Thoughts from the Dean's Desk

Wiccans talk a lot about “walking the path”.  This phrase implies the journey, not the destination.  Yet our current secular culture doesn’t prepare us for this.  In the US we are in a hurry to reach the destination, to “climb the ladder” and when students begin studying here at WSTS or in their personal studies or with a coven, they bring that mindset or “programing” to their experience here. 

In Wicca 101, 102, 103 we talk about “reprograming” mindsets and thought patterns that don’t work for us.  This idea that we need to “get it done” and move on hinders spiritual development.  It’s a barrier in the way of becoming clergy.  It takes time, reflection and inner work to become clergy and to grow spiritually.  This program of study isn’t the same as attending a regular school and the mindset needs to be different. 

At the seminary, don’t be in a rush to check off boxes and “move on”.  Yes, get your assigned work done in a timely fashion, but you don’t benefit from rushing it.  You might have the “grade” you want, but you will have missed vital experiences that aren’t part of the grade.  You might have passed the class, but you will have missed the point. Be present in this moment as you work.

I’ve studied Wicca for many years, and I’m not done!  I will continue to seek out and reexamine old knowledge as I walk this path.  I attend conferences and when I do, I sit in on 101 classes because someone else will approach this information differently and may well teach me something new or allow me to consider or reconsider my own conclusions, experiences, and understanding of the work.  I always learn something in a class, even if it’s only how not to do something.  Be a student!  In Wicca 090, we tell the story of making sure that your cup is not too full so that you are open to learning new things.  If you rush through, you slosh your tea all over or worse yet, you miss getting tea at all!

That is what it means to walk the path.  To continue to grow and learn and develop.  Ask to audit a core class once you’ve passed if a new teacher takes over the class. Ask for more from your teachers, not less. What is their reading list on the subject?  Is there an opportunity to assist somewhere so that you learn and serve? Reframe your perspective so that you see the work as teaching you and not as something to be avoided or survived.

We are all busy and life will throw a lot of obstacles in our way as deity asks, “Are you sure you want this?”  Standing as clergy states to the universe that things of a spiritual nature are the focus of your life.  So, when you find yourself wanting to do less in class or in coven, ask yourself why. 

Being clergy, being a servant of the Gods means continually learning and growing.  Reprogram the secular education concept of doing the least you can to get out of the class.  Ask for more!  You deserve it. 

“... Keep pure your highest ideal; strive ever towards it; let naught stop you or turn you aside.” 

               ~Charge of the Goddess by Doreen Valiente