Imbolc 1998 Newsletter Paganism 101

Looking for a teacher, or how to get started

I hope that this column will become a regular feature in future newsletters. It aims to give a few basic tips, pointers or warnings to those just starting out on their journey. If you have something you would like to share with our beginners, please write to me so we can share this knowledge. One of the most common letters that is written to me is along the lines of 'how do I find a teacher'. So I thought that the first column should be about this very issue. Let me start by saying that there is no better teacher than nature herself. You can read book after book, and connect to the net as many times as you like, but if you do not stop and listen to the earth then you are missing out on the best part of your journey. Many people start by reading a book which sparks their interest, if something rings true to you, then pursue this authors other works and see where it leads you. Read the bibliography and find out more about particular subjects. This includes reading a bit of history. For example, if interested in a Norse tradition, you might read the Icelandic Sagas, or Eddas. If Wicca is your interest, perhaps you could read some of the history about Gerald Gardner.

Your learning curve will never stop, and just because you don't have a person whom you think of as your teacher, does not mean that you can't learn anything new. Meditate on the concepts you have read, and see if you can discover new aspects of these that you were waiting for a teacher to tell you. Paint a picture, write a poem or journal and see if you can find new meaning. Practice concepts you have read about until you feel as though you have made them your own. But never despair and think that the only way forward is through someone else. Mother Earth is always with you, she is the greatest teacher of all. You could also join one of the discussion groups being held by the Free Pagan Church of Australia, or one of the courses being run at Mysteries in Balmain. You will at least be able to talk to others about your ideas and experiences. Another idea is to form a study group of your own, or join an existing network. This way you are learning with others, and can bounce your ideas around with others who are at a similar stage of learning to you. If you feel as though the only way for you to learn is to have someone else show you the way, then think carefully about what sort of teacher you want. Don't just blindly accept the first teacher than comes along. Unfortunately we live in a 'new age' environment, where the mighty buck, for some, is a primary motivating factor.

Here then, is a short list of things to consider when looking for, or considering a teacher. If anyone else has further suggestions to add to this list, please send them in.

This list is not exhaustive, and I would like to expand it as we gather more ideas together. Share your experiences please!

1. Be very wary of someone who claims to have all the answers, and who can teach these to you. A good teacher will admit that they can't know everything, but what they can do is share their experiences with you in the hope that you both may learn together.
2. Be wary of those courses which promise initiation, or cosmic wisdom at the end of them. A good teacher will see how you develop along the way before looking ahead to grand titles and claims.
3. Be wary of those who ask for money to teach. A small price is fair to cover notes, books or travel, but a teacher should always be prepared to give freely of their knowledge to dedicated students. The only price you should pay is your time and effort.
4. Be wary of those who promise that in one weekend you will become a particular thing. Paganism is a journey, and not one that can be travelled in a quick time. The joy of travelling this path is watching the world be revealed to you, and at a pace that will allow you to connect to it.