Being a Good Student

So now that you have successfully found or know how to find a suitable authority to be your teacher, let's talk about being a good student.  Below is a list of dos and don'ts for students in the WiseCraft Wicca tradition which could easily apply to almost any student/teacher situation:

1. Respect the student/teacher relationship. While you should have a good rapport with your teacher of choice, don't take advantage of the friendship that develops and most definitely don't blur the boundaries by trying to twist it into a relationship.  Teachers should already know to keep relationships and teaching separate so that it doesn't look like they prey on their students. It is a very poor reflection on a teacher when they repeatedly have relationships with their students. If you have a teacher that blurs these boundaries, break ties.  Likewise, you don't want to be turned out of your mentoring because you have made the interaction awkward with overtures.
2. Although you have agreed to be led by your mentor, you still have the right to disagree with things but you should do so respectfully and be prepared to “agree to disagree” and proceed amicably. That being said, at no time should you be expected to yield to anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you strongly oppose. Wicca truly isn't for everyone but sometimes even when the path is right, particular groups and/or teachers are unfortunately not always a right fit for every student. If at any time you find that Wicca doesn't resonate with you or the study sessions don’t feel right to you whether it be the teacher or the teachings, you should not hesitate to part company and seek a more appropriate situation.
3. Do not undermine the authority of your teacher by going behind the teacher's back and seeking counsel with another teacher.  While it isn't wrong to want to study with more than one person, it is generally considered inappropriate to study with more than one teacher simultaneously.  This pits two teachers against one another. If you find yourself second guessing your teacher and going quietly to another teacher for help, then perhaps you should re-evaluate your choice in teachers.  Know, however, that switching teachers can unfortunately have "political" ramifications.  So, don't be surprised if you run into a situation where one teacher will not take on the student of another even after the student has separated from a former teacher. That being said, however, never let that stop you from separating from a teacher if the situation is not a right fit.  A better situation will come along at some point in the future.
4. Respect your teacher's time and effort.  Never make your teacher wait on you to appear or to turn in assignments.  Yes, life happens and time schedules can be derailed, but don't let your time issues become issues for your teacher.  If you are supposed to meet in person or online or have a phone conference at a specific time, honor it.  If for any reason you can't honor it, alert your teacher well in advance so that he or she can recycle that time into a more useful purpose than idly waiting for you to appear.  Understandably there will be that freak unexpected emergency that can't be helped.  However, when missing appointments becomes a continual habit, be prepared for the teacher to dismiss you and recommend that you get your life in order before returning.
5. Be prepared to do the work that is asked of you.  If you're going to be lazy, not exert effort or try to shortcut on your studies and activities, don't waste a teacher's time or your own.  Wicca is a spiritual way of life and the only way to really learn it is by doing.  So, if you are going to do it, DO IT! If not, shove along.  
6. If you are studying in a group setting, do not treat the class/study group as a social gathering or dating pool.  While the teacher and group members will care about each other as individuals, conversations should be streamlined toward the material of the course.  This allotment of time has a specific purpose which people have attended in anticipation.  Succinctly put, leave talk of the wayward world and your personal life behind when attending class. 
7. Students should also refrain from making unsolicited advances to other students in a group setting so that all students may comfortably participate in the group for its intended purpose. If you are lonely, isolated, mate hunting etc., you should find other means to fill the void.
8. Don't use the class as an opportunity to bash other religions. Your focus should be on Wicca and the related course materials.
9. Recognize that your teacher and other group members are not running a homeless shelter, taxi service, food pantry, charity group, or bank. These things are generally not part and parcel of any course of study and quite frankly are beyond the intended scope and means. In many settings, individuals deemed to be panhandlers and thieves won't be tolerated and will be promptly dismissed from classes.
10. Don't be verbally and physically abusive, sexually aggressive, or demonstrate alcohol or substance abuse.  Be prepared for infractions of this type to get you dismissed by a teacher or group.
11.  Students should not attend classes, activities or rituals in an altered state whether it be alcohol or other substances, regardless of whether they be legal or illegal in nature. 
12. Because Wicca believes in personal accountability, you should demonstrate that you are taking care of your mundane/ordinary daily life as much as possible and can conduct yourself properly.
13. Neither Wicca nor WiseCraft Wicca practices nor advocates “Black Magick”, sacrifice or indulges in orgiastic sexual activities under the guise of church or religion. However, note that some Wiccans may operate "skyclad" or naked during ritual.  It is your responsibility to know in advance what position your teacher or group have on this issue.  As an aside, at no time does WiseCraft Wicca incorporate nakedness or sex in any class, activity, gathering or rituals.
14. Wicca and WiseCraft Wicca are about personal empowerment -- not power over others.  If you are seeking to become a Wiccan because you like wielding power and intimidating others, being weird and dressing strangely to elicit confrontation etc., don't be surprised if you are dismissed by a teacher or from a group when your true nature and intent is discovered.
15. As representatives of Wicca, students should walk through the world non-threateningly looking very much like any other member of the world’s wide and varied society (this doesn't mean giving up your individuality). Make it your utmost goal at all times to be a credit to yourself, your teacher and/or group, and the greater Pagan/Wiccan community.  Walk your path proudly while respecting the varied and differing paths of others.

I hope this article was helpful.

Bright Blessings and Blessed Be!

Rayven Michaels