QUOTE (Neraph @ Jan 22 2014, 04:44 PM)

The reasons for this are simple. You use it to make patterns for enchanting foci and you use it for getting info for and Calling free spirits. Because of those two uses, and the power it gives the players, it's an active skill and not a skill you can get for free.
Why would you get it for free... Prior to it being an Active Skill, it was a Knowledge Skill. So, still not free.