R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

[chelidon]

From the Aspirational Curmudgeon Corner, some thoughts on training in any field, magical or otherwise, posted recently to a friend's journal. There's a good reason studying in most fields is called "learning a discipline

Comments

[elorie]

:)

Tell it!

I have reasons why I think trying to teach Faery in particular (and possibly some other traditions/disciplines that work similarly) at a distance is a problem; it is essentially a theological argument. People don't have to agree with me, but they should at least know what I actually think about it first. Anyway, it's coming soon to a website near you.

[chelidon]

Thanks, and I'll look forward to reading it -- and you are exactly right, there are theological arguments, for sure, matters of belief structure and theory, as well as hands-on practical issues

[starfrosting]

well said, particularly your point about egocentricity and lack of respect.

[ravenedgewalker]

well said.

[elnigma]

A person can read everything up about a tradition. That doesn't equal knowing. That comes out of the work and practice (and yes, the face-to-face and hands-on).

:)

[elnigma]

About the distance learning thing - in other traditions that wasn't uncommon at all. Also, most of the occult community is so small that even if someone hasn't personally met someone else yet, someone they know likely is quite familiar with them. Meeting online is like one degree separation most times, like knowing someone as a friend of a friend, and probably going to be at the next party they hold.

[chelidon]

*nods* Quite so.

[elnigma]

I find people in general (not you guys, as you all are consummate hosts) are interacting less in the person-person, home party visits, etc. and that's a shame.
Some things are nice about having groups meet outside homes, or online perhaps first, for sure, but with no such intimacy? sad.