Finding a Teacher

So! You want to find a teacher. You've read a few books and you've found something you never knew existed or if it did, only in fairy tales and horror stories.

For most of us, our first awareness of Wicca came from books. The first one really grabbed us and we knew we'd found something wonderful. We spent anywhere from a few months to several years devouring every book we could find. Eventually we all reach a time when books aren't enough. We need to find "people" like us and hopefully, a teacher.

Those of us who live in the Metroplex are very fortunate because we have access to pagan book stores. Through these, if we hang out long enough, we can learn about open celebrations in the area, plus a multitude of gatherings across the state. There is a saying, "When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." This is a true statement, but you can speed up the process and, through your own efforts, help "make it happen! Hanging out at pagan bookshops and attending gatherings in the area are an important part of the process of finding a teacher. This is not something done casually. Selecting a teacher should be a very well thought out process and should be approached with caution. The serious student should be as selective as the teacher. This period of "hanging out" gives you the opportunity to meet many people, often the very ones who "teach", even though they may, at first, say they don't teach. Those of us who do recognize that there are many reasons for being interested in Wicca.

During the process of getting to know you, we learn of your reasons. "Is it spirituality you are pursuing?" "Is it high magic?" "Is it finding a community of people to hang around with?" "Do you want to learn how to practice?" "Do you wish to serve?" In most cases, the answers to these questions are not clear to you, the seeker. You will be able to get a better perspective on exactly what you do want during the process of coming to know others and you will be able to gather some experience by attending public rituals. These open rituals will give you some clue as to how that particular tradition practices. Most weekend gatherings offer interesting workshops taught by leaders in the community and very often there are times set aside for "tradition sharing" that will allow you to ask questions and learn more of those traditions.

Often a seeker will "hook up" with a group of people and it is the people that attract him, not the tradition. That's ok. In the beginning you'll just get the basics anyway, not the tradition. I require my students to explore many things before I will accept them as initiates.

Choosing to become an initiate should only be done after much learning, as it involves making a commitment of several years to a group of people and a tradition and is not to be approached lightly.

So, here's the process:

• Hang out
• Get to know people.
• Seek out those that you trust.
• Let them know you are seeking a teacher.
• Get to know your prospective teacher. Sense their energies. Use your judgment. Feel your "fit" with them.
• Know something of what they practice.
• Understand any commitments you are asked to make and make none until you do understand thoroughly!
• Keep your commitments. The Wicca teach as a part of their service. They do it for free. It is not easy and it takes a lot of their time. They have a right to expect diligence and hard work from you. In fact, their interest and effort will probably directly correspond to yours. You will get only what you are willing to give! And remember this - "A true teacher sets a man's feet on the path that each may seek what each must find for himself".
• Do not get caught up in the Great American Pastime of status seeking. Your focus should never be on achieving rank or status within the Craft. The focus is one of learning and acquiring knowledge. Explore everything. Becoming a "High Priest" or a "High Priestess" is something that should only come to a few and then only to those who have mastered their Craft and have dedicated their lives to the service of others.

I wish you all the best of luck in your search for a teacher. It is not always easy but it is well worth the effort. Finding the correct "first teacher" is very important and plays a vital part in all that follows. Do it wisely, do it well and you will grow personally and spiritually and, who knows, perhaps one day, others will come to you seeking a teacher!

Bendis Copyright 1992