March 2026 Grey Matters
- Master Meighen
- Mar 5
- 12 min read
Updated: Mar 6
Grey Matters
March 2026
Table of Contents
New Graduation Requirements
2026 GSW Conclave Announced
2026 Fundraising Efforts
GSW Publishing House Announced
Wizards of America - Peyton Randolph
March 2026 Astrological Forecast
GSW Spring Crossword Puzzle
Reminder: New Graduation Requirements Go Into Effect Soon
By Master Meighen, Master of Studies
Greetings, one and all! As a reminder, new graduation requirements go into effect at the start of the Summer Term. As a result, Apprentices will be required to log 100 hours of community service prior to being eligible to receive their Journeyman Letter. The purpose of the community service requirement is to ensure that apprentices demonstrate sustained engagement beyond private study, applying their time, skills, or leadership in ways that contribute meaningfully to a broader community. Service may take place within the Grey School of Wizardry, within an apprentice’s local or professional community, or within other organized settings where the work clearly benefits others rather than the individual alone.
The 2026 GSW Conclave!
By Grey Matters Staff
This October, The Grey School of Wizardry will gather once more at Highspire Manor for the Sixth Annual GSW Conclave, held from October 9th through October 13th, 2026.
For the first time, Conclave moves fully into the fall season, and that alone changes the feeling of the thing. The days will be cooler and the woods around Highspire will already turning as the whole place settles into the steady rhythm of Autumn.
Throughout the Conclave, attendees will take part in hands-on service both beyond the School grounds and within them. That includes time spent caring for a local public park and even a little attention given to Highspire itself. Those shared experiences then carry forward into the learning itself as Pupils will be invited to reflect on what they’ve observed and practiced. Afterword they'll shape those reflections into short lessons of their own. Toward the close of the Conclave, they’ll teach those lessons to one another.
2026 Fundraising Efforts
By Headmaster Kingsley Well met Wizards, Friends, and followers all,
As always, I hope that the day finds you in good health and high spirits!
As the excitements of the new year fade and February continues its frigid march toward spring, I’ve found my mind taken more and more to thinking about where we’re headed and what it takes to move in that direction.
Last year the School was able to raise just over $6,000, which is indeed no small feat and one we are all thankful for. Most impressive to me is that this was started so late in the year, with our formal efforts only beginning around August. And of course, we as a community found ourselves rising to that challenge not only to support our School in a broad sense, but also in response to our vote to lower tuition. Access to education is something I am deeply passionate about, and lowering the cost of entry to GSW, while contrary to typical financial savvy, truly felt to me like the right path for us to take. However, I noted that doing so would, perhaps ironically, come with a cost. To lower tuition meant that GSW would have to embark on more fundraising efforts, and as a community, we would need to answer that call.
Such a choice was one I felt needed to be put to the community, and so it was that we held a vote. And overwhelmingly, we voted to open our gates wider by lowering tuition and making ready to support our School’s fundraising efforts.
It was a deeply moving moment for me, and one I felt vindicated in manifesting when on December 31st of 2025 we hit our fundraising goal, only those few short months after we began. Now we find ourselves in 2026, and it is time for us to set new goals and to lay out a little about what these new goals will accomplish.
Let it be known: our 2026 GSW fundraising goal is $15,000.
Not a small chunk of change all in one go, but over the course of this year I suspect we’ll be able to accomplish it.
Now it must be asked, at least by the wise, what is it that GSW plans to do with $15,000? And to that I’d say, many things.
First and foremost, it should be understood that a good portion of what is raised goes directly to operational costs. Costs that were once covered by tuition now need to be seen to in other ways, and fundraising makes up the bulk of that. Things like paying our faculty, keeping the website and virtual platform running, upkeep on our physical campus, new and returning pupil scholarships and work scholarships, and general quality-of-life improvements are generally what donations go toward. In total, the difference in tuition we’re seeking to make up via donations yearly is (roughly) $10,000.
The additional $5,000 we’re looking to raise this year will largely go toward reinforcing these structures; however, it will also support new endeavors, such as our GSW Publishing House launching February 14th. I’m quite excited about this project coming to life and am keen to share that you’ll be able to find Kindle versions of all our academic papers available on day one. Of course, that’s only the beginning, as we will also begin accepting manuscripts for review from our faculty and Journeymen. We will also be allowing submissions from our sixth- and seventh-year apprentices. Now, if you’re not a member of the School and have something you’d like to publish, I fear you’ll have to wait just a little longer. More details will be available in my February 14th article.
Beyond the Publishing House, GSW is keen to take a step into the world of field research and exploration as well. While I don’t have too many details to share just yet, as we’re still in the process of setting things up, I can say that we are making plans for a 2027 trip to the UK and looking at the possibility of setting aside a small amount to begin the development of an “Expeditionary Fund.” This would allow us to send small teams consisting of a faculty member and up to three senior apprentices to conduct field research. I hear tales of tigers in New Guinea, and what a thought it would be to send a team of Beast Mastery Wizards to follow up on such things. Dreams for now perhaps, but so are the seeds of many great things.
I’m also very interested in setting aside a small fund to assist talented pupils in attending our yearly conclave here at Highspire Manor. Each year it truly is a highlight to see so many of our pupils and faculty gathered in one space, to share stories and food, a laugh or a talk along the walls. These things are priceless, and they are a meaningful stone in the foundations of what our School offers. In fact, it was the 2025 conclave that inspired my thinking to lower tuition in the first place. The benefit given to those who attended was not only in community and good times, though those are pleasant and no doubt important, but in the learning that took place, the growth that was given space to unfold. That is something I would like to see made available to more of our pupils.
Alongside this year’s broader fundraising efforts, we’re also introducing a new Patronage Plan for those who’d like to offer steady, ongoing support to the School. This plan simply exists as a way to help sustain the work we’re doing here, month by month, in a manner that’s predictable and genuinely helpful on the operational side. For some, that kind of quiet, consistent support is easier than one-time giving, and this gives it a proper home. As with all such things, participation is voluntary and the purpose is straightforward: helping the School remain steady as it continues to grow.
Of course, this is merely where donation flow will be directed, and a plethora of other projects await announcement. That said, I fear if I were to go into the detail those announcements deserve here, we’d wind up with another book for the Publishing House.
So let it suffice to say that GSW is making a strong step into 2026 and beyond.
With your help,
Each footfall will land cleanly,
Striding boldly,
As we continue to Strive and Become.
Yours in Service and with my most Wizardly of Regards,
Headmaster Nicholas Kingsley ᛞ
GSW Publishing House Announced
By Headmaster Kingsley
Well met Wizards and Friends,
As always, I hope that the day finds you all in good health and high spirits!
For many years now, the Grey School has been producing a great deal of original work. Lessons, essays, papers, internal studies, reflections, and practical writings have accumulated steadily, shaped by our faculty, our senior apprentices, and the long arc of the School’s own thinking. Much of this work has lived quite comfortably within our courses and our internal spaces, doing exactly what it was meant to do. And yet, over time, it became clear to me that some of it was asking for something more permanent.
It's in that spirit that I am pleased to formally announce the launch of the GSW Publishing House!
You’ll find now Kindle editions of our academic papers available for purchase via our Publisher's page (Starting Feb 16th). That alone is something I’ve been keen to see come to life for quite some time now. Of course, this is only the beginning. As of today we’ll begin accepting manuscripts for review from our faculty and Journeymen, as well as from sixth- and seventh-year apprentices whose work shows the clarity and discipline we expect of anything bearing the School’s name.
For those outside the School who may be interested in publishing with us, I fear you’ll need to wait just a little longer. While GSW Press will begin by serving the work of our own faculty, Journeymen, and senior apprentices, we do intend to open our doors more broadly in time. Barring any unforeseen turns, submissions from outside authors will be welcomed beginning in October of 2026. This gives us the space to establish our standards, refine our review process, and ensure that when we do invite the wider world in, we are able to meet that trust with the care it deserves. More details will be shared as that date approaches.
This launch marks another small but meaningful step in the School’s continued growth. Like so many things we do, it has been approached with an eye toward the long view rather than immediate return. My hope is that this Publishing House will serve not only as a record of what we're doing now, but as a foundation upon which future work can be built.
More details, along with introductions to the first publications themselves can be found on our Publishing page.
Wizardly of Regards,
Headmaster Nicholas Kingsley ᛞ
Wizards of America - Peyton Randolph
By Grey Matters Staff
Well met Wizards one and all,
As always, we hope that the day finds you in good health and high spirits!
As the United States continues its 250th year, and as we mark President’s Day, the Grey School of Wizardry remains keen to present the lives of those whose steadiness and service helped shape the Republic in its earliest hours. Each month this year, we'll pause with one American Wizard to understand how their habits of mind, their discipline, and their loyalty to community created structures that endured. Some names are spoken often. Others are quieter. Yet quiet influence can prove just as decisive over time.
This month we turn our attention to Peyton Randolph, a figure whose reputation rarely carries the same immediate recognition as Washington or Jefferson, yet whose steadiness at a critical moment helped hold the early American experiment together.
March 2026 Astrological Forecast
By Grey Matters Staff
March 2026 marks a transitional period in the astrological calendar. As the Sun completes its passage through Pisces and enters Aries at the equinox, the month bridges themes of closure and renewal. Recent eclipse activity continues to shape events, while slower-moving planetary movements emphasize broader collective and personal developments. Overall, March presents a series of significant alignments that may prompt reflection, adjustment, and forward movement.
March 2 – Mars Enters Pisces
Mars enters Pisces on March 2, a transit that occurs roughly every two years. During this period, the direct and assertive qualities typically associated with Mars may become less pronounced. Motivation can fluctuate, and many people may find themselves preferring a slower pace or more flexible approach to activity.
Rather than focusing on demanding projects that require sustained intensity, this transit tends to favor activities that integrate movement with reflection. Practices such as yoga, walking near water, or other contemplative forms of exercise may feel particularly beneficial. Creative work can also be productive during this time, as the imaginative qualities of Pisces combine with Mars’s drive to initiate action.
March 3 – Full Moon Eclipse in Virgo (12°53′)
A Full Moon lunar eclipse occurs in Virgo on March 3. Eclipses are often associated with periods of culmination or heightened awareness, particularly when they occur near the lunar nodes. This eclipse belongs to the Saros Cycle known as 10 North, which astrologers traditionally link with developments that have longer-term implications.
The eclipse occurs near the fixed star Zosma, historically associated with heightened sensitivity and awareness. Although some developments connected to this eclipse may initially feel draining or challenging, a supportive sextile to Jupiter suggests that opportunities for constructive resolution are also present. Virgo’s emphasis on organization and practical problem solving encourages addressing matters carefully and methodically.
March 8 – Solar Eclipse Season Concludes
By March 8 the eclipse season that began on February 17 concludes. Although the period of heightened eclipse activity ends, the effects of these events often unfold gradually over the following months or years. Developments initiated during eclipse seasons frequently continue to influence circumstances over time.
March 11 – Jupiter Turns Direct
Jupiter stations direct on March 11 after approximately five months of retrograde motion. During retrograde periods, Jupiter’s themes of growth, belief, and expansion often turn inward, encouraging reflection and reassessment.
As Jupiter resumes direct motion, ideas or priorities that were reconsidered during the retrograde period may begin to take more concrete form. This shift can correspond with renewed confidence, clearer direction, or a stronger willingness to act on recently developed insights.
March 13 – Mars Conjunct the North Node
On March 13 Mars forms a conjunction with the North Node. In astrology, the North Node is commonly associated with long-term development and forward movement, while Mars represents initiative and action.
This alignment can correspond with situations that encourage individuals to assert themselves more clearly or pursue goals with greater determination. It may also highlight the importance of establishing appropriate boundaries or addressing conflicts directly rather than avoiding them.
March 15 – Mercury Conjunct Mars
Mercury joins Mars on March 15, creating a period characterized by increased mental activity and faster communication. This transit can be beneficial for study, problem solving, and tasks that require quick thinking or decisive discussion.
However, because Mars can intensify Mercury’s expression, conversations may become more direct or confrontational. Maintaining awareness of tone and intention in communication can help ensure that this heightened energy remains productive.
March 16 – Lunar Eclipse Season Ends
By March 16 the lunar eclipse period that began earlier in the month formally concludes. While the eclipses themselves have passed, developments connected to them may continue to unfold gradually over time.
March 18 – New Moon in Pisces
A New Moon occurs in Pisces on March 18. New Moons traditionally mark the beginning of a new lunar cycle and are often associated with initiating plans or setting intentions.
This lunation forms connections with several planets, including Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Neptune. These relationships suggest a mixture of inspiration and realism. On one hand, Pisces encourages imagination and visionary thinking; on the other, Saturn emphasizes the importance of discipline and practical structure.
The New Moon also occurs near the fixed star Scheat in Pegasus, which traditional sources sometimes associate with unpredictability. As a result, careful judgment and measured decision-making may be advisable when considering new ventures or significant commitments during this period.
March 20–23 – Favorable Planetary Conditions
Between March 20 and March 23, both the Sun and the Moon occupy positions traditionally considered strong in classical astrology. The Sun enters Aries, its sign of exaltation, while the Moon passes through Taurus, where it is also exalted.
These placements are generally associated with increased vitality, confidence, and emotional stability. As a result, this period may feel more supportive for taking constructive action or initiating plans.
March 20 – Sun Enters Aries (Astrological New Year / Equinox)
The Sun enters Aries on March 20, marking the vernal equinox and the beginning of the astrological year. In 2026 this event occurs alongside a notable alignment between Saturn and Neptune near the beginning of the zodiac.
Saturn represents structure, responsibility, and long-term planning, while Neptune relates to ideals, imagination, and collective vision. Their conjunction often corresponds with periods when existing systems are reconsidered and new frameworks begin to emerge.
Because the equinox chart is traditionally used by astrologers to analyze broader trends for the year ahead, this alignment suggests that 2026 may involve significant efforts to reshape or redefine certain collective structures or goals.
March 20 – Mercury Turns Direct
Mercury also stations direct around this time, ending its retrograde period. Communication, travel plans, and administrative matters that may have experienced delays or confusion during the retrograde phase often begin to move forward more smoothly once Mercury resumes direct motion.
March 21 – Mars Trine Jupiter
On March 21 Mars forms a harmonious trine with Jupiter. This alignment is generally associated with increased confidence, motivation, and the potential for productive progress.
Efforts made during this period may benefit from a combination of enthusiasm and opportunity. Individuals may feel more willing to pursue goals, take calculated risks, or expand existing plans.
Overview
Taken together, the astrological events of March 2026 suggest a period marked by transition and renewed momentum. Eclipse activity early in the month highlights developments that may unfold gradually over time, while several planetary shifts later in the month encourage forward movement and new initiatives.
As the Sun enters Aries at the equinox, the astrological year begins again, symbolizing the start of a new cycle of activity and development.
GSW Spring Crossword
By Grey Matters Staff
Complete this month's crossword online at https://crosswordlabs.com/view/gsw-spring-crossword
Or download a PDF:
Here is the solution to last month's crossword puzzle:
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