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Why I Hesitate in Calling Myself a Witchcraft Teacher

Why I Hesitate in Calling Myself a Witchcraft Teacher

Last updated on: October 23, 2021 at 3:56 pm by Irisanya Moon

Why I Hesitate in Calling Myself a Witchcraft Teacher 2021-10-23T15:56:08-07:00 Irisanya Moon

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“Sorcery cannot be taught. You find it yourself, or you do not.”

― Madeline Miller, Circe

It’s taken me a bit to think this through enough to say something out loud. And even now, I know this is imperfect, a conversation that’s still in pencil in my brain.

I’m less interested in being known as a teacher by calling myself a facilitator. I wish to facilitate experiences. I wish to lead people to their own truth.

Even if it’s not what I would choose.

Even if it’s not what I would want them to find.

It’s not my journey.

I dance along the distance between knowledge and wisdom in the Pearl Pentacle, finding myself contemplating if I need to determine which one comes first.

Do I need to know before I am wise?

Can I be wise before I know certain pieces of knowledge? Can I be wise without them?

Maybe I’m still unpacking this. Or maybe I’m already onto myself.

Maybe it’s about power (what isn’t?).

Maybe it’s about trust that magick knows better than I what it looks like in someone else.

Maybe I’m just done with the whole conversation that seems to, at times, prioritize those who have the neurotypical learning styles, desire, and access to academic resources.

Unsurprisingly, I have no real answers. Or conclusions.

Just thoughts.

And She Was a Witch — George Fuller, Public Domain Dedication (CC0)

There’s a Bunch of Witchcraft

I recently saw a tweet that said you can practice any witchcraft or magick you like, all you have to do is keep it to yourself and no one will question you. I mean, right? Do what you like. If you share it, someone is likely to have an opinion.

I can’t tell you about everything. I don’t want you to take notes on the this-then-that sort of history. You can, that’s great. I did it when I started out.

If this is important to you, learn more. There are many flavors of witchcraft and one (or more) might be the right fit for you.

I’m not here to tell you that anything is better. I’m actually more hopeful I offer a push in the direction that is best for you.

I don’t try to sell my tradition on anyone.

I don’t try to say one things is better or more valid than something else.

Magick is Personal

I believe magick is entirely personal. You are your own brand of witchcraft. You are your own practice. And while I am NOT encouraging any practice or life or action that supports an -ism or harm to a particular group, what you do is what you do.

I might offer my insight. I might sit in silence as you share what’s important to you.

More often than not, you’re with me because you resonate with something I talk about or what the class description includes. You’re already in alignment or curious about my take on things.

And what you do next is up to you.

Maybe, just maybe, I can encourage you to trust yourself enough to choose what works for you.

I Offer Containers, What You Do is Up to You

My sincerest goal is to be of service, in service of safe containers for magick and mystery. I am hopeful I have created a place where you can say what you think, share what you will, and realize what steps come next.

If any. Maybe you just need to rest.

I want to offer patience and humor, mirth and reverence, undefined knowing and wonder.

***

This is not about being born with magick. It is not about having a certain blood or background or approach (side eye to JK).

I hope I offer ways in or even just a kind voice that says: hey, you’re safe here.

You’re a powerful being.

Take care of that heart.

Take care of that body.

The world needs you.

The world needs what you and you alone can offer.

I hope you find it for yourself.

***

That said, if teacher works for you, go for it.

reclaiming witchcraft

spell

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About Irisanya Moon

I’m a Witch. I’m a writer. I’m a priestess, teacher, feminist, and initiate in the Reclaiming tradition, as well as death doula. I serve the godds, my community, and the Earth. I’ve called myself a Witch for nearly 20 years, and my life has been infused with magick. I am interested in shifting stories – the ones we tell ourselves and the ones that are told about us. I’m continuously inspired to engage as the storyteller and the story, the words and the spaces between. I am a devotee of Aphrodite, Hecate, the Norns, and Iris. I seek to find love and to inspire love by reminding us we are not alone, while also meeting myself at the crossroads, holding the threads of life, and bringing down messages from the godds. (I've also published some books. You can get them at my website.) You can read more about the author here.

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