The first lesson contains a historical overview of traditions and persons, a suggested research project to learn more, and two (relatively) simple meditation exercises - including a glossary and a list of recommended reading.
The text is pretty easily understood, if a bit superficial in its overview - which is also pointed out several times, hence the research project. Having studied on my own for some time, I didn't exactly learn heaps of new things but that doesn't mean I don't intend to continue! I have a feeling that, once we get beyond the basics, my mind will be a sponge for new info :)
A FEW THINGS THAT MADE ME THINK TWICE, FOR GOOD OR BAD:
- The principles from The American Council of Witches are listed, and while they are very straight-forward and useful, they differ from another version of the principles that I have read only a few days ago, in one of the articles from the IBOS. (To make things even more confusing, I have in fact read the Magicka School version in an other article from the IBOS but don't ask me where it is...)
- In presenting the research project, the text points out the importance of the student forming his/her own views, and even goes on to say that that is equally important when it comes to information from the lessons. Now that, I like ;)
- In the glossary, Freya is named as wife of Woden. I'm wondering quite a lot where "that" information came from. Woden/Wodan/Odin is indeed chief of the Gods, but his wife is Frigg. See e.g. Wikipedia's article on Norse gods and goddesses.
So overall, a quite useful online course in Wicca - with a few glitches here and there that a student should be aware of. I now have about a month to continue my studies before the exam that will conclude lesson one :)
Suggested ebooks:
Various Authors - Roumanian Fairy TalesTuesday Lobsang Rampa - El Medico Del Tibet
Keywords: the golden dawn book chakra balance meditation astral travel guide aleister crowley evil mythic tarot deck chakras meditation magic circle the necronomicon star goddess