On numerous occasions after seeing someone post a question asking for a spell to do something in the Occult which is usually meant for adepts in the magical arts I have suggested that perhaps a little training might be in order. I have a lot of respect for proper training because I have seen with my own eyes the result of people getting into all kinds of problems trying to do magic without any idea of the consequences, causing harm to the seeker as well as to others. As Louis Pasteur once said, " Chance favors the trained mind". In this modern age everybody wants something RIGHT NOW. They don't want to take the time to learn the basics of magic, THAT is to much like going to school. To be trained properly in the Art of magic takes time, it takes hard work, it takes dedication. As I have posted before, Voodoo Clergy study for at least 5 years before they invoke any Spirits, Druid seekers studied up to 14 years before they were ordained. The Seminary I attended was a 4 year program with follow up training every two years. Now I admit that all this training was necessary because those that were trained were responsible to their Church, or Tribe, or Coven, they could not afford to be untrained, people depended on them for answers to complex problems, sometimes life or death type problems. So why do I care about what somebody does magically? Why do I care if someone wants a spell to invoke a Demon, Vampire, Satan himself? What does it matter if a 16 year old kid wants to put a spell on a Teacher who gave them a bad grade? I think it matters on many levels. In Wicca of course we have the Law of Three, we respect Karma. We also have The Wiccan Rede," To Harm none". However, many of you on this site are not Wiccan, and even in the Wiccan community these suggested behaviours are debated. To be honest, I am concerned because I think that the untrained use of energies affects us all, just like misuse of energy in the mundane world affects us all. I am also concerned for the untrained seeker who gets in over their head and calls something into this world that can harm them, and their environment, and from a Public relations standpoint I am concerned that some untrained person is going to brag about their efforts to invoke" Dracula "and it makes the press, thus causing even more difficulty for those of us who take magic, and our spiritualty seriously. I am not saying that everyone who does magic should enroll in a Magical School or Seminary. I am saying that (like most powerful things ) Magic needs to be respected. The skills to use magic responsibly need to be respected. Before I shoot a Gun for the first time, or ride a Big Motorcycle for the first time, I personally would get some training, take some practice time, get some advice, learn the basics. Yes, even with the best of training things can go wrong, but I think it gives one a better chance of being successful. I am under no illusions that this thread will cause any changes in peoples attitudes towards magic, but maybe it will make someone think a bit, and thats a good thing. As for me, I have Michelangelo's quote sitting on my desk, " Ancora Imparo " ( I am still learning )
I was learning from my witch teacher for ten years before she let me cast a circle. I was five years learning about herbs, fungi, and how Nature works; before I was allowed to cast a spell! I found my teacher by accident. But in those days, (60 years ago) witches were very secretive. They didn't advertise! There is much more openness these days. I am sure that a teacher could be found. But a word of caution; if somebody wishes to be paid for the training, do not believe! No real witch would ask for payment; they would either teach for free, or decline to teach.
Further for Simple1000. Your biograph does not indicate where you live;in what country. So, look up The International Pagan Federation on the internet. They will have a list of covens and Pagan groups in your area.
Alas,teachers, good ones, anyway, are not always available. I had to learn on my own, I didn't even have access to the internet, back then, much less a teacher. And yes, I made mistakes.
I am not Wiccan, I do not follow the rede, but I do believe in personal responsibility. This applies to students as well as teachers. In this world of instant gratification, it seems everyone is looking for a "quick fix". Any area of study, mundane or magickal takes time and hard work.
I agree, religous education should be free. At most, you might offer to reemburse a teacher for magickal supplies used during your studies. The main question, tho, is where ARE the teachers of our pagan communities.
The answer is we, the elder members of the communities who should be the teachers. Who else can bequeath the accumulated
knowledge of our years of study to our newbies? So why aren't we teaching?
There are many teachers on this site, Brysing being one who could teach if the seekers really wanted to learn. Like many have said, it takes time, dedication, and hard work. Most do not want to make that kind of committment.
There are a lot of teachers, true. And also true, many students who either don't take their studies seriously or think they already know it all. In my previous post I said self responsibility is needed for BOTH teacher and student
"but I do believe in personal responsibility. This applies to students as well as teachers. In this world of instant gratification, it seems everyone is looking for a ''quick fix''. Any area of study, mundane or magickal takes time and hard work."
My point was, many of those who are qualified to teach, don't. Granted, teaching is hard, often frustrating work, but it is work that must be done if the pagan community is to thrive.
There are lots of teachers, even more students and each teacher can only do so much. Therefore, there aren't enough teachers to go around.
At first, I was frustated and annoyed by the many "fluffy" students, but then I began to look at them as an opportunity. I accept a dozen or so students for apprenticeship. Out of those, maybe five are the 'I already know it type' Those are quickly winnowed out. Another four are not serious about their studies, they quickly dissappear, too. Of the twelve, maybe two are dedicated to their studies. They work hard and succeed. The last student? That is the know-it-all, fluffy bunny who gets hooked and settles down to become the most rewarding success story of all.
