What is an Elder exactly? Is it someone who has been initiated and elevated to the highest level in a tradition? Is it someone who has to be in the crone stage of life? Or is it someone who has shown their wisdom countless times and is a natural leader and teacher to our society?
An 'Elder' can be all of these things. However, I believe a TRUE elder is someone who has learned from their own wisdom and uses it to help others. I'm sure all of you can agree with that statement and I am positive that some of you have seen 'Elders' abusing their titles. This bitchery has been percolating for awhile now and I will be happy to tell you why.
When I was first accepted into a coven, I was round-eyed with excitement because I had finally found the Craft family I had always wanted. Then I went to a gathering for a sabbat and met other covens. I realize now that people are people and being a witch makes your moods and quirks no different than those of other spiritualities. Yes, I had really thought that witches had made some kind of ascension and that we had overcome our imperfections! Needless to say, it was a lesson learned.
As time went on, I met more Elders and my respect for them went from the highest level to a level where I shook my head in sadness whenever I was around them. These people were arrogant status seekers. They would elevate their initiates quickly so they could keep tally on how many Elders these Elders had made. Some wouldn't even talk to non-initiates and lowly First degrees while others were just rude and spiteful. Then, it occurred to me that these Elders probably had the same thing done to them so, like any family, the chain of abuse had already been well established. Perhaps the most absurd thing I have ever observed was at one gathering held at a couple's house who just happened to both be Elders. They were doing a project with their coven and wanted to store it in a spare bedroom. Well, the spare bedroom just happened to be so filled with junk that there was barely room to walk. The 'Elders' then decreed that their coveners would clean out this room and they did with one of the Elders directing them where to put all their crap. To me it was one of the most ridiculous displays of power I have ever seen. I mean, really? You can't even clean up your own stuff? I wanted to ask them if they were really that lazy?
Other ways that Elders abuse power is by making their coveners or others feel like they are stupid or inept. Of course, those who have a brown nose always seem to have it easier then others who really want to learn. Yet, when people see that those who are kissing ass are reaping all the rewards then you can't really blame them when they start doing the same thing.
I have met these types of 'Elders' in my tradition and in other paths and I truly believe that we need to look at how we conduct ourselves and how we want our students to learn. How much knowledge is lost when that is the last thing that people look for? Thank the Gods for the TRUE Elders who really care about their path and their students. My hope is that these Elders will always be more populous than the others.
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