One-on-One Instruction
by Jeffrey Pierce

Beginning in late March, I'll be working with a handful of people, training them in my particular flavor of pagany, shamanistic, mystical, witchcrafty soulwork. Each person will be getting original course work, lessons, and unique individual feedback on their path. (Much of the coursework will be identical for each student, but the feedback and supplementary materials will typically be unique to the individual). Each student will receive one lesson each month with supplementary lessons being supplied throughout the month as necessary.

However, each student's progress, questions, and the lessons themselves will be shared through Old Ways to give all who seek the knowledge a chance to learn along with them. Lessons will begin on March 21, 2010 but will not be shared in Old Ways until June, allowing each student to experience the material on their own and continually be months (two full sets of lessons) ahead of what's being published in Old Ways.

So what is the criteria for being accepted?

1. You must be 18 years of age. I'm usually open to working with younger students as long as they have parental permission, but I'm devoting a good chunk of my time right now to training my children. I'll be sharing that journey through Old Ways as well, so that aspect of lessons and training is already being covered.
   
   
2. Preference will be given to those with access to a digital camera. It's mostly for practical reasons. For instance, if the lesson is related to creating your own altar, I'd like to see what the finished product looks like. These photos will be shared through Old Ways. A willingness to capture and share the other parts of your journey is a bonus, but not a requirement.
   
   
3. You have to answer four essay questions. There's no required length, just answer them to the best of your ability. Students will be accepted primarily on the answers to these four essay questions.
   
   
   • Why do you want to study with Jeffrey?
   • What do you hope to learn over the course of the next year?
   • What is your experience to this point with mystical spirituality?
   • How serious are you about your path and seeing these lessons through for the full year and a day?
    
4. All applications must be received by March 20, 2010.
   
   
5. You will need to include a mailing address and telephone number. If you're accepted for the training, you'll receive mine in return. Please indicate if your telephone number is a cell phone and if you're set up to receive text messages. The reason for the mailing address is simply that I will be sending you small amounts of supplies from time to time to compliment certain lessons.

If you prefer, you are welcome to choose an alias or magickal name for the course, rather than using your actual name. However, choosing a magickal name will actually be included in one of the lessons, so be prepared to go through the process either way.

There is no charge for the lessons, just as their is no financial payment for participating in the process. From time to time you may be asked to purchase small amounts of materials for use in the class, but these items will be simple, inexpensive, and usually things that you can find around your home.

To apply, simply answer the four essay questions email your answers to jeffrey@oldways.com. The individuals accepted for training will be notified on March 21, 2010 and receive their first lessons the same day.

A sneak preview of the proposed curriculum.