Witches, Wiccans, and other magick users?

Question

Is it okay for me to teach my younger cousin magick?

Nothing big! Just simple charms and candle magick. She's 10 years old and has been asking me to teach her for some time now. I have already told her about not using it for harm if I do teach her. I have even stressed keeping it a secret from her friends. I have also taught her TONS of things about dragons. But I have never taught her magick because I don't know if I should. She has never told any of the things I taught her to others, not even her parents.

What do you think? Should I teach her? Should I make her swear an oath of secrecy? Have I already told her too much? Is she too young?

I would appreciate it if people wouldn't use any rude remarks when answering my questions.

Thanks!

I didn't mean that she keeps it ALL from her parents! They know I practice magick and they are fine if I tell her about it!

To Ann P: It is spelled with a k to differenciate it from silly stage tricks. You obviously don't know what I am talking about so I don't even see why you ansered my question!

Jackie S: I don't think that I will get in trouble. I'm just unsure is all.

Answer 1

First off, I think that you should read a book about Wiccan/Pagan parenting. I think that these professionals will have easier answers to your questions. I personally believe that children may be taught young, but teach them what their maturity can handle. Reading books about this might give you insight as to what is appropriate and what is not. Also, tell the parents. Possibly show them the materials you will be showing her. Be honest. We are here to teach, not to harm any one in any way. Remember, your Rede. By teaching this child outside of her parents knowledge could harm her...or her parents. Think carfully Choose Wisely, Blessed Be.

Answer 2

Anything you have to swear her to secrecy (at the age of ten) isn't a good idea. She's very impressionable at that age. To her, this is a game. You're getting in over your head. Hold off and if she's still interested when she's older, go ahead. You should never underhandedly try to sneak in a religion to a child that could undermine the parent's teachings. That's the same thing as a Christian teaching a child about Christ when the parents are atheist. YOu wouldn't want it done to the child, so don't do that to your cousin.

For the record, I'm Catholic, but I"d never sneak Christ into the mind of a child if the parents were dead set against it. I totally disagree with sneaking wicca into the mind of a child, also. You did say she had to keep it quiet and you're thinking of making her take an oath of secrecy. Those are alarm bells that what you are doing is wrong.

Wait for a few years. You're still a child yourself.

Answer 3

If she were raised around wicca and knew the principles I'd say yes. At this age it can easily go two ways: abuse or proper use. You don't want her getting the idea that wiccans encourage seemingly simple black magic spells like love spells when she gets a crush. This is a difficult age to teach magick to. If you feel that you want to share this part of you with her, teach her the basics of wicca first, no spells, no magick. She needs to learn some of the Gods, the three fold, wicca's story of how the world came to be, The Wiccan Rede and so on. Teach her the religion before the rituals. When you feel that she is ready and she understands then you can start her out on simple spells and chants. As for secrecy... it would probably be for the best. Although it shouldn't be this way, Wicca is regarded as Devil Worship and looked down upon by this "Christian Society". We are supposed to support religious freedom except when it comes to Wiccans and Witches? Most people don't realize that Wicca is a peaceful religion. You should also take into account what your Aunt and Uncle would think of this. Do they shun Wicca as well, or are they supportive?
Hope I helped and Blessed Be!

Answer 4

I would not teach a 10 year old those things, especially if her parents do not know, and if they do not know you are Wiccan, and if they happen to be Christian. That would even more complicate things and since they are family it you should respect them first. There are children raised in Wiccan and Pagan households that grow up on that, but it is being taught by their parents.

Wait until she is older, at least in her teens, and if she is still interested start at the beginning with her. The most i would teach young people that are not my own is things about nature, respect for it and other living things. That is kind of universal and non-denominational.

Answer 5

Just as you wouldn't simply hand over the keys to your car, it's probably not wise, at this point, to teach your cousin magic, per se. I'd focus on the building blocks first - teach the "ruleset" (the Rede, the beliefs, etc.), once she's got those, move on to the basics (center & ground, purification, etc.). That will give you some idea of whether or not she's really interested, as well as whether or not she'll learn properly.

Now, mind you, whether or not you *should* be doing it might still be up for question - I'm not going to say one way or the other, that's something you'll need to honestly decide for yourself. But if you are going to do it, my recommendation is to make sure that she's got the right skills prior to going into any actual magic practice.

Answer 6

I don't practice magick, but I don't think that you should be teaching her anything spiritual if her parents don't know about it. If you have to ask a child to agree to an oath of secrecy, there's something wrong with what you're doing, imo. (I say that not because I don't think you should practice magick--that's your choice and there's nothing wrong with it.)

Answer 7

I think you should not teach her anything that her parents are,nt first informed of. It would be rude on your behalf as its the parents right to know what their 10 year old daughter is being taught by anyone ,even family members.
So please respect the fact that she is just 10 and its really up to her parents to teach her about any spiritual matters at this age

Answer 8

If the parents are aware of the teaching and allow, yes. If the parents are not aware, or don't approve, no. Until the child is 18 and/or on her own, her parents rules might as well be law, and should be respected none the less, no matter how ill-informed they may be.

Be aware that there are cases of children being kicked out or abused by overzealous Christian parents for being gay or involved in witchcraft or RPG's or any of a host of other "evil" things. To teach against the parents' wishes is to risk this on your cousin.

Answer 9

I have not done anything with my children yet. I feel the child should know about the religion first and then you may bring in other aspects of it. Would a parent have their children go for holy communion without knowing the meaning?

Answer 10

Seems like you are making a really big deal out of it to me. Don't you think that originally witches learned to be that way from the time they were born? I mean living with their witch families? WHAT IS THE REAL ISSUE HERE? Do you think she is crazy and is going to hurt herself or others? Do you think she is going to tell on you and you will be banned from exsistence for your pagan teachings? Just do what you feel is right and don't do what you feel is wrong. Follow your heart and your dreams will find you.