Questions for a New Teacher

  What do you do when you're new to Wiccacraft or witchcraft? Who can you fall back on to help you learn about the magickal environment around you? For many people, it means finding a teacher. This can be hard enough to do, in a society that frowns upon anything to do with witches, without worrying about the quality of the material and guidance that will be shared to you from a mentor you DO eventually meet.
  Because of this uncertainty with new witches, heck, even with those of us who are pretty open and well-known in the pagan community, I have compiled some pretty common questions that can be put towards the new teacher. I hope this is of some help to those who aren't sure what the next step is when finally a person steps through the spiritual door saying, "Hey, I'll teach you."

What questions should you ask of a person who is offering a for/non-profit class on Paganism/Wicca. What would be considered valid credentials? Is there a reading list that you could have? What is there basic view of the Paganism/Wicca? Any other?

Questions in regards to the individuals' training:

How long have you been in the Craft? (or a particular degree)

What tradition do you currently practice? If any. What spiritual path?

Have you trained in more than one tradition?

What's your lineage?

How long have you been teaching this class?

Would it be possible to talk to one of your former students?

May I see a representative sample of materials beforehand? (if hands-on)

Here are some standard questions, in no particular order:

Why? That is, why do you practice what you do?

What Gods/Goddesses do you worship/invoke/relate to, and why?

Do you use elements of ceremonial magic in your practice? If so, why?

What other elements do you use or require students to learn? Aromatherapy? Herbalism? Minerology? Other?

Do you use elements of the Qaballa?

Do you see the God/Goddess as eminations from a single divine source, or do you see the male/female divine as inherently separate?

Do you practice the Great Rite?

Do you celebrate the wheel of the year? (Beginner's question--what is the wheel of the year, and how does your practice relate to it?)

What other paths do you borrow from? Yoga? Other forms of Hinduism? Buddhism? Native American practices? Gnosticism? Something else?

Do you make physical practice (such as some forms of astanga Yoga or pranayama or walking meditation) a part of your religious beliefs?

How often do you meditate? And how often do you recommend others to?

Do you see socio-political statements or philosophies as a part of your path, or separate from it? If they are a part (or even if they are separate), how do you believe your politics are effected by your beliefs? (Specifically, the two hot button topics I would be looking to ask about are feminism and the ecology, though sometimes economics also come into play.)

Do you require ritual nudity at any time? (if this is a 'hands-on' class)

What materials will I be required to buy?

What if I miss a class? (This only applies if you're meeting in person or on something like IRC)

What format for classes do you use? (e.g. open discussion, lecture etc.)

How do you handle anonymity issues? (Especially if you're not yet even out of the broom closet)

How long do the classes meet and do they ever run over? (if physical)

Will there be tests?

May I tape record the class? (if physical)

  Of course this list is in no way complete, nor was it intended to be, but hopefully it will get you thinking on what kinds of things are important to you in regards to finding a good teacher of the craft.
  And personally, I find that learning from various sources, teachers, groups, seminars, workshops, literary sources (books, magazines), online (IRC, email lists, web pages), etc. All of these provide a varied and well-rounded base with which to learn and grow on your particular spiritual path.
Blessings,
Kethera

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