Finding the Right Spiritual Teacher and Mentor

 I have been wanting to share my thoughts on finding Spiritual teachers and mentors for a few months now.  Most people are good and have good hearts and want to share their knowledge and gifts, however, some can go down a path that might cause you emotional, physical and spiritual harm.

As I have had my spiritual journey into the occult I have had several teachers and mentors.  Some I have learned might not resonate with my personal spiritual path. I wanted to share some of my good and bad experiences in hopes of helping others.

The most important thing is to determine what you want to study. A good beginning occult or spiritual class or series would be most helpful.

I started out studying Wicca however Wicca didn't resonate with my beliefs. For me Wicca was too structured and I wanted a lot of freedom to explore and practice.  I found Traditional Witchcraft, Paganism and Druidism to resonate more.

It is fine to take what resonates with you and use that in your spiritual path. There is not set in stone way to practice spirituality so a nice mix and match that for me brought me joy and happiness.  

There is a lot to learn and many aspects to learn. When looking for a mentor, teacher and coven look at what they have to offer you that enhances your life, learning and joy. That will increase your spirituality. Possibly write a list of areas that interest you. In the occult there are many areas that you can study and learn about. 

Here is a simple list:

* Astrology

* Wicca

* Traditional Witchcraft

* Hoodoo

* Alchemy

* Natural Magic

* Druidism

* Paganism

* Divination

* Hermetiscism

* Neoplatonism

* Palmistry

* Tarot

* Runes

* Reiki

* Demonology

* Folk Magic

* Hedge Witchcraft

* Folk Magic

* Psychic Abilities

* Chakras

* Ceremonial Magic

* Voodoo

* Crystals

* Sound Therapy

* Yoga

* Mediation

* Herbs and Botanics

* Santa Muerta

* Energy Healing

Pick an area(s) that interest you.  Then look for classes and books. Many occult writers do teach classes and workshops. It is great to start with a workshop and see if they're personality and energy. 

I have many great teachers and mentors that have taught me and helped me grow.  During my spiritual path I did find that making sure the teacher and mentor have the same energy that helps you grow. Even if you find a teacher with an amazing high frequency energy that might be higher than yours but it raises you up they are the right fit for you.

As a caution, if you find a teacher that is considered controversial check them out. I would also caution you when a teacher has a class of students with over 2000 or one that can't answer your questions due to having two many students.

What I found is that one spiritual teacher/guru I was following and learning from is more of a cult leader. When signs of a cult pop up be cautious. If they are demanding too much money, want you to sign a contract, and limit who else you can take classes from that is a red flag to move on and find a new mentor. That is not the teacher for you.

I also had classes from a spiritual teacher who is financially successful. Her annual income is showing up as 3-5 million dollars a year. In her classes the attendance ranges from 2000-3800.  This particular teacher  will not answer all the questions from students. How could one person answer even if only 10% had questions? That alone makes it difficult to grow spiritually if questions you have are not getting answered. With this teacher also will not advise anyone else to study with and will use Tarot cards but won't tell you the name of the cards because that is promoting someone else's business and they will not promote any other business or spiritual teacher. This is someone that is not into helping people grow spiritual they are into teaching for the money. 

Teachers and mentors who have smaller classes and workshops can help guide you and teach you. They will answer your questions and they are in to teaching to help others grow. Many Pagan and Witchcraft events even on line, will answer all your questions.  For just an example TempleHearth and WitchCon, the teachers/presenters will answer every question and also give you their email if you come up with question later on after you have attended.  These are the teachers and mentors that you will learn from and grow from. They also support others in the Pagan community.

As I would love to give a list of some amazing teachers, my list is very long.  However, please feel free to ask me and I will guide you in the right direction.