It can be so irritating to log onto a message board and see the calling cards of the new pagans. The "I know I am destined
for so much more than a mere mortal" type attitude that is typical of a newbie just beginning the journey. The way that they seem to demand answers from us at times instead of figuring it out for themselves, or actually seeking and backing it up with good old fashioned research. The Buffy the vampire slayer type magic they search for, and the way that many of them are so afraid to ask any questions for fear that they will make someone angry or offend someone. This is perhaps the saddest of all to me, it shows me just how much many of the message boards can mess with these kids heads, by bashing them every post until they are afraid to ask at all! I have alot of respect for the few that will weather the storm and ask, and ask, and ask. If the answer is too vague (and face it, many times it is with the many differences in each path) they ask for clarification, this defines the seeker to me. I just cannot help but admire the gumption. This shows that this person is ready to face challenges. As I mentioned many times our answers are vague as we do not wish our feelings to stop them from soul searching and finding the answers on their own. Figuring out the keys and patrons etc. are entirely relative to the one experiencing it. It is, however, our responsibility to teach them tips and techniques for finding this. When it comes to �know yourself � though, this is something that we understand cannot be taught, it develops more each day for each of us, and patience is the only thing we have to offer to the new pagan. The same goes for setting your own ethics.
I feel that we owe it to this new generation to answer the many
questions over and over, with as much humor as possible, and
to also remember how confused we were when we began our
journey as well. As for the attitude, when first learning about the
magical possibilities in the world, and indeed the magic that does exist, well it is easy to be overcome and to wonder what is real, and what is not. Once they realize that there is alot more to Paganism than magic, they will know if it is their calling. I think alot of times newbies get caught up in the glamorous TV shows like charmed, and are looking for a way to be "cool" instead of actually searching for a belief system. Newbies serve their purpose well also. They help to remind us of the basic things that we tend to forget sometimes. So it comes back around to us, as a blessing.
There are circumstances where it can get tricky though. If asked
for guidance by a minor for example. According to the laws
of our country how can we be sure that we might not be
charged with contributing? All the parent has to do is decide
to file charges. The last thing we need is a group of irate
parents on our hands. Would it be fair though, to NOT teach
them? Maybe not fair exactly, but safe. Is it fair for you to
risk your hide by teaching a minor? This is something the
experienced pagan must decide for themselves. We have
our choices to make on our path too and the choice of to
teach or not is entirely personal. I feel that teaching is a noble
thing to do, and am thankful for the teachers I have found
along the way. I have much admiration and respect for
teachers. It is in this way that internet message boards
can be of a great benefit to the seeker. It is much easier
to teach when there is no risk to yourself. However the
new pagan must back up answers with research so as to
not be taken advantage of. We must tell them this also.
