Wolf Exercise: A Socratic Teaching Method

Reprinted with permission from Boniface and the Lycian Sanctuary. This exercise is contained in the Lycian Wicca Book of Shadows.
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This exercise must be done with two or more people. It works best if there is an even number. If there are only two people then one of them will take the "aggressor" part and the other will be the "defender." If there are more people, then they should divide evenly into two ranks facing one another and pair off with someone in the opposing rank, with one rank being the aggressors and the other being the defenders.

A timekeeper is selected. If there is an odd person out then that person is the ideal timekeeper, although this position should be rotated so that all get a chance to partake in the exercise. A round time is selected, usually from five to ten minutes, by the group.

The defenders will now take a few seconds to think of a statement which reflects a belief they hold. The two ranks now come together and face off with their partner in the other rank. The defenders make their statements. The response from the aggressors can only be one of the following:

First, "I agree with you" which stops the exchange.

Two, "I need more information" which leads to a question about the statement.

Or three, "I disagree." This leads to an explanation of why there is disagreement, which leads to the defender giving more support for their original statement and the exchange continues until time is called.

Several rounds should take place before the whole group decides to end the challenging portion of the exercise. After this all should sit in a circle and discuss any interesting exchanges, especially those that brought up new and innovative thoughts or dispelled long-held beliefs that no longer seem valid. In this way we as wolves challenge one another and so make each other strong.

Also, just as wolves kill the weak and allow only the strong to survive, we kill off those beliefs which are only long-held superstitions and have no place in a religion of the wise.