It's true and yes sometimes it does get annoying. But you have to remember that everybody gets stared with asking questions. If they genuinely want to learn magic in order to cast their spell than they'll stick around and if not that's when they become fluff. The best way to deal with them is to not ignore them, but explain them the facts and if they're willing to listen and learn then great.
I think a lot of them are very young (by the text speak/writing, lack of grammar, punctation, etc) and seem to only be looking for love spells or spells to break up a couple.
I think that being young, they don't have a lot of experience. You kind of what to guide and help them, but it's hard over the internet.
They need to do their groundwork by reading about the practice.
Most people dont have fotographic memories to the point that they can memorize entire novels of literature. And so they are going to have questions. I dont think they should be scared to ask them. If you beleive in majick then you beleive in the power of words and intent. If you are constantly looking for the negative instead of trying to foster positivity, then negative is what youll find.
This topic is irrelevant. You realize that a LOT of the magick community nowadays is just 12-15 year olds who either watched Charmed or read Twilight thinking they can just do magic like that *snap*. They come in asking questions and there is NOTHING wrong with asking questions. I still do, even our wisest ancestors ask questions because what are we taught when we are young?
"The only stupid question is one not asked."
So, while it may seem tedious to you and annoyingly repetitive, remember that we all started somewhere ;)
I agree with Sappho. I'd like to add that one should use common sense when asking questions. Go by this general rule: If it seems impossible, it usually is impossible. And be sure to read previous forum posts on the topics you have questions regarding and do some research by searching the internet before asking. There's so much information out there already.
another thing is that alot of new comers dont have covens or other practitioners in there community and are mostly learning there path by either books or online, but even that has its limits. most books that are out there dont really give in depth about a spell or ritual. they just say do this and that, they dont say what you might feel or experience most of the time when you do the spell and/or ritual, and/or even in some cases offerings as well.
one last thing the topic of this forum is misleading, you say fluff but its really about new comers and/or beginners asking questions. a fluff is not a newcomer and/or beginners, and not all newcomers and/or beginners are fluffs.
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
