Teaching the Magical Arts Can you teach me magic? No matter how much (or how little) we know about magic and its inner workings, we know more than most people. Once we've acquired some knowledge, we've gone beyond the experiential frontiers of most of our peers. In doing so, we've entered another world. As we continue to explore this world gathering knowledge on such `hidden' (occult) subjects as power sending, visualization, magical properties of herbs, spell craft and other shadowy avenues we continue to grow. Sooner or later, if we've made known our magical workings, someone will ask us to teach usually on a one-to-one basis. This is always the case. Do you teach? Can I join in on your rituals? Which herbs should I use for protection? Can you give me a real spell for love? Will you show me how to cast a circle? Magical practitioners endlessly hear such questions. My father taught me long ago that if we know more about a subject than others, the others would claim that we're experts. This is especially true in magic, simply because there are few who teach these arts. When you're asked to guide another in exploring the world of magic—and you will be asked—it's time to make a decision. This decision can have far-reaching effects on both your life and the life of your potential student. How can you make this decision? Begin by taking stock of yourself by answering these questions: How much do I know? (You may not be an expert in all phases of magical practice, but are you proficient with incenses, candle rites, visualizations, crystals, or other specific aspects?) Can I put my knowledge into words, and present them in a way that others can understand? (This can be difficult if you're not used to talking to others about your magical activities. You may know what the power feels like, but can you describe it? Books can be of help here.) What learning materials do I have to offer? (Hand-outs of magical exercises; charts or diagrams; samples of stones, herbs, oils; a basic spell; class outlines; reading lists.) Am I extremely patient? (An important quality.) Am I willing to take on the responsibility to teach, to the best of my abilities, only the positive aspects of magic? Am I willing to have phone calls from a frantic student at midnight? (A quite common occurrence.) Do I have the time? (At least an hour or two a week to physically meet with this person.) Am I ready? (Ready spiritually, emotionally and physically to take on this challenge.) Your answers to these questions may well make your decision. But there are other questions to consider: Do I think that teaching this person magic is an easy way into his or her bedroom? (If so, don't do it. Just ask them to get into the sack and bring some condoms. Teaching simply to hit the hay is a waste of energy, and will render your lessons impotent.) Do I simply wish to astound my student with my incredible magical wisdom? (An excellent reason not to teach.) Do I wish to teach negative arts such as cursing, manipulation and other evil magick? (Say no. Don't do it.) Is this person over 18? (If not, don't do it without parental permission—in writing. It's a matter of the law. Many teen-agers, while interested in magic, have parents who'd happily cart you off to jail if they could for `polluting' their child's mind.) Finally, is this person ready? (If you still haven't decided, question them regarding their motivations for learning magic. Do they simply wish to `hex' someone? Get back at their boyfriend or wife? Rule the world? You get the idea. Also ask them how they expect to benefit from magic. Do they want wealth, power, and prestige? If so, tell them the facts.) You're the only one who can make this decision. Taking another by the hand and leading them into our world can be a fulfilling experience, but it's also a great responsibility. You have the task of reshaping your student's perceptions of life, of our world and of our place within it. You don't have to become a philosopher. Such changes naturally occur with magical proficiency. But changes will come. If you've decided that it is indeed the time to teach, you must then decide if this person is the right student. Don't be pressured into teaching anyone and everyone who comes along. Doing so will disrupt your life, perhaps to the point that you're no longer able to teach. Less is more. If you've made the decision not to teach this person, give them options. Recommend good books. Inform them of classes in this subject if any are available in your area. If you know of someone who may be willing to teach, contact the teacher and ask if they have time to meet the potential student. If you've made the decision to teach this person, start out slowly. Don't begin by giving them a complex ritual to perform at a specific astrological time. Emphasize magic as a positive tool of personal transformation, of evolutionary energy. Define specialized terms as you use them, and continue to define them until the student has learned them. Remember the questions you asked when you started out. Share your lore, love and insights as best you can so that someday someone will ask your student, Can you teach me magic? | 
