Where are our Teachers and Elders?

[Lark]

Back in the "old" days before the advent of the internet and the plethora of Wicca 101 books that were published to meet a growing cry for information on Wicca one had a tough time learning on one's own. 

When I first came to Wicca in the 1980's there were only a handful of books on the subject and they weren't always easy to find.  Stores didn't tend to carry them, libraries didn't stock them.  About the only way you could learn was to get lucky enough to find a teacher, and teachers didn't advertise in the papers looking for students.  Anyone who wanted to learn knew that it would be hard work to find a teacher and hard work to study and master the material.  But what they were getting was far more in depth material than in any book.  You also got all the wisdom and expertise of the teacher and a helping hand over the rough spots.

With the inception of the internet it became much easier to find teachers and groups that would challenge you to grow and learn.  But that is changing.  People are asking "Where did the Elders go?"  But that's not the right question.  What they should be asking is "Why are the Elders and teachers going back into hiding?"  And the answer is that that they are tired.  They are tired of offering their advice, their knowledge, their time, and their skills.  They are tired of being told that they don't know what they are talking about, or that their views are worthless.  I wonder how many of those turning their backs on the opportunity of interacting with these people realize what they are losing?

On another board I post to we were discussing the importance of Gerald Gardner in the creation of Wicca.  Someone asked, "If this Gardner is so important why isn't he writing books for Llewellyn?"  When others tried to point out that Gardner was the founder of Wicca but had been dead for many years someone else piped up claiming that Gardner couldn't have created Wicca because he was a man and Wicca was a woman's religion.  The two of them were completely unwilling to listen to anyone discussing the history of Wicca because it wasn't in a book from Llewellyn or fit their misconception of Wicca.  They would rather continue believing something completely wrong than to listen to the words of people who had been initiates of Gardner himself.  This is the sort of thing which is poisoning the well for Wiccan Seekers.

Many Elders (and I do not consider myself and Elder, merely a teacher) find themselves trying to answer a question posed by a student or someone on a board like this only to be told they don't know what they're talking about because someone said differently in a book or on a website.  What those belittling these people don't realize is that the Elder they are denigrating took the time and effort to respond to their request for knowledge and to share their experience and knowledge with the seeker.  How many times do you think that happens before the Elder decides that responding isn't doing anything useful and they simply stop trying to teach?  How much wisdom is lost because the student wants a quick and easy fix and not a true spiritual path?

The Elders and the teachers are still there.  But they have been silenced by the MTV generation that is too busy to listen and learn.  More and more of those that I knew and learned from are retreating into their solitude and no longer reaching out to the greater community.  And perhaps this is a good thing.  Perhaps if people have to really work to find teachers again they will learn to treasure what they receive when they do find them.

To share a little story that I believe bears thinking about:

There was once a Zen master of great renown who lived in the mountain. One day, he received the visit of a young philosopher whom had traveled from afar especially to meet him. That philosopher came under high recommendations by his teachers, so the master agreed to see him. As the two sat under a tree to discuss, the subject hastily came to what the master could teach the young philosopher. Recognizing the flame of youth, the master smiled warmly and started to describe his meditation techniques. He was cut short by the philosopher who said: "Yes, I understand what you are talking about! We did a similar technique at the temple, but instead we used images to focus! "

Once the philosopher was done explaining to the master how he was taught, and did, his meditation, the master spoke again. This time, he tried to tell the young man about how one should be attuned to nature and the Universe. He didn't get two sentences in when the philosopher cut him short again and started talking about how he was taught of such things and so and so.

Once again, the master patiently waited for the young philosopher to end his excited explanations. Once he was done, the master got to the subject of seeing humor in every situation. This time, the young man didn't lose any time and started to talk about his favorite jokes and how he thought they could relate to situations he had faced.

Once the philosopher was done, the Zen master invited him inside for a tea ceremony. The philosopher having heard of how the master performed the ceremony like no other accepted gladly. Such a moment was always a privileged one with such a man. Once inside, the master performed flawlessly up to the point where he started to pour the tea in the cup. The philosopher noticed as the master was pouring tea, that the cup was being filled more than usual, then, as the master kept pouring tea, the cup got full to the brim. Not knowing what to say, the young man just looked at the master with a look of astonishment on his face. The master kept pouring has if nothing was wrong and the cup, not being able to contain anymore, started to overflow, spilling hot tea on the floor mattresses and the master's hakama. Not believing what he was seeing, the philosopher finally exclaimed: "Stop pouring! Can't you see the cup is already full and overflowing?"

With those words, the master gently placed the teapot back on the fire and looked at the young philosopher with his ever present warm smile, looked him in the eye and said: "If you come to me with a cup that is already full, how can you expect me to give you something to drink?

-Lark-

[Labrys]

I bet I know which board, lol.  I officially "flounced" out of there today, frustrated past words by the attitudes constantly on display.  And knowing that I get into the WRONG attitude when trying to play nicely in the face of such provocations, I figured it was time to delete links and let it go. 

I really must compliment you on your patience there; you are a stronger woman than I am. The sort of conversations that happen there really do fall under the heading of "hairy logic" and there is nothing magical about it.

I am so sorry you continue to be frustrated there, I saw some valiant efforts on your part.

[RedRonin]

With those words, the master gently placed the teapot back on the fire and looked at the young philosopher with his ever present warm smile, looked him in the eye and said: "If you come to me with a cup that is already full, how can you expect me to give you something to drink?

To go a step further regarding the MTV generation....

I had the opportunity several years ago to be in a room when the head of our system was reprimanding one of the lower black belts for moonlighting by training in a different system. 

This PFY (pimply-face youth) tried to invoke the above quote by stating: "but Shihan, what about keeping an open mind?  What about emptying my cup?"

Shihan started laughing loudly, exclaiming, "Full cup.  Empty cup.  What difference does it make if you can't tell tea from horse piss?"

A question so applicable in so many areas nowadays........

[Lark]

Oh Red, you do have a way with words!  That's perfect!

-Lark-

[Still Kate]

I found my teacher back in 1988, though didn't quite realise at the time. I was introduced to a friends girlfriend and through spending time with her did I begin to see what path she followed.
I had mentioned that I couldn't find any books on the subject of witchcraft and she took the time to purchase one for me as a birthday present.  However, her path was slightly leaning towards the darker side of the subject so she introduced me to a guy she knew.
I worked with him for several years before we went our separate ways, he got married and moved away also so geographically it was difficult to meet up. (The internet was a twinkle in someones eye  back then and mobile phones had a battery pack the size of a medium microwave.)

I was lucky enough in those years to have two people to ask questions of and discuss subjects, my friend and my teacher and so I was given a varied view.

I had to learn, to study hard, neither would have bothered if I hadn't put the time in and I probably wont ever stop learning.

The internet is a fast and sure way to find all sorts of unscruplious people, some fleece you for cash, some steal your identity, some pray on young people and some proclaim to be able to teach Wicca/ witchcraft and so on.

Part of the reason the Elders and Teachers have gone away, is that people now want a quick fix. They don't want to take the time to learn nor can they be bothered. If they can't download it they don't want to know.
(My 13 year old came home from school the other day and when I asked him about homework he handed me a computer disk -  what happened to the teacher standing in front of the class and talking, whats happened to books??!!)

And as Lark has said in her post about the MTV generation .... no wonder the Elders and Teachers are running for the hills.

In time to come, there will be a few of us old birds still kicking but the majority will be Internet "trained" or "Learned" and to be honest ..... that could mean just about anything!

With best wishes to you all.
Kate. XXX

[Leigh]

I found my teacher through a book.  I read a Celtic book and liked it so much I looked up the author to see if she wrote anything else.  I found out she guided pilgrimages to England, Ireland and Scotland so I went on one.  I found her to be intelligent, warm and kind.  When I found out she ran a mystery school I signed up for it.  Though it cost some money I think she really charges so that students will value what she gives for information.  I know some people are in it for the money and I've met my share of dubious teachers.  But I have to say, I've been happy with my classes so far.  I've always gotten helpful responses to my reports.  Now before I met her I've had some really awful experiences with those in it for the power.  If a teacher starts displaying power trips I run the other way.  BTW I loved the Japanese story you told Lark.  I took kung fu for several years but had to quit when we moved.  I still miss my kung fu teacher.  He was very passionate about teaching.  Just a few of my thoughts.

Warm Wishes,
Leigh