© Ruiseart
Let me begin by saying that I believe any Path is valid, as long as it benefits the student and involves no trickery or deceptions. A modern system with limited history can be just as enriching as an older one, as all genuine Paths are connected to the Spirit. However, I also believe that anyone who teaches a modern system, and tries to pass it off as an earlier one, is a fraud, and teachers owe it to beginners and genuine seekers of any tradition, to be totally open and honest with regards to their origins, so that the seeker has at least a half decent chance of finding the group that they are looking for.
There have been times when it has been suggested that I place too much emphasis on "titles" and "lineage", however the fact is that I have absolutely no interest whatsoever in such things, if the intention is to use them for the purpose of impressing people. A true teacher does not need to create an "image" if his or her teachings are genuine and seekers should be wary of those who continually display their "rank".
Having said that, there are many good reasons for being open with regard to one's "credentials", provided that it is done with the right intent and in the proper context (i.e. to benefit the seeker and not the teacher). No-one would go to a practitioner of any other trade or profession, who could not prove where s/he obtained his or her knowledge, and I see no reason why spiritual teachers should be any different, especially when considering the psychological, emotional and perhaps even physical damage that can be caused by untrained and oftentimes unscrupulous "teachers". By offering proof of the origins and lineage of one's particular tradition/system, the seeker is then in a position to make an informed decision when considering joining a particular group. If any teacher when questioned about his or her background appears cagey, walk away!!!
Whilst I'm sure that the vast majority of pagans are genuine, honest practitioners of their respective Crafts, it is a sad fact that paganism also seems to attract its fair share of charlatans. Unfortunately there are many "teachers" who have invented their systems for the purpose of hoodwinking the public. These people are more concerned with self-promotion and developing a following, than the spiritual interests of their students.
This problem certainly exists within my own tradition of Gaelic Druidry and there are many "teachers" who claim to be practitioners of the "ancient ways", although there is usually very little information available about their organizations (except that which can be found on their websites). Curiously, their "ancient Gaelic practices" often involve the use of modern Gaelic, which is as close to Old Gaelic as English is to Old Saxon. Perhaps they believe the use of Gaelic to be impressive to those uneducated in the language and culture, creating a sense of antiquity and thus seemingly qualifying their claim to be practicing an authentic and historical form of Gaelic culture.
This is of course complete nonsense and is blatantly obvious to anyone who has studied the language for more than five minutes (which I suspect in the case of these people that they haven't). Modern Gaelic has evolved from Old Gaelic, just as any language evolves from its earlier form, and a serious study of it will reveal much of the past, however, to use modern Gaelic as some form of proof that one is following the "old ways" is ridiculous (as any Gaelic speaking, Reebok wearing, high-five slapping, teenager in the Hebrides will tell you).
Having "titles" and proof of lineage of course does not make one a spiritual person and people without such things can be just as "connected" as someone with more formal training. They can often be of great benefit to others and their knowledge (accumulated via meditation and private practice) should be respected. Also, a belief system which was developed just three days ago, could be as valid as one which came into being three hundred years earlier, however, my point is that the teacher of such a system, if truly genuine and confident of his or her abilities to provide honest teaching, should have no problem with providing details of his or her background.
So, in conclusion, I strongly advise seekers who may be looking to join a group, any group, to choose a teacher who seems to posses the qualities that you would expect to find in a spiritual guide (remember, it is your journey, not the teacher's), such as genuineness; a caring, nurturing disposition; and someone who is concerned with your development, not merely the gratification of his or her own ego (bearing in mind that the student should also be prepared to offer some measure of loyalty in return). Then, ensure that the teacher is an authentic teacher of the particular Path that you feel drawn to, by asking such questions as: "Who taught you?" "Where did you learn?" "Who initiated you into your 'spiritual tradition'?" "What's your lineage?" "Which members of your family were ever involved in the 'tradition' that you are claiming to be hereditary?" etc, etc. If the teacher cannot answer these questions (and any legitimate teacher would be able to), then they should be completely avoided.