Advanced Wicca

Instructor Information
Jon "Athrawon" Edens
athrawon@thepagancampus.net
http://www.athrawon.net

Course Description
This course will study the history and practices of Paganism to understand the origins and mysteries of Witchcraft.

This class is designed for those seeking to expand their knowledge of the origins, practices and mysteries of Witchcraft. The only prerequisite is knowledge of the basics of Wicca and Witchcraft as a practice. A Wicca 101 class with about one to two years of continuous practice afterward, or several years of intense study and practice will assist the student in the furthering of their studies.

Required Text

-- The Golden Bough Sir James Frazier (Also available for free online - link will be in classroom)

-- The Witch-Cult in Western Europe by Margaret Murray (Also available for free online - link will be in classroom)

-- Aradia; Gospel of the Witches by Charles G. Leland (Also available for free online - link will be in classroom)

-- Wiccan Mysteries by Raven Grimassi

Course Requirements
Class participation (1/3 of grade): The lecture format requires regular attendance, completion of reading assignments, and active participation in discussion by all students. Necessary absences must be cleared in advance with me; unexcused absences will result in a grade penalty.

Because of the advanced nature and the experience of the participants of this class, the lecture part of the class will consist mostly of a "roundtable format." The participants all have equal input and are encouraged to utilize their experience and past studies, whether formal or informal, to contribute to the ongoing education of all involved. In this class we are all equal and are all students, even your humble instructor.

Homework assignments (1/3 of grade): All homework assignments will be completed and turned in to me via e-mail no later than 24 hours before the next class.

Research paper (1/3 of grade): A 7-10 page paper (plus bibliography) on one or several aspects of Witchcraft that you find interesting, using at least two books or articles (not counting web sources). The topic and preliminary bibliography must be discussed with me by Week 7. The paper will be due no later than Wednesday of Week 11, by noon.

Grading Breakdown
You are granted 1% of your grade.
Class participation & attendance - 33%
Informal writing assignments - 33%
Research Project = 33%
Total - 100%

Libraries:
Try any library.

Tutorial Services:
The instructor is available for assistance if requested.

Disabilities:
Anyone that can type, use voice activated software, or have another type for them and able to do the work is welcome. The instructor will make allowances for disabilities, but they have to reasonable requests. The instructor will not know if you have a disability that may require allowances unless you inform him.

Week 1
Description: Introduction
Discussion on expectations of the instructor and the students
Discussion of previous practice and beliefs of students
Discussion of student's ideas of Witchcraft and its future

Week 2
Description: The Mysteries
What happened to the Mysteries?
Discussion of the roots of Mysteries of Witchcraft.

Week 3
Description: Principles of Pagan beliefs
What are the principles and beliefs of Witchcraft?
What kind of texts do we have to draw from?
Discussion: Is what we practice today the same as what the Ancients believed?

Week 4
Description: Deities, Corners and Watchtowers
How did the Deities develop, and who are They?
Just who is Watching us?

Week 5
Description: Magic and Rituals
Discussion of the magical arts and rituals

Week 6
Description: Deeper Mysteries discussion
Lets explore those mysteries

Week 7
Description: Progression of our faith/religion
Are we living the Mysteries?
Discussion on progressing in our faith and teaching others

Week 8
Description: Instruction of others
Educating muggles - How in Hades do we do this?
Educating seekers of the Craft

Week 9
Description: Open discussion with preference given to educating others and how we can further our beliefs to be able to be more open.

Week 10
Description: Discussion of any subject the students wish

Week 11
Description: Research paper due

Week 12
Description: Review of semester .