Learning Period?

[Antoninus]

Do you think a learning period is a good idea before one can really be part of Paganism/Wicca?

I was talking to a friend today, shes Wicca, rather new and rather arrogant about it. I talked to her about tarot cards and she flipped when I told her how I did the cards, she went on and on about how it wasnt the right way (Which prompted me to post what I did in the Tarot forum). Shes read a few books and she knew a guy who was Wiccan so she gets uppity about it, kind of know-it-all-ish. I thought, well what about a certain period of time where you just learn about the religion BEFORE doing anything? I imposed such a sanction on myself after discovering just how DUMB I was on the subject and after quite a stretch of time pretending NOT to be dumb. I was a full out newbie, arrogant and know it all-ish and everything. Looking back on it Im kind of ashamed I had my head stuck up so high. So as a kind of punishment/lesson to myself, I decided that I would simply collect information and learn for a while before doing anything. Do you think this would be a good idea for people?

[Kadynas]

I did a year of a day and study before I dedicated myself... At the time there wasn't a lot of information out there so I thought that was just the way it was done! :lol: And I really think it's a good idea.
People like this though... They fall under the category of Cal's thread in just talk ("People you feel the irresistable need to throttle" or something to that effect) Most people come to Paganism because there /isn't/ just ONE "right way" to do something or believe something. Personally I'd tell her to take a hike. Arrogance is one trait I can't surround myself with... :)

[Aidron]

She's a pagan fundamentalist, plain and simple, and they are every bit as bad, if not worse than christian fundamentalists.

A learning period (however long) is a good idea. A time when you practice minor things, but mostly focus on accumulating knowledge and hopefully, wisdom.

I myself did not do such a thing. It's not for me. I dove right in, practiced whatever I wanted and almost ten years later, continue to do the same. There's still a lot I do not know, and I was pretty humble about this in the beginning as well. Mostly though I tend to keep to myself in terms of spirituality, not forcing my methods or ideals on anyone else as I mostly don't care. If your way works, fine. if you insist mine is crap, fine. If you can't get something no matter how hard you try or are a great success, eh. I really couldn't care no matter what the situation is. It's your spirituality, so it's all you, just like anything to do with my spirituality is all mine, hence I do not accept commentary, feedback, or opinions on the matter.

[Faeawyn]

I agree with everyone.....I studied and studied...read everything I could get my hands on. I would never presume to tell someone else how to do anything unless I had the experience to back it up. Even now, we all practice so differently, its difficult to tell anyone their way is right or wrong.

[Laurelei]

I suppose my experience is a little fuzzy here, because when I was totally new to Witchcraft I only had one book which was a general 'teen' spell book. So I lunged for the nearest dedication ritual, got myself dedicated as FAST as possible so I could dive in and start zapping. Of course now I deeply regret that, and I am considering renewing/ doing my dedication PROPERLY (i.e. treat it like the special thing it is and not just something that must be done before I can begin my Path). And, yes, my head was stuck up high too. At the time all this happened about four of my friends were grabbing spellbooks and making idiots of themselves, and I had to compete. About 17 months later, and I'm the only one still 'into that' (as about six people have asked me).

So, yeah, we've left an awful tarnish on a lot of people due to the 'Witchie' rush back then. I'm still cleaning up a misinformation mess after the worst offender, who has just about fizzled out on her little 'craze' because her spells aren't working. If there was a period of learning, none of that mess would have happened, I would probably be a happily properly dedicated Witch ready to move on up with no regrets on a two second dedication, the worst offender who I mentioned would probably have given up months ago, another friend (who, incidentally, didn't even get as far as to set up an Altar or choose a Magical name) wouldn't have been hounded by idiots asking her to do them love spells, and several other kids wouldn't have been terrified with threats of Voodoo and hexes (no, really).

[Eowyn]

Im still a learner... I dont know so much about stuff like tarot cards but Im always open for help you know. :) And sure, you need to have a learning period. I had that when I for example learned about the Sabbats but now I have some sort of learning in the real way, trying to do rituals myself and so...

[Pheonix SilverWolf]

I think those that are extremely new to the Pagen Community in particular have a more romanticized view of what it entails. When I was 3yrs old, I told my neighbor that my mother broker her arm. It wasn't until 2 days later my mom really was in a cast. Things of this nature have occured my whole life, but it took me years to find my true path. I know I am where I belong now (spiritually) but I'm still not comfortable with making a statement about it. Mostly because I would feel that it belittles the accomplishments of the seasoned vets (if you will)....

Does any of this make sense?

[9-2-2]

I applaud your humility and maturity in this situation. :) It never fails to remind me that some things in life are still refreshing. :)

A learning period is fine, but not entirely necessary. When I became a Wiccan, I balanced my book learning with hands-on practice. Unfortunately, I did not have a mentor, as I do now. :)

Book-first before practice is okay, but be careful. The optimal path on magick is to find your balance between knowledge and power. I got too ingrained into the knowledge aspect, and years later, I'm as effective as a sleeper. Yes, yes, I was an arm-chair magician. ::ducks and dives for cover as a number of "boos" erupt and veggies are thrown:: ;)

What I suggest you do, is with book learning, practice basic energy work. Nothing fancy like a super-full-blown ritual of doom, no summoning, nothing weird until you get the hang of working with making energy orbs, sensing them, etc. Additionally, when you find magickal works in books, think carefully before trying them out. No, you're not going to disentigrate for drawing down the moon... but please be aware of what you can handle, and be aware of what you're going to be doing. Jeez, I sound paranoid. I'm not trying to come off that way, lol. :)

How long should you start with basics before moving upwards? The traditional duration is a year and a day. It's not required, and may frustrate you if you're impatient. Fortunately, if you follow that road and work hard at it, you will be more than ready when it's over. Alternately, you can practice and learn until you feel that you are ready. This is the point where it's easy to jump the gun, and run off without really being prepared. When you reach the point in which you feel ready to move out of the beginning phase, wait for the next day. Then, throughout that entire day, try to surround yourself with silence, inspiration, whatever gets you into a good thinking mood. Then, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What have I done so far with energy working?
The more efficiently you handle energy, the better the outcomes of your magick. You do not have to be a grand master poobah of doom; this is not what this question is getting at. Rather, look back on what you have done. Account all of your actions, and their results. How did you resonate with certain basics, like sensing energy? Raising it? Forming energy? Seeing auras? Etc.?

2. What do I feel is my strongest area with energy work?
What kinds of energy working come most easily to you? How do these workings affect reality as opposed to other workings? Keep in mind that you are NOT required to master anything during he beginning phases; mastery from the start is generally the anti-thesis of just starting to learn. However, if you find you quickly achieve excellent results out of natural talent, then that simply rocks. :) Note your strengths, and continue to grow stronger in those areas. Please do not ignore your other areas, however.

3. What do I feel are my weak points? How will I resolve these weaknesses?
Everybody has weak points. Like flaws in paintings, songs, crystals, and everything else, flaws make each and every person unique, and are NOT to be ignored or despised. Work on your weaknesses, and try to make them stronger. Why do you feel you're weak in certain aspects? How can you change them for the better? You don't have to make weak points super-strong from the beginning, but it is advisable to work with them.

4. Do I intend to be religious or not?
You are not required to be religious as a magician. This ties in heavily with #6. Will you conform your practices and learning to a set of religious values? Will you be religious without conforming to certain values? Or not religious at all?

5. Do I understand the history of those who have practiced magick in history and in present?
It is also not required to understand what magicians have endured throughout all of history, but it is highly reccomended that you understand how magicians are viewed by certain parts of the world. You do not need to know everything from the first shaman's necklace size to some obscure ceremonialist's favorite socks. The purpose of knowing history is purely for knowledge, understanding, and guidance. History can be applied practically. I'll leave that up to you do decide how. :) And please, do not use histories of persecution to victimize yourself. It's annoying, and it gets you nowhere.

6. What philosophy / core set of beliefs will I carry as a magician?
What will your morals be? What ethics will you hold? What kind of magick will you practice, and why? Are you going to have a higher purpose set, or will you continue searching? You don't have to totally round yourself out all in one day; during your beginning time, you'll be forming ideas and things of how you stand with the rest of the world. You also do not need a higher purpose. In fact, you may not find out what it is for a long, long time. What responsibilities will you take on your path? Will you teach others, in time? Help straighten events in the lives of others? Do research for other magicians? Experiment alone, or with a group? There are a multitude of paths and beliefs before you, and it may take you the rest of your life to decide.

7. What magickal theories, guidelines, and laws do I know?
You're not required to know all of them. Your understanding of how energy works is essential, however. What do you know about true balance? How energy affects you, and things around you? What energy does, exactly? #'s 4 - 7 are the book areas.

Also, all of this will probably take longer than one day. Write down your thoughts to these questions, and mull them over, even as you continue growing. Once a year, rewrie your answers to these questions to keep track of how you change and grow.

There is my long-winded text dump. I don't know everything, and I'm not a teacher, but I love to help others, and I will freely impart what little I do know. What I have written above is my take on how a solitary beginner can best advance. You don't have to do everything above. Just do what is best for yourself, do what you can handle. It's also better if you have an experienced teacher, and I understand that mentors are not always available.

Remember, do not believe in THE balance between knowledge and power. Each person must find his or her own balance. Everyone is different, and you must find your own way. Fortunately, you are not alone; help is available where you ask. :)

[Antoninus]

Well, I imposed my learning period as a lesson and a bit of punishment on myself. When I first started, I read a few books and websites, thought I was an expert on everything. I was the Fluff Bunny poster boy and my cheeks flush to remember that time

[Laurelei]

Well, I imposed my learning period as a lesson and a bit of punishment on myself. When I first started, I read a few books and websites, thought I was an expert on everything. I was the Fluff Bunny poster boy and my cheeks flush to remember that time
I see. I personally would never do that, I can't see it as a fitting punishment. Often I believe I suffer enough from nagging memories, without adding a punishment to it.

Ive decided to re-do my dedication, and I'm going to make it the best thought out and special ritual I can. What do you think to doing it on Midsummers Day?

Antoninus, when and how did you decide/realise you were the Fluff Bunny Poster Boy and making a fool of yourself? Just curious :p. I personally realised I had been making an idiot of myself when I bought the book by SRW 'Teen Witch' (no, really) and realised there was more to Witchcraft than dancing round in glitter.

[Antoninus]

It kinda came gradually, but mostly it was other people that shoved my face in it and let me know. I was dedicated, but...rather mis-guided

[rain_fallen_tears]

I would definately agree with that...I studied for a couple years before I really did anything. Thats just me....I guess that could be overkill. I think it would be best to know something before you practice it....thats just me...:)

[dr_zeus440]

i dont think that a specific learning period is at all necessary, which is mostly because i think that learning is 95% experience, and slightly because i am occasionally impatient :). also, if i belonged to a set tradition of a set religion with set rules and set consequences and set power structures etc. then maybe i would feel different, because then, you have chosen to become a part of something that is bigger than you, an association, in which case you need to learn the ways of that association before saying youre a member. im of the opinion that whatever works for you is generally the best way to go about things, i dont like the generalisation that beginners should start with books before doing anything. imo, there are few beginners who have the right mindset to do much damage at the beginning of their path if they do start out "wrong". with experience comes power and the wisdom to use it. and besides, making mistakes is inevitable, why not make them at the beginning when the only harm they cause is cringe-worthy memories.

[Shadowolff]

I think those that are extremely new to the Pagen Community in particular have a more romanticized view of what it entails. When I was 3yrs old, I told my neighbor that my mother broker her arm. It wasn't until 2 days later my mom really was in a cast. Things of this nature have occured my whole life, but it took me years to find my true path. I know I am where I belong now (spiritually) but I'm still not comfortable with making a statement about it. Mostly because I would feel that it belittles the accomplishments of the seasoned vets (if you will)....

Does any of this make sense?
It sure does.

[Shadowolff]

I applaud your humility and maturity in this situation. :) It never fails to remind me that some things in life are still refreshing. :)

A learning period is fine, but not entirely necessary. When I became a Wiccan, I balanced my book learning with hands-on practice. Unfortunately, I did not have a mentor, as I do now. :)

Book-first before practice is okay, but be careful. The optimal path on magick is to find your balance between knowledge and power. I got too ingrained into the knowledge aspect, and years later, I'm as effective as a sleeper. Yes, yes, I was an arm-chair magician. ::ducks and dives for cover as a number of "boos" erupt and veggies are thrown:: ;)

What I suggest you do, is with book learning, practice basic energy work. Nothing fancy like a super-full-blown ritual of doom, no summoning, nothing weird until you get the hang of working with making energy orbs, sensing them, etc. Additionally, when you find magickal works in books, think carefully before trying them out. No, you're not going to disentigrate for drawing down the moon... but please be aware of what you can handle, and be aware of what you're going to be doing. Jeez, I sound paranoid. I'm not trying to come off that way, lol. :)

How long should you start with basics before moving upwards? The traditional duration is a year and a day. It's not required, and may frustrate you if you're impatient. Fortunately, if you follow that road and work hard at it, you will be more than ready when it's over. Alternately, you can practice and learn until you feel that you are ready. This is the point where it's easy to jump the gun, and run off without really being prepared. When you reach the point in which you feel ready to move out of the beginning phase, wait for the next day. Then, throughout that entire day, try to surround yourself with silence, inspiration, whatever gets you into a good thinking mood. Then, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What have I done so far with energy working?
The more efficiently you handle energy, the better the outcomes of your magick. You do not have to be a grand master poobah of doom; this is not what this question is getting at. Rather, look back on what you have done. Account all of your actions, and their results. How did you resonate with certain basics, like sensing energy? Raising it? Forming energy? Seeing auras? Etc.?

2. What do I feel is my strongest area with energy work?
What kinds of energy working come most easily to you? How do these workings affect reality as opposed to other workings? Keep in mind that you are NOT required to master anything during he beginning phases; mastery from the start is generally the anti-thesis of just starting to learn. However, if you find you quickly achieve excellent results out of natural talent, then that simply rocks. :) Note your strengths, and continue to grow stronger in those areas. Please do not ignore your other areas, however.

3. What do I feel are my weak points? How will I resolve these weaknesses?
Everybody has weak points. Like flaws in paintings, songs, crystals, and everything else, flaws make each and every person unique, and are NOT to be ignored or despised. Work on your weaknesses, and try to make them stronger. Why do you feel you're weak in certain aspects? How can you change them for the better? You don't have to make weak points super-strong from the beginning, but it is advisable to work with them.

4. Do I intend to be religious or not?
You are not required to be religious as a magician. This ties in heavily with #6. Will you conform your practices and learning to a set of religious values? Will you be religious without conforming to certain values? Or not religious at all?

5. Do I understand the history of those who have practiced magick in history and in present?
It is also not required to understand what magicians have endured throughout all of history, but it is highly reccomended that you understand how magicians are viewed by certain parts of the world. You do not need to know everything from the first shaman's necklace size to some obscure ceremonialist's favorite socks. The purpose of knowing history is purely for knowledge, understanding, and guidance. History can be applied practically. I'll leave that up to you do decide how. :) And please, do not use histories of persecution to victimize yourself. It's annoying, and it gets you nowhere.

6. What philosophy / core set of beliefs will I carry as a magician?
What will your morals be? What ethics will you hold? What kind of magick will you practice, and why? Are you going to have a higher purpose set, or will you continue searching? You don't have to totally round yourself out all in one day; during your beginning time, you'll be forming ideas and things of how you stand with the rest of the world. You also do not need a higher purpose. In fact, you may not find out what it is for a long, long time. What responsibilities will you take on your path? Will you teach others, in time? Help straighten events in the lives of others? Do research for other magicians? Experiment alone, or with a group? There are a multitude of paths and beliefs before you, and it may take you the rest of your life to decide.

7. What magickal theories, guidelines, and laws do I know?
You're not required to know all of them. Your understanding of how energy works is essential, however. What do you know about true balance? How energy affects you, and things around you? What energy does, exactly? #'s 4 - 7 are the book areas.

Also, all of this will probably take longer than one day. Write down your thoughts to these questions, and mull them over, even as you continue growing. Once a year, rewrie your answers to these questions to keep track of how you change and grow.

There is my long-winded text dump. I don't know everything, and I'm not a teacher, but I love to help others, and I will freely impart what little I do know. What I have written above is my take on how a solitary beginner can best advance. You don't have to do everything above. Just do what is best for yourself, do what you can handle. It's also better if you have an experienced teacher, and I understand that mentors are not always available.

Remember, do not believe in THE balance between knowledge and power. Each person must find his or her own balance. Everyone is different, and you must find your own way. Fortunately, you are not alone; help is available where you ask. :)
-- thank you for a well said and most helpful posting --