Maybe as an empath, I am in a unique position of knowing how they feel when they ask these questions. While some, yes...I will give you...are meant to ruffle feathers, because some people jump right on it.
Most are just innocent kids who genuinely want to know.
They are new to this path and have no one to guide them.
Are the questions fantastical? Yes. Does that mean we should label them and dismiss them? No, not at all. Isn't it out duty to teach and help others to learn and grow? If in the teaching process you see them not taking it seriously, then by all means..dismiss away.
But dismissal right off the bat reeks of judgment that we fight so hard against everyday.
My daughter is 13 years old and is starting her own path. She has asked me questions like..."Can I shape-shift into a mermaid or a werewolf?"
I think these are normal youthful questions brought on by people who still have active imaginations. As her mother, it's my job to guide her and teach her about magick and the ethics of practicing.
Not everyone has that. That is where this forum comes in.
I think we as a community need to be a little more patient and remember that we once were that young and imaginative too.
I agree with Rhiannon333 on what she stated. Very true in all aspects. My children ask all kinds of questiions to fully understand their path. They have to learn the what is real and what is fiction & hollywood based.
Now the real question with these people who ask just for spells is:
Are they willing to fully sit and learn all the history, theory & practice? Most of them don't. Most get bored and not willing to dig deeper. They just want instant gratification. But, those who do, will study and will eventually practice (because they'll now know it is more than just spells).
That is why there are people like us out there who still help and guide and even answer any question (dumb or not)... You don't want to let those who want to learn behind. Sometimes they just need that gentle push in the right direction.
You make a very good point. I actually don't allow my daughter to cast any spells without me. And when we do, her intentions are written out and discussed ahead of time to make sure she understands that no harm should come to anyone. They usually are very simple starter ones as well.
The emphasis on her training right now is education, so that she knows this isn't a game or something she can just jump into because "Mom is a witch".
If she gets bored...training stops and so does her occasional spell casting which she enjoys.
Thankfully, she takes it seriously and sees the good I do with my work.
These kids that just want to be "goth and witchy" will fade away when they realize that it involves serious work and commitment.
The ones that have a genuine interest will stick with it and learn.
But we have to be patient with them and offer some guidance without judgment. The jokers will always get bored and leave when you give them actual work to do. Lol
