| This is a personal note to the Pagan Community: Well I will tell you I see more people out there looking for teachers, and here is something to keep in mind when looking for one. Find one with a credible history If they mention the word Power as in being the most Powerful or having lots of power RUN the other direction. In a teacher you want one that has been trained formally in one tradition or another, just reading a few books doesn't necessarily mean you are qualified to teach. If they can learn it from a book so can you. If they ask for teaching fee's. I understand wanting to be compensated for their time. But high fees should always be a red flag. Most real teachers who are qualified to teach only ask for a reasonable fee to cover gas expenses, if they have to travel, and something for their time to insure you are sincere. And if they are covering the cost of supplies themselves this is reasonable. But if you are the one traveling, and buying your supplies a huge amount isn't reasonable no matter how good they claim to be. Finding a teacher who knows about several aspects of the Pagan religion, unless you are certain about your path and that is their chosen path as well. Sometimes when you start learning you realize that the path you thought you were interested in isn't the best for you and if you have a good teacher they can continue teaching in the new direction. This is always best. Switching teachers is never respectful or the best for you as a student. Unless it is warrented and a mutual decision or you have severe reasons for wanting a new teacher. Always be ready to work for the knowledge, it won't be handed out and you will have to be sincere or most teachers won't even consider teaching you. So if you are thinking it will be easy and you aren't ready to put your all in it don't waste someone's time. If after a few sessions with your teacher you don't feel that they are meeting your needs or seem to be pushing you into directions you are not comfortable with, this is a sign to talk to them and if you can't reach a mutual decision, find a new teacher. You should never be pushed into something at any time that you don't want and are not ready for. The Pagan Path is one of self pace. If you notice that your teachers interest isn't professional, move on. Never allow a teacher to move in with you or try to control your life. Some teachers teach once a week, others once a month, usually more then that is unusual. And keep a teacher/student realationship at all times. Their personal life should never be brought into the classroom. This is a code of conduct and really shouldn't be violated. If they are not professional when you meet them, chances are they are not going to be professional when teaching. In any religion you wouldn't want your spiritual guide to be someone you couldn't count on. So please pay attention to this rule of thumb. Just the same as you want a reliable and professional teacher we expect you as students to give us the same respect and be a curtious and prompt student. So please follow these guidelines in your teacher search! Happy Hunting and Bright Blessings! Gypsy |
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