Chapter 2: Step One -- Introspection

To work this exercise, download and print out the descriptions and cut them into twelve pieces (or, if you prefer, hand-copy the descriptions onto twelve index cards.) Sort the descriptions into three piles: people you would probably accept as students, people you would probably reject as students, and those about whom you are undecided. Now consider the following questions:

• Were there any indications in common among the people you probably would accept?
• What additional information would you want to have concerning these people before making a final decision?
• Were there any indications in common among the people you probably would reject?
• Would there be any extenuating circumstances that might lead you to accept a seeker who would otherwise appear to be unsuitable?
• Which of these people would you refer to another local group? Which would you reject altogether? What differentiates these two groups?
• What additional information would you need in order to make a decisions concerning the seekers about whom you are undecided?

Descriptions of the Twelve Seekers

Duncan is a musician who has written some beautiful songs about the Goddess. He tells you these songs came from his own imagination, rather than from some external source. You take this as evidence that She is calling him. Duncan has a clear ethical sense, and gives valuable advice. He is single and about 30 years old, with no children; he has a steady job. He seems to have a drinking problem.

Frank is a young Gay man, a friend of a friend of yours, who is still exploring his career and his relationships. You are aware that he made an angry break with his previous HPS (some years ago), but neither she nor he are willing to talk about it. Since then, he has been primary care-giver to his ageing grandmother, which leads you to perceive him as a loyal and caring person. Your mutual friend believes that Frank has strong psychic talents. Frank lives about two hours away from your covenstead, and has his own car.

Alejandra is a writer in her mid-Thirties who lives out in the suburbs about an hour away from your covenstead. She is an active volunteer for her local community association but hasn't had a paying job since she married about ten years ago. She is very bright and articulate, but is moody and often hears hidden meanings in things that other people have to say about her or to her face. She has no children, but has eight cats and dogs.

Rebekah is an aspiring artist who just moved into your part of town, to attend art school on a full scholarship. She works and plays at night and seldom arises before six in the evening. She came to your Coven's open house meeting, and reported having had a dream of the Goddess which sounds so compelling in its intensity that the hairs rise up on the back of your neck. Rebekah is married to an architect who professes to be an atheist, but who (she says) has no problem with her exploration of Pagan ways.

Ralph is a garage-man in his early fifties, with three adult children. His wife died a few years ago, and he has been looking for someone with whom to share his life. Neighbourhood gossips say that Ralph used to beat his wife, and that he collects guns. All you personally know about Ralph is that he is jolly fellow, a good mechanic, and a good neighbour; when your car broke down on the street last Christmas Eve he came out of his house into the snow and helped you get it going again.

Buck is an engineer at the factory where you work, and you have been sharing jokes with him at the coffee-station for several years. You had always thought he was a Buddhist, but now he says he would like to learn more about Paganism, but he isn't sure how far he would like to go with it. Buck is a single parent. His evenings are given to his children, so it will be difficult for him to come to most meetings -- he has asked whether he could participate in your group via Internet, maybe attending every third meeting in person.

Gwendolyn has been a solitary for many years. During this time, she has studied briefly with a number of good teachers, and done intensive introspective work on her own personal Sacred contacts. At a recent workshop, she received an inspiration that it was time for her to learn to work in a group. The workshop leader, an old trusted friend, referred her to you. But she is very attached to the personal ways of working that she developed during her solitary years.

Surinder attends professional school, in a difficult and demanding program. In addition, she works 30+ hours a week to support herself. A young, attractive single woman, she is also actively seeking a life-mate, with little success this far because of the demands of school and work. She very much wants children, and is upset about still being single. She tells you she can and will fit your training program into her schedule.

Jim is legally blind and believes that people do not make adequate allowances for his handicap. A believer in reincarnation, he feels that he has had various disabilities in different lifetimes because a hostile discorporate entity has pursued him down the ages. He wants to learn magic both so that he can make people treat him better and so that he can, in time, lift the curse. He is more than willing to work hard for these goals.

Erika is your office-mate. She is a widowed mother with a daughter in high school. She is competent, personable and caring, altogether a good friend. Your admiration is mutual. She appears to be romantically attracted to you as well as wanting to learn what you teach.

Alan is a musician. He has a great deal of personal charisma, which can easily draw you in. He also has a genuine devotion to the Goddess. He is very strongly opinionated and talks far, far more than he listens. He reports having had some extraordinary spontaneous mystical experiences.

Robin has a PhD in religious studies, and has written some wonderful rituals and religious poetry. You have long admired her work from afar, and she just moved to your city. When she applies to join your group, you are astonished. You wonder what you might possibly teach her, but you certainly look forward to more contact, so that you can learn from her