Solitary Practicioner20:48 Jul 18 2009
Times Read: 622
Rather long read
Tools of Learning - by Scott Cunningham
Members of covens have access to teachers, attend learning circles,
and can enjoy the experience of other Wiccans in guiding and
enriching their Wiccan knowledge. Solitary Wiccans lack all of these
opportunities. What, then, are our tools of learning?
We must be creative. Self-teaching is a great challenge, but it can
be accomplished through the use of four tools:
Study
Thought
Prayer
Experimentation
The use of these tools is the most effective method by which Solitary
Wiccans can increase their knowledge and understanding of Wicca.
This four-fold approach may answer nearly every question you have if
you're willing to trust yourself; if you're willing to think; and if
you're not caught up in worrying that you're doing something
incorrectly.
There's no one correct method of casting a circle; of invoking the
Goddess and God; of ritually observing the seasons or performing
Wiccan magic. The fact that there are numerous methods of casting
circles, invoking the Goddess and God and observing the seasons
points to the unique opportunity that lies in wait for the Solitary
Wiccan; to discover new forms of worship that others, conditiioned to
accept only certain avenues of Wiccan expression, may have missed.
How can you do this? By studying, thinking, praying and
experimenting.
Study
Books have always been tools of magic. With the turn of a page, we
can be transported to the bottom of the ocean; to the limitless
desert; to the surface of the moon. Books can lift our spirits, heal
our wounds, steel our courage and strengthen our religious resolve.
They can also arouse our curiosity, sharpen our minds, teach us new
skills and alter our opinions. Books are powerful tools of change.
Many people first learn of Wicca through reading books, and most use
books to guide their first steps on the Wiccan path. Such books, if
written in a clear manner by experienced Wiccans, can be valuable
learning tools. Quality books of this kind become their readers'
High Priestess and High Priest, coveners and friends.
Indeed, due to the scarcity of those willing to teach Wicca, and the
small number of students that they can effectively instruct, we've
thrown the mantle of experience and authority around books written by
Wiccan authors. Such words have largely become the teachers of the
new era of Wicca.
Sometimes, however, reading more than a few books may lead to
confusion. Authors may make contradictory statements regarding
Wiccan ritual practices and concepts. Some may deliberately obscure
Wiccan knowledge with mystic prose. The Solitary Wiccan, grasping
for answers, may only come up with more questions, as expert after
expert states that her or his way is the best or most effective (this
tendency is disappearing in Wiccan books today, but many older books
that contain such statements are still in print).
One book may state, "the altar is always in the East"; in another,
the North. An author might write that counterclockwise movement
within the circle is forbidden; another wil direct the reader to move
in precisely this direction. Dates and names of the Sabbats and
Esbats vary widely according to the author. Tools are given
differing names, attributes and functions.
Eventually, the books that originally inspired the new Solitary
Wiccan may become a source of confusion and despair, and she or he
may pack them away, deciding that no real learning can be achieved
with them.
This is a shame, and can be avoided by keeping this concept in mind:
Each book is a different teacher. Each teacher has distinct ideas
concerning the subject being taught. Think of four experienced race-
car drivers who are teaching beginners. Each instructs his or her
student in the basics of this dangerous sport. The fastest engine
designs; the best oil; the most effective strategy to use during the
races themselves. Each driver teaches this subject in a different
way, and expresses her or his biases, but they're all teaching racing.
Wiccan books, as teachers, are quite similar. Experience and
training have created specific ideals concerning Wicca within each
book's writer, and these ideals are clearly presented within her or
his books. Divergences of opinion are natural in experts in any
field and shouldn't dismay those who are confronted by them.
When you're challenged with seemingly contradictory information,
examine this information and make a decision as to which to follow.
Listen to your intuition. In other words, feel free to pick and
choose among the published rituals and ritual textbooks to decide
what feels right. It's this selectivity that will usually prove to
be the most effective.
I can already hear some of you saying: "Wait! I could never do
that! I - I wouldn't know if I was doing it right. I need someone
to teach me!"
That's where you come in. You become your own teacher, and books
provide some of the lessons. Learn to trust yourself. Settle
questions in the best way that you can. Think. Pray. Experiment.
And just do it.
Books aren't foolproof. Some books contain virtually no accurate
information. Many readers are apt to believe anything in
print. "After all," they say, "it's in this book right here. That
proves it's true." Unforunately, nearly anyone can write a book and
even have it published. Does this ensure that its contents are true?
No. In fact, a few speciality publishers continue to publish lie-
packed books describing the 'Satanic' nature of Wicca; that describe
its rites as those of human sacrifice, orgies and prayers to the
Devil. Such books, written by a few virulent self-styled Christians,
are easily spotted among others on the shelves by the repeated use of
Biblical quotations. These hateful tomes have nothing to teach and
are best avoided.
Other books, while written by scholars or others interested in
accurately recording Wiccan beliefs and practices, may contain
misinformation. Most surveys of Wiccan belief (such as Tanya
Lurhrma's Persuasions of the Witches' Craft) are so slanted by the
author's bias that little truth has managed to squeeze onto their
pages. Again, it's best to avoid books of this nature and all
books written by non-Wiccans about Wicca.
Another pitfall that may be encountered within books consists of
glowing descriptions of negative magic. Such passages are usually
found in spell books, not in Wiccan texts. Still Solitary Wiccans
are apt to peruse magical texts, and the majority of these describe
the wonders of cursing and reveal numerous methods of hexing one's
enemies. Such books may otherwise contain fine information, but
passages like these can perpetuate the false idea that negative magic
is acceptable. Material of this nature can be weeded out by a simple
recitation of the Wiccan Law: Harm none.
Finally, some older books by Wiccans contain what seem to be absolute
statements of fact that are absolutely false, such as "Wicca is a
British religion"; "You must be naked in your rites"; "Sexual rites
are necessary in Wicca", or our old friend, "Only a Witch can make a
Witch" (i.e., initiation is necessary). These statements are framed
within the context of these authors' Wiccan traditions, and may be
quite correct within them. However, they have no validity to those
outside their tradition. Such statements, where they appear in
books, needn't concern us.
One of the most popular forms of misinformation concerning Wicca are
found in books on the ancient history of Wicca. I won't add to this
argument, but I will advise you to read tales of ancient Wicca with a
great deal of discernment and a large grain of salt.
While books aren't infallible sources of information, they can be
valuable allies on the Solitary Path if you keep these things in mind:
Books are tools that are meant to be used. They provide lessons; we
have to put the lessons to work.
Books can't answer every question, but neither can any High Priestess
or teacher.
Be discriminating when reading books. If an author makes wild
statements that you know to be untrue, consider the book as a
possible source of incorrect information.
Mark up your books. Underline (with pencils) important passages, or
use bookmarks to indicate valuable sections. You may wish to add to
the index (many Wiccans do this). (Purists may purchase a second
copy of the same book and leave this one in pristine condition on the
shelf.)
Combine information from a number of books on a specific topic, such
as magic, energy raising or circle construction. Write notes and
study the combined teachings of several books. This may facilitate
the process of assimilating (and using) this information, and will
give you a greater chance of finding what's right for you. (This
process of collecting information, combining it and utilizing it is
one of the most important parts of learning any new skill,
profession, hobby or religion.)
If books are too expensive for your budget, budget differently, or
haunt used book stores in your area. Libraries are another possible
source of Wiccan books, but don't expect to find them on the shelf:
they're usually stolen if openly shelved. Most libraries keep occult
books behind the counter or in storage. Some librarians may look
with disgust at you for checking out books on Wicca. If this is a
problem, say you're working on a paper, ask the person if she or he
has a problem, or simply say nothing and stare down the librarian.
(Actually, most librarians don't care what books are checked out.)
Finally, don't see reading as a passive activity. Make it an active
process in which you play a vital role. Question everything,
including these instructions. Think about what you're learning.
Never take an author at her or his word. Search for similar themes.
Remember 'harm none'. Books are wonderful teachers, but we must
allow ourselves to hear their messages and trust ourselves so that
their lessons can begin to unfold.
Thought
I've already mentioned the importance of independent thought during
study. This thought process should continue after you've closed the
book. Many Wiccan teachers state that the classes they lead are just
the beginning of the lesson; that they should be springboards to
continual learning. This can take place only when we reflect upon
what we're being taught.
This is in direct opposition to the 'think this way, believe this
way' attitude of most educational systems in this country.
Independent thought thrusts a stick into the spokes of conventional
education, and is seen as a real threat to the old order. It's
discouraged at any but the highest levels of education and in the
most obscure disciplines (Masters degree programs; medical research;
physics and so on).
Thought is often combined with questioning. The question initiates
(pardon the pun) the learning process. "How do I make a magic
circle?" can be answered by reading, then reflecting on what's been
learned. This thought process must follow the uncovering of new
information if it is to be available for use as needed.
Thinking through new material (such as various methods of casting the
circle) allows you to closely examine it to weed out unsatisfactory
information. If a published athame consecration leaves you cold, or
requires two people, you can easily place it in the inactive file of
your mind. Thus, thinking about what you've learned is part of the
process of elimination, and of finding your ideal Wiccan practice.
It's an integral aspect of the learning process.
Everything stated above applies equally to questions regarding the
nature of the Goddess and God, reincarnation, morality and every
other aspect of Wiccan belief and practice.
Many new Solitary Wiccans have a great number of questions regarding
the Goddess: "What does She look like?", "What's the best method of
contacting Her?"; "Is She really real?"; Can I touch Her?"; "Where
did She come from?"; "Which myths should I use?" Many of these and
similar questions can be answered through study and thought; others
require prayer and experimentation.
Thought should also be combined with feeling. We've been taught to
distrust our feelings. In Wicca, however, we can realize that our
feelings are usually what attracted us to Wicca in the first place.
Would it be wise to toss them aside? I don't think so.
Intuition (the unexplained knowledge or feeling that makes itslef
known in our conscious minds) is a form of psychic awareness. Use of
the tool while learning Wicca is of the utmost importance, for it's
the filter through which you can evaluate questionable information.
Your reactions to this information may profoundly affect your final
decisions.
Thought, then, is a necessary part of learning Solitary Wicca. It
can be summed in the following manner:
* Determine questions (if necessary).
* Study to uncover knowledge.
* Determine your feelings concerning this knowledge. Rely on your
intuition.
* Based on this, determine what information is applicable to your
Solitary Wiccan practice.
Such processes are necessary for Solitary Wiccans. Reflect on what
you've studied. Trust yourself, your intuition, your feelings. And
learn.
Prayer
Prayer is another tool open to the Wiccan. When you're absolutely
stuck, when the information can't be found in books, or when found
confuses you. When you have a real need for assistance, ask for it.
Prayer of this nature needn't be accompanied by lengthy ritual
(particularly if you haven't yet determined your best ritual forms).
You might accompany your prayer with the lighting of a candle or a
walk in the woods or park. You may pray while petting your cat,
staring into a fire, standing in a shower or sinking into a tub. You
might also use a popular tool of divination, such as tarot cards, a
pendulum, rune stones, but use such tools following prayer - not
before.
The structure of the prayer isn't as important as the emotion that
you place within it, and the clarity of your request. You might
direct it solely to the Goddess or to both the Goddess and the God.
Express your need for this information or for guidance with the
present situation, and thank Them in advance for Their assistance.
True prayer is more than spoken words, for the devotee releases
energy through the prayer to the Goddess and God. Because nature
abhors a vacuum, an answer will appear.
This answer may take many forms. It can be something as simple as a
voice suddenly saying, "I have much to teach you. Place two candles
on the altar. Hold Sabbats at night after everyone else is asleep.
YOu need not initiate yourself at this time. Wine is fine, but apple
cider or grape juice can also be used." Such direct communication
with the Goddess is possible because we each contain a spark of Her
divine fire within us. However, such direct communication is rather
rare.
More commonly, the messages may appear in symbolic form: a cloud may
suggest a shape; the shape may suggest an answer. Cards or stones or
the movement of a pendulum could give you answers. Prayers for
information before going to sleep might be answered in dreams.
Record all such important dreams, think about them and determine if
they're relevant to your question. (During sleep, communication with
the Goddess and God is much easier, for the doubting conscious mind
has been unchained and we operate in the subconscious [psychic] mind.)
There are numerous other ways in which your prayer may be answered.
You may suddenly find a book that contains the needed information, or
come across an article in a Wiccan publication that's just arrived in
the mail. Prayers are always answered, but not always in direct ways.
Keep in mind, however, that the answers you receive may not be
relevant for anyone but yourself. If the Goddess has spoken to you,
it is to you that She has spoken - not to all Wiccans. Her messages
may have little or no meaning to others. If you've always been
fascinated by semi-precious stones and She tells you to create a
circle with them, this knowledge is corect for you but may be
completely incorrect for others. Divine relations are usually of a
personal, not global, nature. Though knowledge received in this
fashion certainly should be used, it doesn't invalidate the ways of
other Wiccans. Though we may receive divine messages, no one can
ever claim to be the spokesperson for the Goddess.
Answers received in prayer deserve attention and thanks.
Don't discount prayer as a tool of information gathering. It seems
ethereal, but when we consider its source, is this so surprising?
Experimentation
So, you've read many books, thought about what you've read and
compiled information from a number of sources; you've filtered this
knowledge through the sieve of your feelings (intuition) and have
prayed to the deities for assistance. What's next? Putting the
information into practice.
Wicca is, after all, a living religion. Religions don't exist within
theories and ritual plans; they come to life only when they're being
practiced and lived. The outer forms (rituals, use of tools) are
important because they symbolize non-physical processes, and remind
us of what we're doing in Wicca in the first place.
Begin to experiment with various ritual forms. Piece them together
in various ways, discarding unsuccessful combinations and holding
onto those that you find fulfilling. Questions such as "Is this the
right way? Am I doing it wrong/" should not be allowed to interfere
with your creative process. Such questions will only delay your
progress.
The process of experimentation is necessary for determining all
aspects of Solitary Wicca: everything from seasonal festivals to
Esbats, power raising and sending techniques, magical rituals, the
use and meaning of tools, self-initiations and every other exterior
aspect of Wicca.
This four step self-learning plan can certainly be of value in
sharpening your Wiccan beliefs and practices. How important is
reincarnation in your Wiccan practice? How far can the law 'harm
none' be taken? When's the best time to perform rituals? Do you
have to hold a circle on every full moon and Sabbat? Can you do them
at other times as well? Each of these questions can be answered
through study, thought, prayer and experimentation.
You may decide that none of this is necessary. You might find a set
of rituals and follow them to the exclusion of any others. This,
too, is fine. But when you have questions about these rituals you
may wish to use the process outlined to discover the answers.
The path of the Solitary Wiccan can be difficult, but the school of
trial and error is an excellent one. As your experience increases,
so will your knowledge, and so too will your questions, which will
lead to study, thought, prayer and experimentation.
from Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
by Scott Cunningham
COMMENTS
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BLOODLIFE
21:33 Jul 22 2009
Very interesting hun.