|
|
Quite a few individuals wish to study for First or Second Degree initiations through
the mail, or over the Internet. This option is strictly limited to those who live
too far from a NorthWind initiate to study in person.
The movitivation for assaying and completing a degree by correspondence must come
from the student him/herself. While a NorthWind initiate accepts the responsibility
of being your teacher, he or she cannot provide the impetus to make you read the
classes and complete the assignments.
The student also must be conscientious about doing rituals at the appropriate time
all by him/herself. The requirements for First Degree Initiation are not reduced
for correspondence students -- indeed, they may be more strict.
The NorthWind First Degree course isnít set up as a correspondence course but we
do accept students who canít be in regular personal attendance because of geographical
or employment restrictions. Because there are so many new students coming into the
Craft while the old limitation of too few qualified teachers is still noticeably
present, we feel an obligation to accept serious students wherever they may life.
However, studying by correspondence means that you and your teacher will have to
work out methods which are effective for you. No matter who your teacher is and however
hard he or she tries, it all depends upon you.
YOU have to read each class carefully. Your teacher expects you to write or call
and ask questions about anything that wasnít clear - and to discuss your reactions
if you canít think of any questions.
There is a set of tapes (three right now) on the classes and you are expected to
either send Grey Cat three good quality 90 minute tapes (the K-Mart tapes arenít
actually a full 90 minutes and some of the material wonít copy on to them) or money
to cover the costs. NorthWind is currently buying tapes at $2.00 each. (Note:
These tapes are no longer in functioning order, and are not required for classes.)
We suggest you listen to the introductory materials on the tapes and then read Class
1. Then listen to Class 1 on the tape with the written class in front of you. Then
maybe you will need to read through it again. These tapes arenít particularly good
quality but they are decipherable. Supplemental tapes of ìlive classesî (of a teacher
covering them in a group situation) will be added as they are recorded and edited.
Your teacher will do his or her best to help you with your studies, but it really
depends on you. You have to develop regular work habits--you have to tell yourself
that itís time for class. No one if going to call you in or remind you. You must
work to keep a useful dialogue going with your teacher.
We know that itís hard to keep sending things off to this big blue thing and hope
that some sort of contact will be made. Itís hard for you teacher too - he or she
has to somehow use letters and an occasional phone call to give him or her enough
information to know whether or not you are getting it. Your teacher may even have
to judge your readiness for initiation and after all the work and worry of teaching
you -- find another Priest/ess and let them have the fun of doing your initiation.
On an easier note -- to begin your studies you should send at least $15.00 to cover
copying and postage for the first few classes. Your teacher will send them with a
note on how much they cost. You should also send tapes or money order and postage
to Grey Cat for the tapes. You are responsible for letting your teacher know when
you need more classes and for sending money to cover your bill for copying and postage
promptly. Should your teacher be unsatisfied with your work, further mailings may
be suspended for the time being.
As a correspondence student, you can go as fast or as slowly as you want to. But
remember, you have to be a self-starter. You are even responsible for keeping your
teacher on the job -- not the other way around.
Correspondence students are urged to attend any of the NorthWind camp-outs they can
possibly make. Visiting with your teacher would be another good thing to try to do
at least once during your studies.
Your first degree initiator must be granted by either a NorthWind Second Degree Initiate
or a High Priest/ess of a compatible Wiccan tradition in your area. If it is completely
impossible for you to get to member of NorthWind, let your teacher know and he or
she and other members will help you find someone near you.
Any student working without physical presence should plan to present:
You are also responsible for almost all of the requirements listed for regular, in-person
students. Exceptions are such things as attending classes, etc.
