FOUNDATIONS OF MAGIC
Teacher: Anthony Russell
10 weeks
Start date TBA
Price: $200 for the whole workshop prepaid or $25 for individual classes (cash only)

“As you see your world, so shall it become”
Welcome to FOUNDATIONS OF MAGIC, a ten week course devoted to the study and practice of transformational magical ritual that has become available through the translation, study and practice of many and varied ancient classical documents of Western civilization. This course will provide you with a practical knowledge of all of the multi-traditional practices and rituals that you will need to know in order to perform more effective works of magic. This course of study is in no way denominational, and should not be considered to be in conflict with any one student’s personal spiritual pursuits, should they be members of a Grove, Coven or Teaching Collective. Instead, it has been designed to be used as a resource, guide and method of enhancement to all of the above.

Our objective is to share with you our research of historically documented magical practices which have managed to survive intact throughout the ages, all of which are available as public record. These works have been ‘tried and true’ for centuries, and are still found to be effective. We believe that the Universe will respond to the data reinforcement, structure and repetition of ancient rituals, and we offer you the exact words, names, spells and ritual procedures that you will need to know in order to enhance your magical knowledge and practical aptitude.

This is not by any means an easy course of study, and you will be required to do a lot of ‘homework’ or practice, as well as group working. If you choose to be serious and accountable, you will develop all of the skills that you will need in order to revise/revision your waking reality and extend them into the culture you are living within. You will certainly get your hands dirty and perhaps wonder why you thought this would be a 'no-brainer', but all in all, you will indeed emerge from all of this to be the most adept magician you have ever imagined you could possibly be. I promise this to you, as your guide and teacher.

Blessed Be!
Anthony Russell

About the Teacher: Anthony Russell was initiated into the Gardnerian tradition in 1968 by Amelia Visconti. Since, he has been trained and/or initiated into several other traditions in an effort to expand his personal knowledge and enhance his ability to perform and teach. He has been and continues to be an active member of the New York City Pagan Community.
His training manual, 'Foundations of Magic' was first published in 1974. This ten session course of study and practice is available as a series or a la carte. It consists of both lecture and 'hands on' training where individual attention is given to all who attend as a group. His approach is that transformative ritual has always been a direct reflection of the immediate culture, and the curriculum continues to evolve to reflect the current trends in our society.
He is the former owner 'The Zodiac Lounge', and continues to read tarot and advise his clients on traditional methods of ritual and transformation.

LESSON 1 -
Elemental Balancing
An in-depth study of the innate energies contained within Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Learn to polarize your own energy within the elements so you may use this power to realize your goals and create desired change in your life.

LESSON 2 -
Creative Visualization
“As you see your world, so shall it become”
Several effective techniques of creative visualization are discussed and practiced, along with tried and true methods to help you revise and revision your future.

LESSON 3 -
Tarot and More
Need an Ace up your sleeve? Learn to read the Tarot. A ‘hands-on’ workshop where the history of this fascinating divination system is discussed along with detailed instructions on how to interpret the numerology and symbolism contained within the cards.

LESSON 4 -
Candle Magic
“Entrer Dans La Lumiere”
Enter into the light with this popular hands-on workshop. The history of candle and lamp burning for transformational purposes is discussed. Leave with a carved candle that will make your dreams come true.

LESSON 5 -
Amulets, Talismans and Charms
A comprehensive study of everything from love charms, herbal amulets, stones, jewelry, gris-gris powders, wax images and more are discussed. Make your own charm for any purpose while leaving all the feet on your rabbit!

LESSON 6 -
Magical Herbalism
Magical herbalism at its most intense. Starting with methods of extracting essential oils from plants and flowers, learn to make incenses, oils, potions, lotions, baths, poultices, brews and powders for magical and medicinal purposes.

LESSON 7 -
Magic Mime, Spoken Spell
Spells, spells and more spells. Starting with The Lords Prayer, we will discuss words of power taken from intact and properly translated documents that have survived for centuries. The history of storytelling and barding is also discussed and practiced.

LESSON 8 -
Songs of the Elder Gods
The significance of rhyme, meter, music and melody in magic.
Sacred chants from many cultures are discussed and practiced along with an emphasis on creating your own chants for your own enchantments.

LESSON 9 -
A Walk on the Dark Side
Know your enemy!
A walk on the dark side is sometimes necessary in order to defend yourself against psychic attack. Various traditional methods of defensive and protective magical rituals and objects are discussed and practiced.

LESSON 10 -
Altars Made Easy
Long before they were the elaborate centerpieces of churches and temples, altars were simply power spots that provided a vortex and focal point for transformative energy. Learn the elements and details necessary to construct your own power place for any ritual.

*Class dates subject to change