Well we've discussed the role of the teacher, the role of the student and now I would like to delve in to the role of the student-teacher relationship.
As long as there have been cunning men, wise women, witches, etc., there have been people who taught them their skills. This relationship was usually oral by tradition and the reason why was made very clear during the Burning Times.
Many of the student-teacher relationships were usually one of voluntary servitude (If you want to learn this stuff, you come live with me and do EXACTLY as I tell you) and once one started down this path, there was no getting off. This was not unlike many of the apprenticeships that children went in to at a young age.
But today that dynamic isn't really functional and in many cases, can be traumatizing for the student. Today the dynamic is (or should be) one of mutual respect for the skills that the teacher brings to the table and respect for the individuality that the student brings to the table. Gone are the days where the teacher had absolute control over the student and now we see relationships that are mutually beneficial to the teacher and the student.
Now, that is not to say that the student gets a pass on not doing the work. Doing the work that the teacher gives to the student is vital in the development of the students spiritual character. It has been my experience that many students, when they first start on this path, are arrogant and self absorbed. They have read a few books, done a few spells, cast a couple of circles and viola! they are smarter than everyone. It behooves a teacher to teach some humility to students like this. The student does not realize that all their arrogance is a huge impediment to their learning true spirituality. Trust me when I say this, the teacher gets no joy out of watching you stumble around like a person with their eyes closed. However, they will let you do that (all the while bumping into walls and getting some bruises) because they know that at some point your eyes will open and you will understand that you don't know everything and that humility will cause you to stand in front of your teacher and say "I don't know everything" and THAT is when your training will begin.
For the teacher's part, it is our job to teach you what we know. Not only from a technical standpoint (the craft part of the Craft) but also from an emotional and psychological perspective as well. A good teacher will be involved in their students life to a degree. They will know what is going on in most aspects of your life and the relationship should be one that is similar to that of a priest/penitent. It should be open, honest and there is very little that a teacher shouldn't know about their student. This is not because teachers enjoy drama in their life (we really don't) but unless we know the details of past experiences, we are not able to give you wise counsel. Let me give you an example of why this is critical. Part of every path is a segment called Shadow Work. As Pagans we understand that dark balances light. We know that we must embrace the darkness within ourselves in order to remain in balance in our lives. There are many dark things in the Shadow self and if the teacher doesn't know about them, they are unable to properly address them with you. You may even have such traumatic things in your Shadow self that the teacher may not be qualified to address. It's dangerous to the student to withhold critical information.
The student-teacher relationship really is a sacred trust on both parts. A trust that both the student and teacher will give 100% of themselves in teaching and learning the Craft. I am always humbled when a person consents to be my student. I understand how great an impact my words and actions will have on them for the rest of their lives.
When the time comes for students and teachers to part it should be done respectfully, no matter the reason for the parting. Either the student or the teacher can decide that neither is the right fit for the other. This is not a bad thing. Take what you have learned from that teacher and add it to your personal wisdom. When teachers feel that their time is ending with a student, it too should be done respectfully. After all, at some point you saw something in that person that compelled you to take them on as a student. Never end a relationship on a negative note. You want the student to continue their studies, even if it's not with you. In the end, it is about doing what is best for the student, not your ego.
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