Topics of Study (ritual, America, myth, pagan, worship)

[MaddLlama]

This is a copy of a post made by Pagan author Deborah Lipp that I got from a forum I used to go to. Deb is an awesome gal, and she really knows her stuff.
And, just for future reference for those who like her, this post and the discussion that came from it sparked a book, and she's looking to publish it as her next one.

Topics of Study for a Wiccan
When I started studying Wicca, there was an enormous amount I was expected to learn. Student Wiccans were expected to study extensively on their own. In addition to developing cursory knowledge in many areas, we were expected to specialize in one or a few. As a teacher, I consider specialization something that should come a little later, just as you don’t choose a college major your freshman year.

I thought I would try to compile a list of topic areas in which we were expected to develop some knowledge. See what you can add.

Oh, btw, this is above and beyond knowledge of Wicca, basic ritual techniques, circle casting, elemental knowledge, the holidays, the rules, and the history of Wicca itself, history of medieval witchcraft and the Inquisition, etc.

Magical Systems
Any student would be expected to at least recognize everything on this list and have some intelligence about it, and to have read at least 2 or 3 books on topics in this area. Every Wiccan was expected to have read Dion Fortune.
Goetia
Enochian; knowledge of John Dee
Ceremonial Lodge Magic, including Golden Dawn, Thelema
Theosophy and related offshoots
Knowledge of people such as Eliphas Levy, S.L. MacGregor Mathers, A.E. Waite, Aleister Crowley, Madame Blavatsky, Alice Bailey, Franz Hartmann
Dion Fortune’s work

Divination
Every Wiccan would be expected to have working, usable, useful knowledge of at least one divinatory system. Everyone would need at least passing familiarity with astrology and Tarot, even if they’re not the divinatory system actually used.
Tarot
Astrology
Runes
Scrying
Tea Leaf Reading
Palmistry
Handwriting Analysis

Myth and comparative religion
Knowledge of mythology including Greek, Norse, Irish, Welsh, Sumerian/Babylonian, Polynesian, and more.
Knowledge of comparative mythology such as Joseph Campbell’s work.
Knowledge of Pagan systems such as Native American, Hindu, Yoruban Diaspora, Druid, etc.
Knowledge of the history of monotheism and its relationship to Paganism, including, for example, Mary worship
Knowledge of Jungian material on myth and its relation to the psyche; as found in the works of Carl Jung, Robert Johnson, Jean Shinoda Bolen, Christine Downing, etc.
Knowledge of Goddess/Matriarchy theory. Today I would add knowledge of authors like Cynthia Eller who argue cogently against matriarchy theory.

Occult skills and Handcraft skills
Almost everyone developed some real expertise in at least one area, and knowledge of one or two more.
Herbalism
Healing, laying on of hands, energy work
Stones; magical gemology
Psychic arts
Aromatherapy
Incense making
Tool making (in my original group, we had a knife maker, a fletcher, homemade incense, a homemade altar, etc.)
More (I know I’m leaving a lot out here)

Meditative and Mind skills
Meditation, trance, visualization: These were required of everyone; anyone who couldn’t visualize couldn't make it as a Wiccan.
Chakra work
Silva Mind Control
NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming)

That’s a start. I’ve a sneaking suspicion I’m leaving stuff out. Remember this list when us “old-timers” complain that young Wiccans lack knowledge!! And use it to guide your own studies, if you are so inclined.