE APPRENTICE WIZARD
Copyright  2004 by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart
All rights reserved under the Pan-American and International Copyright Con-
ventions. This book may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form or by
any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any
information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter invented, without
written permission from the publisher, The Career Press.
GRIMOIRE FOR THE APPRENTICE WIZARD
EDITED BY LAUREN MANOY
TYPESET AND FORMATTED BY OBERON ZELL-RAVENHEART
COVER ILLUSTRATION AND DESIGN: JEAN WILLIAM NAUMANN
PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. BY BOOK-MART PRESS
To order this title, please call toll-free 1-800-CAREER-1 (NJ and Canada: 201-
848-0310) to order using VISA or MasterCard, or for further information on books
from Career Press.
The Career Press, Inc., 3 Tice Road, PO Box 687,
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
www.careerpress.com
www.newpagebooks.com
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Zell-Ravenheart, Oberon, 1942-
Grimoire for the apprentice wizard / by Oberon Zell-Ravenheart.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 1-56414-711-8 (pbk.)
1. Magic. 2. Wizards. I. Title.
BF1611.Z45 2004
133.4’3—dc 222003060780
Intro pages PM.p65 2 1/14/2004, 3:18 PM
Grimoire for the
Apprentice Wizard
Oberon Zell-Ravenheart
and the Grey Council
NEW PAGE BOOKS
A division of The Career Press, Inc.
Franklin Lakes, NJ
Intro pages PM.p65 3 1/14/2004, 3:19 PM
Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard
IV
Foreword: The Grimoire and the Grey Council
By Raymond Buckland
A great number of us have been wanting—long- As a member of the Grey Council, I am perhaps
ing—to board the Hogwarts Express and to travel to typical of your teachers, so let me tell you a little about
an academy that teaches the really exciting things in my background. I was first attracted to these subjects
life. Things such as magick, herbal lore, divination, more than fifty years ago. (Half a century! How time
conjuring, and so on. In a word, we have been want- flies!) What I wouldn’t have given to have had access
ing to learn WIZARDRY. It’s one thing to read about to just such a book as you are now holding in your
the experiences of someone else—even such a fasci- hands, back in those early days. But such knowledge
nating person as Harry Potter—but it’s quite another was hard to come by then. I had to dig and search;
thing to be able to go through the whole magickal follow up ancient clues and long-lost trails. I had to
educational process yourself. To enter such a school beg and borrow, and to apprentice myself to the few
and know that your teachers are the very finest Wiz- knowledgeable mages I was able to find. Over the
ards and Witches in the world would be awe-inspir- years I learned to use a crystal ball, to read tarot cards,
ing. So, how to do this? How to find and attend such to heal with my hands, to make use of herbs and po-
a Wizard’s academy? tions, and to do many other things not normally taught
You’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to or made available.
wait for a special invitation to be delivered, be it by Over forty years ago I was initiated into a Witches
owl mail or otherwise. You don’t even have to be the coven. I learned spells and charms and I learned to do
child of a Wizard or Witch. In fact you can even be a magick. It was a long, sometimes hard road I trav-
regular Muggle child and still get into this school. (It eled. But it was very satisfying and, in practicing what
has been rumored that even some grown-up Muggles I was taught, I was able to bring aid, happiness, and
have been so attracted to it that they, too, have slipped comfort to many others. Along the way I became a
in!) Where is this school? It’s right here in your hands. teacher myself and was thus able to pass on what
The Course in Wizardry—at least the Apprentice knowledge I had so painstakingly acquired.
Level of the course—is contained in this book. That’s The other members of the Grey Council—those
like suddenly discovering that there’s a home study who are now, through this book, your teachers—have
branch of Hogwarts Academy! Here may be found similar backgrounds to mine. We have all dedicated
seven major courses, plus an appendix and bibliogra- our lives to the magickal arts and to making our knowl-
phy, put together by the Grey Council of Wizards for edge available to those ready and willing to accept it
you to study and learn. . . .those such as you.
Members of the Grey Council are living, breath- This is a grimoire. The word comes from the old
ing, famous Wizards and Witches of the present day. French word meaning “grammar.” It is, indeed, a
They are not “made up” or in any way invented by an grammar of magick. In other words, it explains ex-
author. They are alive and real and have been practic- actly how magick is performed: how it is planned,
ing their various crafts for up to forty or fifty years. prepared for, put together, and very carefully worked.
When Harry Potter was first taking the Hogwarts You wouldn’t expect to be able to learn a foreign lan-
Express to Hogwarts Academy, he was shown the trad- guage without doing some study. You would need to
ing cards of Witches and Wizards that came in the learn new words and how to put them together so that
Chocolate Frogs packs. Ron Weasley introduced him they made sense. You would need to know occasional
to these, showing such famous personalities as Mer- alternate words that could be used, and the correct
lin, Paracelsus, Morgana, Circe, Cliodna, Ptolemy, way to pronounce them. If you didn’t do this study,
Dumbledore, and Hengist. These were actually a mix- no one would understand you. In other words, it
ture of real Witches and Wizards and those of fiction wouldn’t be working. Well, so it is with magick. By
and legend. But in this book there are only real ones. learning the grammar—the grimoire—you will be able
I have known Oberon Ravenheart for over 30 to not only make yourself understood (to the elements,
years. He is one of the pioneers of Paganism in the the spirits, the animals, trees, plants, and all other as-
United States. I can’t think of a better, more qualified pects of nature—plus, of course, to other Wizards),
person to write a handbook for apprentice Wizards. but you will be able to show that you are fluent in the
Oberon is a Wizard (he always has been!). With his language—that you are a master of it. This translates
many decades of experience he, more than anyone, is into becoming a master Wizard, a magician recog-
uniquely qualified to write this book, having been nized by his peers (those of equal standing) as com-
teaching for the majority of his life. His name is greatly petent and knowledgeable.
respected in all of the varying fields of Paganism and In so many subjects in everyday school, you
Witchcraft. He is truly an Elder…of Paganism, Witch- sometimes find yourself wondering “Why do I have
craft, and Magic. to learn this?” “What use is this to anyone?” You re-
Intro pages PM.p65 4 1/14/2004, 3:19 PM
Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard
V
sist doing the work, the study, the homework. But with superiority. He will have thought through his actions
the Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard, all that is and will ensure that what is designed to work on one
changed! You will find yourself eagerly looking for- person will not adversely affect another. You won’t
ward to the next step, and the one after that, and the be doing negative magick—no Wizard worth his
one after that! Study will become a joy. You won’t pointed hat does negative magick—so there should
want to stop. Imagine learning such things as Foun- be little chance of you accidentally harming others.
dations of Magick, Magickal Skills, The Soul of Na- But it always behooves you to think things through.
ture, Tools of Magick, Wizardly Regalia, Spellcraft, As to taking responsibility for your actions, that
Conjury, Magickal Bestiary, and so on and so on. What should really be unnecessary to say. We should all,
wonderful titles! What wonderful subjects! always, take responsibility for what we do. Never try
Wortcunning; Mathemagicks; Skrying. New words to blame someone else for your mistakes. So if some-
and ancient teachings. This is not just a book about thing goes wrong—especially magically—own up to
Wizardry; it’s a book of Wizardry! it being your fault and immediately do all that you
Let this book take you on a journey. It opens on can to correct it. That is the Wizard’s way.
Wizardry—concerning Wizards, becoming a Wizard, How powerful can you become? Forget that word
foundations of magick, magickal skills, etc. It intro- “power” if you can. Let’s instead ask, how effective
duces you to ideas and concepts, then leads you along can you become? The answer is very effective indeed.
the secret path that wends its way through the some- Let me give you an example. Back in the middle of
times fearsome appearing trees of the forest of an- the twentieth century (yes, this is a little bit of his-
cient knowledge. Along the way you learn that all is tory—but very interesting) Europe was in the throes
not as it seems. What many people take as frighten- of a war that was to develop into a world war. It was
ing, or scary, you will learn to be safe, inspiring, and the second of its kind and would destroy many lives
power-enabling. The path through the woods goes on and disrupt most of the world for many generations.
and on, but the deeper it goes, the more interesting In Great Britain, a small band of Witches and Wiz-
you will find it. This is a little like venturing into the ards saw the threat of the enemy poised to launch it-
Forbidden Forest near Hogwarts. That is a place where self across the narrow English Channel and to attack
“secrets are kept and mysteries can be unraveled.”1 England. A powerful woman magician, whose name
There will be temptations along the way, yes. There was Dion Fortune, organized a magickal program
will appear to be some short-cuts. But where do they bringing together Britain’s most powerful Witches and
really lead? The safest route is with your guides, with Wizards. This program was designed to turn back the
the Grey Council. You will not be led astray. Stay on advancing tide of the enemy. The group was com-
the path and do what they suggest. Remember, Hagrid prised of the most powerful of a wide variety of types
was not afraid of the forest, because he knew it and of magickal people. There were Witches, Wizards,
knew of its inhabitants. So with the Grey Council. magicians, adepts (highly skilled experts) of differ-
We know the safest routes and will guide you safely. ent traditions. But they all faced a common enemy.
In all the many wonderful and powerful instruc- They worked together to build a great magickal wall
tions given in this course of Wizardry, there are two that would not only stop the enemy invasion but would
things that I would urge you to always bear in mind. actually turn them away and make them simply stop
The first is to always consider the results of your ac- trying. The magick was performed on a number of
tions. The second is to accept the responsibility for occasions, working up to a major effort at one of the
those actions. most powerful times of the year. The result was that
By considering the results of your actions I mean the enemy stopped, turned around, and went away!
that you should always look ahead to see how what The war was not over, but the immediate threat of
you do might affect other people. You’ve heard of the invasion was removed. This was a mighty work of
“domino effect,” I’m sure. If you stand up a long line magic. It is to be hoped that you will never have to
of dominoes, whether in a straight line or a long, curv- face such a menace. But know that the magick you
ing pattern, when you knock down the first one it will are to be taught in this book not only works, but can
hit against the second which will then fall. In falling, work powerfully enough to change history!
that second one will hit the third, and knock it against Welcome to this unique course of magick, and
the fourth, and so on, until the whole line—no matter know that you are setting your foot on the first step
how long it is—has been knocked over as a result of along the path that will take you out of the ordinary
your pushing against that first one. This works not and into the special world of Wizardry.
only with dominoes but with just about everything. It
works with magick too. When you do magick that —Raymond Buckland
affects one person, that action may then, in turn, af- Nov. 11, 2003
fect a whole number of other people. It might not be ____________________
obvious, at first, just how this reaction will progress. 1 The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter, David Colbert
But that is where the outstanding Wizard shows his (Lumina Press, Wrightsville Beach, 2001)
Intro pages PM.p65 5 1/14/2004, 3:19 PM
Acknowledgements
Although many Wizards throughout history seem to have
lacked significant feminine companionship and influences,
I have been blessed with many wonderful women in my life.
So first of all I would like to extend my acknowledgement and appreciation
to my wife and soulmate over the past 30 years: Morning Glory. Next, I wish to
appreciate Liza Gabriel, my magickal partner and co-conspirator. Thank you each for your love
and support during our adventurous times together. And to all my other women friends and
lovers over the years: thank you each for bringing the Goddess into my life and work—
particularly in Her aspect as Muse.
Next, I thank the other members of the Grey Council—wise ones, friends, compatriots, peers,
and fellow journeyers on these magickal paths who have advised and contributed to this
Grimoire: Ray Buckland, Jesse Wolf Hardin, Jeff “Magnus” McBride, Katlyn Breene, Trish
Telesco, Raven Grimassi, Donald Michael Kraig, Nelson White, Ellen Evert Hopman, Fred
Lamond, Todd Karr, Luc Sala, Nybor, Abby Willowroot, Ian “Lurking Bear” Anderson, Lady
Pythia, and Amber K.
Thanks also to some of other fine folks not currently on the Council, whom I’ve consulted in
various phases: Dragon Singing (mathemagicks, laws of magick), Julie Epona (ethics), Craig
Parsons-Kerins (physics), Haramas (Egyptian), Farida Ka’iwalani Fox (the Elements), Diane
Darling (Elven Chess), Jack Griffin (role-play gaming), Bryce Kuhlman, Anodea Judith (rituals,
chakras), Bob Gratrix, Isaac Bonewits (laws of magick), David Birtwell and Christian Chelman
(conjury), Paul Moonoak (rites of passage), Sheila Attig (study of magick), Leigh Ann Hussey
(sabbats), and Diana Paxson (Norse). The willingness of these people to review these writings
and/or offer their expertise has been a great contribution to this work!
I thank Georgio, Laurie, Mike, Ron and all the wonderful people at New Page Books for
believing in me and this project before I even began it. I thank Abby Willowroot and Lauren
Manoy for help in editing the text for my intended readership. And I thank Wolf Dean Stiles-
Ravenheart for setting me up with a new computer and scanner, and teaching me Photoshop.
I also wish to thank those who have been Mentors and Teachers to me throughout my life—
particularly my father, Charles Zell, Mr. Teske, Capt. Bennings, Robert Anson Heinlein, Gale
Fuller, Deborah Letter-Bourbon, Carolyn Clark, and Mama Julie. By the same token, I wish to
acknowledge my son, Bryan, and my stepson, Zack—my first Apprentices in magick and
Wizardry. This book really began for you, and I only wish you could have had it sooner…
And I offer my humble gratitude to all the great Wizards and Shamans who have gone
before, and left us a legacy of Magick stretching back to the Age of Ice and Stone.
Ad astra per magicae artes...
9/21/2003
Oberon Zell-Ravenheart
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Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard
Ah, young Wizard-to-be, welcome to the world of Magick and Mysterie! I, Oberon Zell-Ravenheart,
will be your mentor and guide on your path towards becoming a true Wizard. Also contributing to your
studies will be other members of the Grey Council—the legendary fellowship of Mages, Sages and Wise
Ones. Someday, perhaps, you too will become part of this company. For Wizardry is traditionally passed
from Master to Student through a program of Apprenticeship. This Grimoire will be your handbook for
the first part of your journey. It’s for you alone—and those you trust absolutely. Keep it safe, and keep it
secret—these Mysteries must not fall into the wrong hands! And if you wish to further your studies in
the Arcane Arts, come to the online Grey School of Wizardry at www.GreySchool.com.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Raymond Buckland ..................iv Class IV: Conducting a Ritual ..............173
Acknowledgements .......................................vi Class V: Magickal Times......................181
Prologue: A Wizardly Soliloquy ....................viii Class VI: The Wheel of the Year.........188
The Calling by Jesse Wolf Hardin .................ix Class VII: Spellcraft.............................196
Introduction .....................................................
COURSE FIVE: SPECTRUM—Part 1
COURSE ONE: WIZARDRY Class I: Meditation (Aqua)...................206
Class I: Concerning Wizards ....................1 Class II: Healing (Blue)........................211
Class II: Becoming a Wizard....................8 Class III: Wortcunning (Green)............219
Class III: Foundations of Magick...........15 Class IV: Divination (Yellow)...............227
Class IV: Magickal Arts.........................23 Class V: Conjury (Orange)...................237
Class V: Magickal Talents......................31 Class VI: Alchemy (Red).....................244
Class VI: Perchance to Dream..............39
Class VII: Patterns of Magick ...............44 COURSE SIX: SPECTRUM—Part 2
Class I: Beast Mastery (Brown)..........252
COURSE TWO: NATURE Class II: Cosmology (Violet) ................261
Class I: Natural Mysteries......................52 Class III: Mathemagicks (Clear)..........270
Class II: The Soul of Nature ..................60 Class IV: Ceremonial Magick (White) ...277
Class III: The Elements..........................67 Class V: Lore Mastery (Grey) .............284
Class IV: Back to Nature.......................74 Class VI: The Dark Arts (Black).........294
Class V: Adventures in Nature...............81
Class VI: Your Magickal Garden ...........88 COURSE SEVEN: LORE
Class I: The Other Worlds....................303
COURSE THREE: PRACTICE Class II: Gods of All the Nations..........310
Class I: Ethics of Magick.......................98 Class III: The Others ...........................318
Class II: Tools of Magick .....................103 Class IV: The Magickal Bestiary .........324
Class III: Your Wizardly Regalia ..........112 Class V: Wizards of History.................331
Class IV: Your Sanctum Sanctorum.....119 Class VI: Modern Wizards...................338
Class V: The Magickal World ..............124
Class VI: Correspondences..................131 Epilogue: Commencement ..........................345
Class VII: Signs & Symbols.................142
APPENDICES
COURSE FOUR: RITES A. History of Magick Time-Line..........351
Class I: Practical Magick.....................151 B. The Wizard’s Library.......................355
Class II: Ritual Spaces .........................160 C. Credits & References.....................357
Class III: About Rituals ........................166 D. Index ...............................................361
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Preface: A Wizardly Soliloquy
We are the makers of magic. And we are the tellers of tales. —Willy Wonka
UMANS ARE STORY-TELLERS. WE live log on the fire. Gripping in one hand a staff as tall as he
within our stories. We are all be- is, with a glowing crystal atop, he waves his other
ings of myth and legend—and hand over the flames, which suddenly blaze up in
future generations will sing bright sparkling colors. Now that he has your atten-
songs and tell tales of us just as tion, he says something like this:
we sing songs and tell tales of
the Argonauts, the Knights of “This is a place between the Worlds, and this is a
the Round Table, and the Merry time outside of Time. It is not by mere chance that you
Men and Maids of Sherwood Forest. We come into have come here this night, for there is a larger pur-
this world bearing dreams of former lives, and we each pose, a grand design, a great task that awaits you:
create our own story as we grow, learn, travel, and “For this is a time long prophesied, when the op-
share our lives and dreams with others. And so each posing forces of Evolution and Entropy have come to
of us lives our own personal mythology. a head. The world has fallen out of alignment, and the
The main difference between a Wizard and others eternal balance of Light and Dark has become dis-
is that the Wizard knows the importance of stories and rupted. The Dark Lord has begun to extend his do-
myths, and seizes the power to tell the story in a way main of death into the world of the living.
that shapes the future. All Wizards are storytellers— “This has happened before, and you know the
and their stories tell us who we are, where we came legends of such previous times. But each time the
from, and where we are going. cycles bring these opposing forces into confronta-
In the legendary saga of The Hero’s Quest, the tion again, the stakes get higher. Now they have
Wizard’s role is to mentor the young Hero, teaching reached the ultimate: We stand on the threshold of
him to see beyond the appearances of the world. He planetary illumination, or planetary annihilation. The
helps the hero learn to perceive the patterns which outcome is by no means certain.
underlie and connect all things. Just think of the way “It is for this very mission that you have been
Obi-Wan Kenobi teaches Luke Skywalker about The born on Earth in this lifetime. You have been guided to
Force, and you get the picture. this very place, on this very night, for this very pur-
The Wizard is also the one who explains the situ- pose. At such momentous times as these, the forces
ation to the Hero before sending him out upon his of Life and Death call forth their eternal champions. It
Quest. At the point in the Story where it comes time is your destiny to be the noble Heroes of your time—
for the Hero to take up his Mission, the Wizard takes a time that will be sung of in all future ages.
him aside and tells him what he will need to know. The “Your Mission, should you choose to accept it, is
Wizard explains what’s going on in the to journey to the Fortress of Ultimate
world that a Hero is needed; Darkness. There you must confront
what forces are gathering; the Dark Lord and restore the
what journey must be under- Great Balance... If you fail, the
taken, and to where; what world will be plunged into
powers must be con- a new age of darkness. If
fronted and overcome; you succeed, the con-
and what must be done scious lifestream of
to restore the Balance Earth will be free to
of the world. make the greatest leap
in evolution since the
Imagine, if you first lobe-finned fish
will, that you are sit- crawled out of a stag-
ting around a campfire nant pool onto dry
at the edge of the Un- land.
charted Lands. With “But be warned:
your companions, you The Dark Lord is im-
have journeyed far and are mensely powerful. He is
weary. Now the old man who supported by legions of
has accompanied you here armies, and his influence is
gets up and places another felt in every facet of the world.
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Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard
IX
You cannot hope to defeat him by force of arms, for
The Calling
the deadliest weapons ever conceived are his own.
And he also controls the wealth of empires, with power by Jesse Wolf Hardin, of the Grey Council
to buy and sell the very Earth you stand upon. He is
the father of lies and deceit, and can turn even your You are called.... Make no mistake about it!
own parents against you. You must learn his weak- Called by Earth and Spirit to live a more intense,
nesses, and make them your own strengths: love, com- magickal life. Called to pay any price—and reap ev-
passion, magick, purity of heart and nobility of soul. ery reward—in the pursuit of Truth and Adventure.
Your life has prepared you for this Quest. Called to heighten your six senses and develop every
“For yours is a magickal journey. You will gather possible skill, all in service to a deep and destined
Companions, courageous, heartfull and true, and they purpose.
will come through for you when all seems lost. You It’s an irresistible siren’s call, echoing out of the
will be betrayed by ones you have trusted. You will caves of our ancient tribal past as well as those un-
learn painful and valuable lessons, teaching you what seen folds of the future. It pulls at the heart, makes
you will need to know for each leg of your journey.” the skin tingle, and stirs the feet to dance. It beckons
you to leap over the walls of convention and habit, to
Through the night the old man shares stories and
escape to the world of your dreams and fulfill your
songs with you and your companions. One by one,
most heroic mission. At times it’s but a quiet prod-
the others drift off to sleep, but you stay awake listen-
ding like a silk-winged fairy gently whispering in your
ing in wonder to the tales of magick and mystery. It
ear. Other times the call is a roar so loud that you’re
seems as if your world has suddenly grown far bigger
surprised everyone in the world can’t hear.
than you ever imagined.
It’s possible you’ve felt a little different from
In the morning, all are breaking camp and pack-
those around you ever since you were a child. You
ing to leave this place. Plans are being made, and maps
likely experienced things more intensely than other
are being consulted. No wisp of smoke betrays the
kids, crying longer, laughing louder—loving, play-
fire of the night before. Other than the ring of stones,
ing, and trying harder. Being “normal” never seemed
left for succeeding travelers, there is no sign of your
like much of goal to you. Unlike those friends and
presence. You are still talking alone with the old man,
classmates who chose to numb-down in order to fit
who tells you:
in, you preferred your own special loneliness to the
“Here’s the great secret of the Hero’s Quest story: dulled world of the mundane. You never stopped be-
As the Hero journeys along his path—the Glory Road, lieving in miracles and magick, even as you became
as it’s called—all those he encounters and interacts expert at exposing illusions and lies. No matter where
with have each their own scripts. They all know who you herald from, your “home” is the state of Wonder.
they are, and what role is theirs to play. Only the Hero The fact that you are reading this Grimoire now
has no script, and must make it up as he goes along. tells not only about your curiosity, but your heart. It
For he is the only one in motion in the story—as he is a testament to your vision and determination, and
goes from station to station picking up clues. Each makes you part of an unbroken lineage of the en-
encounter is both a test and a preparation for the next. chanted and engaged, the caring and called. You are a
And only in this way can his training be accomplished direct descendant of the first two-leggeds to ever con-
and his destiny be fulfilled. secrate and celebrate this inspirited Earth, and a di-
“However, there are other paths….” rect outgrowth of three and a half billion years of ec-
As you stand in reflection by the dead campfire, static evolution. And you will, in your own time, be
the old man goes over to bid farewell to the rest of the one of the teachers and Elders to pass on the baton—
Company: “I have no more to tell you; nor can I ac- the magic wand—to the coming generations of ap-
company you further. My own path leads elsewhere. I prenticing Wizards and wise ones. Yes, the enlivened
can only advise you to follow the Path of the Heart....” universe is calling you...demanding, in return, your
And the Companions head off down their path, focus and attentions, ritual and follow-through.
and into legend. Watching them pass, the old man then To be called is to be destined—destined to fulfill
turns and begins walking away down a different path. an essential and meaningful purpose, destined to em-
You feel as if a Presence stands behind you, holding ploy your power and practices in service to a crucial
aloft a torch in each hand, illuminating each of the cause. But unlike “Fate,” Destiny requires our con-
ways unwinding from this place of decision. scious and willful participation. Every day is yet an-
You look as far as your Vision can reach down other chance to fudge and slack, to deny our sacred
the paths that lie before you. You feel the Winds of calling or avoid the responsibilities of our mission.
Destiny blowing through your soul. And then you turn And likewise, every moment is a decisive moment—
and follow the Wizard. another opportunity to make magic happen, to spread
love and do good deeds...to fulfill our Destiny and
The Script is being written.…
fully live up to our heroic Wizard’s creed.
Intro pages PM.p65 9 1/14/2004, 3:19 PM