Thoughts on Pagan Study

[eiblyn]

I have been thinking seriously for the last year or so about receiving some Pagan training of some sort in a semi-official capacity. I have never had an initiation. I have self-dedicated myself and that was a very real and moving experience but I feel the call to teach and as such, I really need to get my ducks in a row. Eventually, I want to become ordained. It makes being Pagan much simpler in the military if you are ordained. I don't have to jump through tons of hoops to open a group or anything like that. The problem is that I never seem to find people who are open to teaching me. I'm not exactly sure why. I meet lots of people who ask me questions...even though I largely feel unqualified to answer them. I try to do my best with that and it usually turns out ok. But I'm seriously wanting to find someone to guide me and teach me on a more individual basis. I don't exactly know how to go about finding that. Witchvox doesn't help much when you are living overseas. And I can't seem to find people in the local community. I've run into a few people, but I'm not sure the language barrier wouldn't prove to be a serious problem. I have looked at a few distance learning programs on Pagan study. The problem there is that I know I need some individual interaction and that my life is a bit hectic to devote tons of time every day. I can read for a few hours usually when the baby is sleeping. I can usually meditate. But I really thrive in environments where I have other people to bounce ideas off of. I've been reading my way through the list that elenbarathi posted. *sighs* I don't know. I feel the drive. I just can't seem to find the opportunity. Anyone have advice? Anyone want to volunteer *grins*?

Comments

[oronoda.livejournal.com]

I've been reading through the book you loaned me and there were parts of it that stuck out. One was that usually people who follow the path of Wicca/Paganism do so before they even realize it had a name. I told you know most of what I did was on instinct. My attempt at finding a teacher turned into a cult experience.

Then another part of the book said that you don't have to be part of a coven to be a Wiccan. I'm a solitary person so a coven doesn't appeal to me.

However, I love to discuss. Why not have a Pagan book club XD. I think discussion is best suited for me at least to develop my beliefs.

Anyhoo, I also believe there is the possibility different parts of the path require solitude and others with a group. Maybe it is possibility that you don't find a group, that you stumble upon one serendipitously like one finds their significant other.

I don't know, I'm just shooting ideas. I'm a n00b too. :D

[einatlanta.livejournal.com]

The husband's first teacher taught something like three lessons and punked out (both on him and another student), saying she was overcommitted. The husband's second teaching group - which I need to update about - moved an hour and a half away about 2/3 through the first degree classes.

So the husband, despite years of study and practice, is a 42nd degree pagan but doesn't hold his first degree as wiccan. I encouraged him to keep driving even when his last group moved, but it was just too hard with the kids and all. He figures he'll get his degrees when the right teacher shows up in his life.

[yarrowkat]

"when the student is ready, the teacher will appear."

two thoughts on this: let the universe know you would like a teacher or a guide on the pagan path, and then watch what opportunities come your way; they may not look like what you were expecting. meanwhile, let the universe itself and the pieces of your life teach you what they have to teach you; often experience is the best teacher, with or without a person being there as a guide.

[eiblyn.livejournal.com]

I think I'm getting frustrated. I've been doing that for 7 years now. *chuckles* Maybe what I really need is just a cluebat?

[draloreshimare.livejournal.com]

Maybe you just don't need a teacher right now. *shrugs*
I know I've been told the same "when the student is ready" quote a couple of times.

Or, maybe you just have many teachers, and don't realize it. I sort of have several and they're all friends that I learn from once a year, when I go and visit them hundreds of miles away. (Or more, if we chatter online).

[draloreshimare.livejournal.com]

If you find one, give me a holler. I think you're in less of a boat than I am. ;P *grin* Nah. I basically know in my gut that I won't find a mentor that has exactly what I need. I just learn what I can from those around me.

The teacher is you

[(Anonymous)]

Hi Bridgette, not knocking the possibility of finding a very worthy teacher through FWTI, but have you considered that what you may need is just a mentor to guide you in the right direction now and then. You truly seem to have a very good idea of what you need and what direction you would like to move in.

I personally am looking very seriously at the FWTI degree system and I really appreciate the questions you asked, that saved me from duplicating and covered a lot of the answers I needed as well.

I've been a few different routes in my Pagan studies and am still growing, and like you I continually have people ask me questions that I just don't feel I'm qualified to answer, but I muddle through.

Right now in my life I'm getting ready to start teaching my son more seriously so I truly think it's about time I get some more direction in that vein, therefore I'm looking at FWTI and that may be a good source for you as well. Either way, feel free to email me anytime mspawatkins@yahoo.com and at the very least mayhaps we can help each other.

Blessings & Peace,
Tricia Watkins