Finding the right spiritual mentor can be tough. However, in magick, it’s essential. It’s important to understand how things work and not fly blind, in the occult realm. Why? Because magic can be dangerous. You won’t necessarily sign away your soul, or be condemned to a fiery pit, but you might find yourself confronted with malignant energies or things that go bump in the night.
So what’s the best way to avoid this? Sure, you can fumble around in the dark and figure things out as you go along, but this approach isn’t without it’s dangers, since you might step into a conflict with a spirit by accident, break some taboos when giving offerings, or even just mix up your correspondences for an important ritual. However, your best force multiplier to learning the ins and outs of occult practice will lie in the hands of someone who’s simply been doing this longer than you. Not everything is written down, somethings are only given word to mouth.
As you’ll see, this is less about being a follower and more about learning the ropes, so that you can navigate the occult yourself with ease.
However, you shouldn’t learn from everyone. Check out below as we navigate the ins and outs of finding the right mentor for you. We’ll start at the beginning. Where should you look?
Online Vs. Local: Leveraging Your Network
The obvious first step would be to check in your local area. A good place to start is Meetup.com which gives you a run down of various clubs and groups in the area. However, you can look anywhere. Google “Metaphysical” or “Occult classes in my area”. That’s a good way to find a class or mentor. The benefits of this approach are a living breathing apprenticeship to a potential magical mentor who’s willing to hand hold you through the process of learning magic. It’s the most beneficial option, since you’ll have the chance to observe your mentor for flaws and positive traits up close and personal. This will allow you to make a decision on whether or not they’re the right mentor for you. Get out and meet people of similar interests. It’s good for you.
Of course, not everyone has occult classes in their area. Luckily, many occult classes can be taken online for virtually any subject. Necromancy, Herbal Magick, and even Taoist Sorcery sects can be found online these days. Regarding sects and occult orders that require initiation--such as eastern sects and ATR’s, for many it’s still up in the air if these initiations are considered valid.
Do your research and go with what works for you, not necessarily what’s easy. It’s important you don’t become complacent on your search. That said, you can’t necessarily scrutinize a person’s character and intentions online the same you would in person, unless you have a close relationship with them. Do your due diligence. We’ll discuss red (and green) flags in a bit.
Finally, if you already know people who are into magic, reach out and see if they know anyone, either online or offline. This way, you can ask what they think about this person, and inquire into their reputation.
Tips for When You Find a Mentor
After you’ve leveraged your network and found a mentor, what’s next? Your work isn’t done. Observe closely and follow these tips:
Never Give Up Personal Autonomy
Your teacher is not your God. They’re a fallible human being, just like everyone else, no matter how much of a spiritual powerhouse they are. Beware of personality cults. Beware of gurus who ask you to give up your intuition and personal autonomy. You’re allowed to ask questions when things don’t make sense, especially about suspect behavior on behalf of the teacher. Never blindly follow someone. Ask yourself, does the teacher foster dependence on them? This can take many forms. For instance, if you find that the mentor becomes prickly if you seek information from somewhere else, or becomes vicious when his views are challenged, that’s not a teach that you’ll want to follow.
Always Use Critical Thinking
Don’t bury your head in the sand. Ask questions, and sharpen your mind. As an occultist, it’s important you use logic and reasoning, and ensure you get to the bottom of things, even when you have a mentor in place. Don’t give up control of your mind. Does your teacher encourage (safe) experimentation, research, and independent free thought? If not, it’ll be wise to find someone else. The best esotericists are geniuses like Pythagoras--the one who created the Pythagorian Theorem, Plato, and Newton. That’s who you should seek to emulate.
In short, these are some ways to find a mentor and some tips for when you find one. If you’re new to the occult, we offer personalized mentorship options! With over 10 years of experience in the occult, Jeremi’s Juju Shop is here to help you ascend to your highest destiny. Contact us today!
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