UIDEPOSTS TO SELECTING A TEACHER
A POSITIVE TEACHING APPROACH WILL:
YOU MAY WISH TO THINK AGAIN ABOUT TEACHING APPROACHES THAT:
YOU ARE ENTITLED TO INQUIRE ABOUT A POTENTIAL HEALER’S OR TEACHER’S TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS, WHAT THEY REQUIRE OF A STUDENT, AND WHAT THEY CHARGE FOR THEIR WORK.
Witchcraft and shamanism are spiritual paths that ultimately stress personal power and responsibility. Make these inquiries, and keep in mind that there are no set criteria of "right" answers to these questions. The key point is that legitimate healers and teachers aren't offended by being asked. Trust your own intuition and common sense.
You may wish to ask any or all of the following questions:
· Can you tell me something about your background (or training) in this tradition?
· How long have you been on this path (or doing this work)?
· What sort of commitment do you expect from your students (clients)?
· What do you charge for your healing (or teaching) work?
A POSITIVE TEACHING APPROACH WILL:
- Gently remind you that you that you are in charge of your life and that a teacher can only offer guidance, encouragement, and tips on technique.
- Encourage real thinking, not rote responses; allow differences of opinion and skepticism.
- Teach you to achieve fulfillment in win/win ways; transcend any needs you may have for vengeance or manipulation.
- Foster understanding and unity with people of other beliefs.
- Respect your individuality, experiences, and choices.
- Include the teacher as a positive example of the results of his/her teaching.
- Displays confidence and sensitivity, not self-importance or domination.
- Exhibit a sense of humor (at no one’s expense).
- Allow you to feel that “I’m really learning and growing!” not just that “Wow, this teacher is so wonderful!”
YOU MAY WISH TO THINK AGAIN ABOUT TEACHING APPROACHES THAT:
- Attempt to control members’ personal, ethical, financial, and political decisions.
- Engage is sexual (or any other kind of) manipulation of members.
- Expound dogmatic teachings and views, accompanied by censorship of outside teachings and opinions.
- Emphasize recruiting new members; make intense efforts toward preventing “dropouts.”
- Emphasize donations of money or property by members.
- Insist on unquestioning acceptance of teachings and decisions of leaders.
YOU ARE ENTITLED TO INQUIRE ABOUT A POTENTIAL HEALER’S OR TEACHER’S TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS, WHAT THEY REQUIRE OF A STUDENT, AND WHAT THEY CHARGE FOR THEIR WORK.
Witchcraft and shamanism are spiritual paths that ultimately stress personal power and responsibility. Make these inquiries, and keep in mind that there are no set criteria of "right" answers to these questions. The key point is that legitimate healers and teachers aren't offended by being asked. Trust your own intuition and common sense.
You may wish to ask any or all of the following questions:
· Can you tell me something about your background (or training) in this tradition?
· How long have you been on this path (or doing this work)?
· What sort of commitment do you expect from your students (clients)?
· What do you charge for your healing (or teaching) work?
