Thread: A strange request

This completely threw me for a loop when I heard it and I really think I need the advice of more experienced pagan parents before I give my aunt and uncle my reply.

So here goes . . .

My aunt and uncle (both are just good friends of my parents, there is no blood relation, and my parents are the godparents of their children) had their second child a few months ago. They were wondering if I'd help them raise their children - Courtney, four, Mark, 6 months - as Wiccans, not Catholics, as they themselves are.

They didn't explain why they wanted their children to follow a different path than themselves.

I asked what they thought I was able do for their family. My aunt said that she wanted her children to live without having to be in constant fear of sin. My uncle said that he wanted me to teach the entire family, not just the kids, about wicca, and that he thought that I was the best person to do it.

I'm not sure what to do. On the one hand, I love them to death and they are in my thoughts every day. On the other hand, I don't think I'm capable enough to do what they're asking of me.

Any suggestions?

~Era Venia

They must think highly of you to make such a request. I was born into a catholic household so I know what they are getting at. Priests and Nuns can do stupid things that can be remembered more than I care to remember.

Just take it one day at a time. I've seen childrens books at a shop in Spring TX, Tranquil Thymes. My kids are teenagers so I don't have childrens sites but they do exist. I'm sure if you pick up a magazine in the New Age section of any major book store something will pop up. That's how I've run across them but since I didn't need them I didn't keep the information. You are now a teacher.[smile]

Thank you for the advice. I really do appreciate it, but it brings up another question in my mind:

I'm sixteen. I've only been a wiccan for about a year and a half now and I'm still learning my own craft. What if what I'm teaching the children - and the parents, as strange as it sounds to me - isn't right?

Is there really a wrong or right?

It's very important to be open-minded and let the children develop their own beliefs. Teaching them about Wicca is no easy task, I'm sure, but there's plenty of information out there; there's not really a way to teach them "wrong," because "wrong" might be "right" to some people.

Thanks, Nero. I think I've found the answer I was looking for.

~Era Venia

My main piece of advice would be to take baby steps through the whole thing and if you don't know something they ask about, tell them that and either look it up or ask someone you trust for advice on the topic. I've been a pagan myself for about 3yrs and i'm currently instructing my mother-in-law in paganism. It's tough at times, since i'm still learning myself, but if everyone goes at it calmly and with love most of the rough patches get smoothed out.

Be thankful that they have alot of trust in you. I as a parent would be very picky about who influence my kids...so its pretty much an honor.
Like Nero said, there is really no wrong or right...That's the beauty of it! As long if they're not harming anything....then encourage a childs mind to explore the goodness of life & do the best of answering questions. Even though you've been doing Wicca for a year & 1/2....you learn with them as you teach! Good Luck!

Brightest Blessings
~Fiery Enchantrissr~

Hello there.

I've been teaching for approximately two years, on the subject of Wicca.

my students were always fellow teens, or adults though.

What i suggest is to keep this in mind. (I found it on a site somewhere, and though i can not remember where, i claim no right to it.)

The Teacher Promises The Student
1. I will abide by the Rules of the Circle.
2. I will ask from you no more than you can give.
3. I will not expect you to read my mind.
4. I will not hide from you my limits or gaps in knowledge; if I just don't know, I'll tell you so.
5. I will explain, to the best of my ability, not only what to do and how, but also why.
6. I will not push you beyond your ability or willingness to proceed.
7. I realize that I may be tempted to become dominating, a "leader" - and I will do my best to resist this temptation.
8. Because I received from others without payment, I will give to you without payment.
9. As I can, I will learn from you in turn.







*The Student Promises The Teacher
1. I will abide by the Rules of the Circle.
2. I will ask from you no more than you can give.
3. I will not expect you to read my mind.
4. If I have questions about what you show me, I will ask you.
5. If I fail to understand anything, I will mention it.
6. If I feel unready to proceed, I will tell you.
7. I realize that I may be tempted to become dependent, a "follower" - and I will do my best to resist this temptation.
8. Because I receive from you without payment, I will give to others without payment.
9. As I can, I will teach you in turn.
~*~*~

one of the things i do, Is teach them basics, like spell writing, herb craft, stones, astrology, astronomy, and i give them different stories about the gods, in all pantheons.

after they have all that down, i ask them to take a month to think about what God and Goddess (or just one, depending) means to them.

this gives them the ability to essentially make their own form of our great path.

I have taught ten students so far, (I always had several at once.) And all of them live happy pagan lives.

Blessed Be.

Two things:
a) if you want to teach them the 'bare bones' of Wicca itself, find the book, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wicca and Witchcraft" By Denise Zimmermann, and Katherine Gleason. It's more of an instructional manual on the core beliefs without the "I like to do it this way, so ...." or all of the nonsence that can sometimes take away from the actual questions. I've used it a few times for teaching folks that are coming from a Bible-based background. Seems to do the trick in putting it into perspective without the fluffy moonfartisms that seem to give us all a bad image.

b) as for the Spiritual part of paganism and Wicca, that they will ahve to learn on their own, as you have or will. No one can teach you to have "faith", but you can lead by example. Simple things like, explaining to the children in the spring about what happens with the seeds that are planted, (relate it to the sabbats) and then come back to that seed throughout the seasons to show them the growth and death cycle... you'd be amazed at what kids pick up!

Isha up there has a great bit of advice when it comes to unrealistic expectations between student and teacher- makes sure you're all on the same page from the start!

Lastly, if you're not sure, there's no shame in saying, "I'm not sure, let's research it together!" There's a lot more respectability in that phrase than you think!
Let us know how it works out!