Hello, my name is Hunter and I am a girl from the US. I read the post about that must be considered before requesting a teacher and I feel as though i am ready to be taught in Wiccan and magick. I have been interested in the ways of the Wicca for two years and I fear that the information and spells found on the internet are unreliable. I feel that I am ready to commit to a mentor-apprentice relationship and I hope that I am capable of entirely embracing the ways of magick. I feel as though I have a very close connection with nature and I have great experience in loss and forgiveness and I feel that I can use magick as a way to relieve anger and stress that I have collected through the years. I, however, and not interested in learning only this kind of magick. I like the idea of practicing magic with wands, but I would like advice before I purchase or create a wand for myself. When I finally am able to approach this way of life, I want to do it right. Please, if you are willing to mentor me or have advice, reply and let me know what kind of magick you specialize in.
Re: Looking For a Mentor By: Brysing Moderator / Adept
Post # 2 Nov 11, 2014
If you are seeking a mentor on-line,I'm afraid you will not find one. After all, you would only be reading! And there are many books on the subject.The only real teacher is a person-to-person teacher.
We can give advice, yes. And try to answer questions. But the ones who claim to be able to actually teach you, are not true.They are often youngsters who "claim to know", but really know very little.
The best advice you can get on this site, about Wicca, is from Lark.
On advice about witchcraft (not Wicca!) then I will try to answer your questions.
Blessings from a (very old!) traditional witch.
I would definitely be hoping for a person-to-person teacher. Again, I fear that things I see online are likely unreliable. Thank you so much for your response. I will consider speaking with Lark. I wouldn't want to end up with a mentor who only claims to know what they're doing but in reality doesn't.
Re: Looking For a Mentor By: AstridSpirit / Beginner
Post # 4 Nov 11, 2014
Hi Hunter! Welcome to SoM. Keep studying even though you haven't found the right teacher for you yet. The more you read/study the more you'll be able to pick out the authentic information from the 'fluff' or the inacurate. Also remember, it's about what you believe and what works for you!
Good luck on your journey,
Blessed be,
AstridSpirit
As Brysing mentioned, most who agree to teach really can't. Once someone has read an article or cast a circle correctly, most want to teach. Those with a few years experience are wise enough to know better. You should prepare yourself a list of questions for your mentor like how long they've studied, how many they have taught and if you could speak with the student [if they are on this site but refuse to give names it's a strong indicator they're lying] what they know, how much time the two of you can commit, and when/where to meet to talk. [Chat, Facebook, Skype, or email]
Face-to-face is best when it comes to a subject you experience. I could tell you how to cast a circle, but you need to feel the energy, if you can't you won't know if you did something wrong or its weak or whatever. A big problem with face-to-face meetings is the law, many state and countries have laws against teaching minors without permission from the parent/guardian. Posting information online [forum or article] is fine but sending lessons or having one on one meeting can land the teacher in jail if your parents aren't consenting. Plus, it's wise to tell people when you meet people offline. In a perfect world your parents should accompany you and meet this teacher, address any concerns, and be there in case.
Try buying some books, if you get stuck, ask away. That's how I and many people on here learned. Good luck to you.
Re: Looking For a Mentor By: AstridSpirit / Beginner
Post # 7 Nov 11, 2014
Others may disagree but I started with books from Raymond Buckland and Scott Cunningham. but there are so many more! Just some suggestions...
AstridSpirit
The problem with finding a mentor is that your profile says you are 17 so technically you are not an adult and therefore it is a violation of the law for an adult to take you on as a student without the permission of your parents. Once you turn 18 the law considers you an adult and of course you can certainly look for a teacher or coven to study with. But right no reputable teacher would take you on. You can read more about the legal issues in the thread at http://www.spellsofmagic.com/read_post.html?post=556828
My suggestion would be to start with the books and on-line sources I mentioned in the Beginner Resources thread. If doing some studying on your own raises questions that you can figure out then you can come here for clarification. I don't teach on-line as I don't believe that Wicca can be taught adequately that way, but I have been Wiccan for some 30 years and a High Priestess since 1996. I would be happy to answer specific questions or point you at other sources if you would like.
I would also strongly suggest that you read the thread on What Wicca Is and Isn't at http://www.spellsofmagic.com/read_post.html?post=637268 Remember, Wicca is a religion, not a form of magical practice. While magic is something that Wiccans use, spellwork is something that is used only seldom. If all you're looking for is spells then Wicca might not be for you.
Thank you all so much. You are honestly the most sincere and helpful group of people that I have ever interacted with. As for parental permission, my father does not have legal custody of me and will never be involved in my life and will likely know nothing if I am taken on my a mentor. My mother is fine with the idea. She is a strong believer in letting her children be who they will be and when I talk to her about being Wiccan, she seems to approve. My family is very close with nature and I have lived on a farm and embraced the natural world since I was little.
Also, I got Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft and I read all that I could last night until I fell asleep. And I read the other threads that you (Lark) suggested that I look at. I truly believe that I am ready to take on the Wiccan religion as well as witchcraft and the magical parts of it.
The reason that I feel that I would work best with a mentor is my learning style. I always feel like I'm doing something wrong unless I know truly how it's done. With something as complex as spiritual as magick, I want to know that I am doing it right and I would love guidance from a professional to know. And thank you guys again, you have all been great help.
