Defining an Elder II

Elders are neither things nor functions. Always keep in mind that they are above all, people. They are unique, fallible, and mutable.

For me the defining quality of an elder or elderhood is experience. This is especially revelant to Wicca. Wicca is a mystery religion, and what is the way to know the mystery? Experience!

Wisdom, while supported by learning, does not come from learning. We all know many learned people who are not very wise. The current state of the world clearly demonstrates the fallacy of relying on learning to solve problems.

Wisdom grows with experience. It's the been there, done that, bought the tee-shirt school of thought. It's our brakes on the juggernaut of technology. (one of the characteristics that define us as humans is technology)

Wisdom is also empathy; it's "I know what you're going thru. I survived it, and you can too."