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Word on Teachers... |
Well, there is an answer to that question: At least a human will be able to point you in a direction, ANY direction, if you're unsure of what resources to choose. But there is an error in that logic as well: If you don't know what you want to learn, a teacher won't know what to teach you. They can show you the books or tell you the stories that list the history and basics--that can actually be found on almost any web page! (I recommend you take a look at the rest of this site and check my page of links for some other good pages that give you the basics.) I almost guarantee that if you search you WILL find what you are looking for. When you have questions on what you have found, that's where people should come in. It's kind of like reading an assignment before class so you'll understand it and asking questions on things you don't quite understand. It's easier on you that way, as well as on your professor so s/he knows what you're talking about and can answer your question to your satisfaction.
The problem with finding a teacher on the Web is that anyone can call him/herself a High Priest/ess. They can lie about their experience (or at least exaggerate it) and they can force upon you a dogma that you don't agree with but you will follow because they are "right." How can you know the difference? Well, for one, if they claim to know everything you need to know, they're probably not a good teacher. I think it's important to humble our abilities because we will always be learning, no matter how long we've been practicing. I certianly won't claim myself as being worthy of teaching anyone yet because there are a lot of things I don't know. This site, for example, is not telling people what they MUST do, but gives ideas and examples of what they COULD do if they want to. I'll call myself a Priestess because I think when you're practicing with little to no help, you are a Priest/ess in your own way. Do I want to teach others? Yes. Will I do it now? No. I'll answer questions, but not formally teach. Not yet.
Another problem to watch out for is cults. Yes, they do exist in Wicca as they do in Christianity, Satanism, and every other religion out there. People may seem really nice, but make sure you know them well, especially if you find them on the Internet, before you go too far with them. I suggest checking out the ABCDEF (Advanced Bonewits Cult Danger Evaluation Frame) to see if you may possibly run across one of the few "baddies" out there. In the meantime, find people on the Net and ask them questions, but my suggestion is to try to make those questions as specific as possible or at least pointed in a general direction.
*pulling out the soapbox* This is time for my rant of the month. I have no problem with answering questions. I like questions. They get me to think of what is *correct* (Sometimes there is no correct answer). But I see on other message boards (big discussion went on recently about this subject) that people want help, they don't specify what they want help with. Instead there's one vague sentence and an e-mail address. We don't know what these people have read, how long they've researched or practiced, or if there's a particular topic they'd like to know about. What's more amazing is when the message board is attached to a web site that's chock full of yummy goodness...complete with the answer to their question on the main page! I have a hard time giving out all the information I've learned over the past few *years* to people in one e-mail so they can learn in weeks or months. It's not just the fact that I'd be handing the information to them on a silver platter, but that there were so many lessons I learned that I couldn't get out of books! (Such as how to control your mind so you don't create a minor fire elemental in the middle of your living room when you're not paying attention to what you're thinking! Oops!) While I tend to be of a cheerful nature, if you ever write to me and ask me a vague question like, "What is Wicca?" or any other question that's already posted on this site, expect a reply of a mere link to this site and the subject "Silver Platter." Or if the question is, "Can you tell me about Wicca (forming a group, spells, holidays, etc.)?" I may only reply, "Yes." To put it mildly...it's highly annoying to answer something that is already here and sometimes my mood gets the better of me. I didn't type up all these pages for no reason! *wry grin*
I was in one chat room in particular over the summer and people would come in asking the same question: "Can you tell me about Wicca?" Nothing more, just that one sentence. Ask a vague question, you'll get a vague reply. The dialogue usually went like this:
Person2: What do you want to know?
Person1: Oh, Anything you can tell me.
Person2: Well, what do you know already?
Person1: Not much.
Person2: Ooookay...*scratching head* Well, some topics you should learn are History, Beliefs Systems, The Rede and Morals, and the Holidays. You should have a working knowledge of all of these, plus other topics before you go on to Magick.
Person1: Give me some spells.
Person2: I don't think you're really ready until you've learned the above lessons.
Person1: WHAT DO YOU KNOW, ANYWAY??? *leaves in a huff*
Dialogues like these are quite common. It's great to want help, and others are usually happy to help with any questions. I know some of us freeze up when we're asked to give out spells (My policy is that I DON'T give out any spells, period. I help people write them, but do not write spells for them.) but that's usually for the safety of us and others.
Also remember...just because someone ELSE believes something doesn't mean it's necessarily right. I've already admitted that I've changed my corner candle colors because it fit me. You'll have to find what works for you, no matter who is teaching you or who is answering your questions. Wicca is a personal religion. When you read (read, read, read!) you will find things that suit you and those that don't. Don't worry about getting a teacher yet. You will find your own path within the religion much faster if you take the time to learn things on your own before you ask for a teacher.
So to sum up, if I hurt any feelings, I'm truly sorry. Teachers are nice to have, but wholly unnecessary when you're starting out, in my opinion. Worry more about yourself and learning the basics before requesting a teacher. You will discover more information if you take the time to find it. Specific questions on things you don't understand = GOOD. Vague questions on things you can find on your own = BAD (makes Rhaevyn grumpy *grin*). Good luck on exploring YOUR religion!
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It is possible to teach yourself...it just takes more dedication and personal research. I was mostly self-taught, so believe me, it is possible. Here are some books that may help:
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