An Introduction to ARCANUM
A Coven of the Scales Distance Learning Course
Daniel A. Schulke
Hands of Apostasy: Essays on Witchcraft and Folk Magic
A Witchcraft Anthology from Three Hands Press
‘Though these forms of the Old Craft are known through their exterior writings, there are other such groups who are content to remain out of the public eye, practicing their Art and training their own generation of adepts. All of these traditions share a common feature of extreme selectivity when it comes to prospective members, and the willingness to reject those proven unfit for the work. This unpopular and confrontational stance has often led to thorny relations between groups, but it has also engendered a sanctuary-like environment where creative magical collaboration can unfold according to the design of each tradition.’
Includes the essay SPIRITS AND DEIFIC FORMS: Faith & Belief in British Old Craft by Melusine Draco
ARCANUM explores traditional British Old Craft magic, aiming specifically at solitary practitioners, and providing a safe way to gain a solid grounding in practical Craft techniques that should resonate with those with Old European roots. Most people learn about magic and witchcraft from books, and they learn alone. Their magic remains a very personal and private thing. This has one very major drawback, however ... where do you go to ask niggling questions, or check whether you are working safely and efficiently?
ARCANUM provides a broad-based introduction to basic Craft magical techniques that will prevent you from being deceived by those with lesser expertise than yourself. It is a non-initiatory course but the successful completion of the 12-months instruction may result in the invitation to join an established group. Any invitation will be made privately at the discretion of the tutors involved and should not be expected, or automatically taken for granted, upon completion of the course.
ARCANUM is an accessible, structured foundation course providing sound guidance for those wishing to explore different areas of Craft practice before committing themselves to a particular Path or Tradition. It is not affiliated, associated or connected with any other group, organisation, or on-line site using a similar name, claiming consanguinity, or attempting to identify with either the Coven of the Scales or the Esoteric Order of the Serpent in order to promote their own claims of personal, magical, political, homological, corporate or commercial fellowships.
What little is written about traditional British Old Craft will only give a superficial overview of what is meant by traditional witchcraft. True Craft is experienced through a series of personal revelations under the guidance of a mentor. This is similar to the Japanese Zen concept of kensho — the number of minor satori-like ‘mini-enlightenments’ that happen over a long period of time.
In truth, practitioners of traditional British Old Craft are less concerned with ritual and dogma, and more focused on energy-raising techniques, which they use to channel or direct spells and charms according to the nature of the working. Traditional Craft witches do not worship Nature but they are certainly proficient at working in harmony with it … and are highly spiritual beings on this level. Unlike the majority of modern pagans, however, they accept Nature as being red in tooth and claw and do not seek to impose their will on the natural cycle of the seasons. They also accept the timeless concept of the hunter and the hunted, and the essential interaction of male-female energy.
In order for the co-ordinators to select the correct tutor, we ask prospective students to complete the confidential questionnaire. Once a student has been accepted and assigned a tutor, they will be expected to work together on a close personal basis. Students are expected to complete each lesson within a reasonable time frame (eight weeks maximum) in order to maintain a continuity of learning - unless their tutor has received notification that ‘life has gotten in the way’ and prevents them from continuing for the time being.
In accordance with all of the above, Coven of the Scales reserves the right to refuse entry or to terminate tuition for any whom they feel are merely seeking to add yet another ‘merit badge’ to their c.v., or are following the path of the spiritual nomad without achieving any personal goals within other esoteric traditions that may conflicts with the aims and objectives of Old Craft teaching.
“If that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find without.”
A Coven of the Scales Distance Learning Course
Daniel A. Schulke
Hands of Apostasy: Essays on Witchcraft and Folk Magic
A Witchcraft Anthology from Three Hands Press
‘Though these forms of the Old Craft are known through their exterior writings, there are other such groups who are content to remain out of the public eye, practicing their Art and training their own generation of adepts. All of these traditions share a common feature of extreme selectivity when it comes to prospective members, and the willingness to reject those proven unfit for the work. This unpopular and confrontational stance has often led to thorny relations between groups, but it has also engendered a sanctuary-like environment where creative magical collaboration can unfold according to the design of each tradition.’
Includes the essay SPIRITS AND DEIFIC FORMS: Faith & Belief in British Old Craft by Melusine Draco
ARCANUM explores traditional British Old Craft magic, aiming specifically at solitary practitioners, and providing a safe way to gain a solid grounding in practical Craft techniques that should resonate with those with Old European roots. Most people learn about magic and witchcraft from books, and they learn alone. Their magic remains a very personal and private thing. This has one very major drawback, however ... where do you go to ask niggling questions, or check whether you are working safely and efficiently?
ARCANUM provides a broad-based introduction to basic Craft magical techniques that will prevent you from being deceived by those with lesser expertise than yourself. It is a non-initiatory course but the successful completion of the 12-months instruction may result in the invitation to join an established group. Any invitation will be made privately at the discretion of the tutors involved and should not be expected, or automatically taken for granted, upon completion of the course.
ARCANUM is an accessible, structured foundation course providing sound guidance for those wishing to explore different areas of Craft practice before committing themselves to a particular Path or Tradition. It is not affiliated, associated or connected with any other group, organisation, or on-line site using a similar name, claiming consanguinity, or attempting to identify with either the Coven of the Scales or the Esoteric Order of the Serpent in order to promote their own claims of personal, magical, political, homological, corporate or commercial fellowships.
What little is written about traditional British Old Craft will only give a superficial overview of what is meant by traditional witchcraft. True Craft is experienced through a series of personal revelations under the guidance of a mentor. This is similar to the Japanese Zen concept of kensho — the number of minor satori-like ‘mini-enlightenments’ that happen over a long period of time.
In truth, practitioners of traditional British Old Craft are less concerned with ritual and dogma, and more focused on energy-raising techniques, which they use to channel or direct spells and charms according to the nature of the working. Traditional Craft witches do not worship Nature but they are certainly proficient at working in harmony with it … and are highly spiritual beings on this level. Unlike the majority of modern pagans, however, they accept Nature as being red in tooth and claw and do not seek to impose their will on the natural cycle of the seasons. They also accept the timeless concept of the hunter and the hunted, and the essential interaction of male-female energy.
In order for the co-ordinators to select the correct tutor, we ask prospective students to complete the confidential questionnaire. Once a student has been accepted and assigned a tutor, they will be expected to work together on a close personal basis. Students are expected to complete each lesson within a reasonable time frame (eight weeks maximum) in order to maintain a continuity of learning - unless their tutor has received notification that ‘life has gotten in the way’ and prevents them from continuing for the time being.
In accordance with all of the above, Coven of the Scales reserves the right to refuse entry or to terminate tuition for any whom they feel are merely seeking to add yet another ‘merit badge’ to their c.v., or are following the path of the spiritual nomad without achieving any personal goals within other esoteric traditions that may conflicts with the aims and objectives of Old Craft teaching.
“If that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find without.”
