Sample Syllabuses
Here are some simple example syllabuses you can use as a starting point for creating your own. I have listed objectives for each class session. Unless stated otherwise, the objectives are meant to be met within the class section under which they are listed.
Syllabus A: Using Energy
Session 1: Energy Introduction
What is energy? Types of energy. How energy is used in ritual and magic. Etiquette for using energy.
Session 1 Objectives
- Students will be able to name and define three different types of energy.
- Students will be able to describe at least three ways energy is used in ritual and magic.
Session 2: Grounding and Centering
Why grounding is important, and why you should know how to do it before you raise energy. Grounding techniques. What centering is, how it is different from grounding, and how and why to do it.
Session 2 Objectives
- Students will be able to describe the difference between grounding and centering.
- Students will be able to list and demonstrate at least two ways to ground energy.
- Students will be able to list and demonstrate at least one way to center energy.
Session 3: Sensing and Shielding
Techniques for strengthening the ability to see and feel energy and determine its source. What shielding is, and why you should learn it before you send and receive energy. Basic shielding techniques. Feeling others’ shields.
Session 3 Objectives
- Students will practice two techniques for sensing energy.
- Students will be able to explain what shielding is and why it is important.
- Students will choose a form for visualizing their personal shields and practice using that form with a basic shielding technique.
- Students will work with a partner to practice “feeling” each other’s shields.
Session 4: Sending and Receiving Energy
Techniques for projecting energy. Techniques for receiving energy. Creating an energy circuit between two people.
Session 4 Objectives
- Students will practice a simple technique for projecting energy.
- Students will practice a technique for receiving energy from another person, then grounding it.
- Students will partner up and practice creating an energy circuit between them, then grounding it.
Session 5: Charging Objects
How to charge and drain objects of energy for magical purposes. Includes a ritual where everyone will charge an object to take home and use on their own.
Session 5 Objectives
- Students will be able to describe three different methods for charging an object.
- Students will be able to describe two different methods for draining or clearing an object.
- Students will practice charging and draining an object.
Syllabus B: Using the Moon in Magic
Session 1: History and Basics
Overview of lore about use of the moon in folk magic. Folkloric names and associations with each moon of the year. Importance of the new and full moons.
Session 1 Objectives
- Students will be able to identify at least one system of naming the full moons and list the names in it.
- Students will be able to demonstrate verbally or in writing a basic understanding of the difference between and magical uses of the full and new moons.
- Students will generate a list of magical tasks that can be done at the full moon and a list of those that can be done at the new moon.
Session 2: Quarters and Phases
Difference between waxing and waning moons and what each is used for. Divisions of the moon’s cycle into four quarters and/or eight phases (gibbous, balsamic, etc.), how phases and quarters relate to each other, correspondences for each, and how each is used. Introduction to using an astrological calendar.
Session 2 Objectives
- Students will be able to demonstrate verbally or in writing a basic understanding of the four quarters of the moon and the eight phases of the moon and their magical uses.
- For each phase of the moon, students will list a magical task that would be appropriate to do.
- Students will practice using an astrological calendar to find the full and new moons and determine the quarter or phase of the moon.
Session 3: The Moon’s Sign
Importance and significance of the moon’s sign in magical timing. Energies and correspondences associated with the moon in each sign.
Session 3 Objectives
- Students will practice using an astrological calendar to determine the sign of the moon.
- Students will choose one sign and list as many magical tasks as they can think of that could be accomplished under that sign.
Session 4: Using Basic Lunar Aspects
Introduction to aspects (angular relationships) between the moon and other planets, their significance, and how they can be used. Significance of the moon void-of-course. Putting it all together to plan timing for a spell or ritual.
Session 4 Objectives
- Students will be able to demonstrate verbally or in writing a basic understanding of the meanings of and differences between the conjunction, square, trine, and opposition aspects.
- Students will be able to explain verbally or in writing the significance of a moon void-of-course.
- Students will practice using an astrological calendar to find the moon’s aspects and voids.
Syllabus C: Hands-On Wooden
Wand-Making Class
(for a basic wand carved
from a branch or root)
Session 1: Planning
Overview of basic wand lore. Folklore and significance associated with various woods. Characteristics of a branch or stick that make it a good candidate for a wand. Ideas on where to find branches for wands locally. How to harvest or collect wood.
Session 1 Objectives
- Students will be able to explain the magical properties of at least three types of wood covered in the class.
- Students will be able to describe characteristics of a branch that make it suitable for a wand.
- (Between classes) students will find at least one branch or stick to make a wand and bring it to the next class.
Session 2: Carving
Safety techniques for using woodcarving tools. How to trim branches and strip bark cleanly. Transferring designs from paper to wood. Carving techniques for shapes and designs.
Session 2 Objectives
- Students will be able to explain the safety techniques for using woodcarving tools.
- Students will practice stripping bark from their branches.
- Students will be able to explain how to transfer a design from paper to a wand.
- Students will begin carving their wands.
Session 3: Finishing and Consecrating
How to sand after carving. Pros and cons of various finishes and how to apply them. How to consecrate the new wand.
Session 3 Objectives
- Students will finish carving their wands.
- Students will be able to explain the pros and cons of using three different wood finishes.
- Students will apply wood finish to their wands.
- Students will consecrate their new wands.