From: Wyrmwood
My view on the position of "Elder" and what it means.
To me, the term "Elder" relates to a person's life experience (and hopefully, with it wisdom), their willingness to share their experience and wisdom, as well as to approve and bless the activities of younger people, and to be the "grandparent" of their community.
There are ideal Elders (intelligent, willing to help others, able to put the needs of the community before their own needs) and less-than-ideal Elders (have no idea, not willing to help others, selfish, power-hungry or manipulative), and every shade in-between. But as far as I can work out, the main criteria is age (life-experience), and the fact that others regard you as an Elder. There is a difference between being an Elder of your magickal/religious tradition/craft and being an elder of the community, as in the former you are restricting yourself to a select group. There is no problem with this as far as I can see, but it is worth remembering that there are many people within a greater community that don't have access to an Elder, but wish or need their services.
There are those in the community who have "Elder qualities" but not the age/life experience. These people can be called "guides", but they are not Elders. Certainly, having the knowledge and an understanding of responsibility helps to make a good elder, but is not essential to being an elder.
Sometimes taking on the position of "Elder" within a community requires you to give up your position of authority (to pass on leadership or relinquish your position on a council). Having the respect associated with the position of "Elder" from a group/community by giving up your authority can, in my opinion, make you stronger and very useful to that community (although in a different way as to a leader). It is also a way to assist the new leader(s) to be good leaders.
The function and responsibility of the Elder?
First: to oneself - to commit to lifelong learning: learning is something that should occur throughout your life, not abandoned just because you consider yourself "old". By having this attitude, you are more useful to those who come to you for help.
Second: to your community - to observe the members of the community, how the community functions, interrelationships and so on and to be prepared to discuss these issues privately with the heads/leaders of the community if warranted; to introduce discussion within the the community for the purpose of drawing forth information from members rather than imposing one's own views (which can be done by teaching by guidance rather than decree - instruction is the responsibility of the leaders/heads). Being of the community but not in it one must never interfere with the internal workings but must be prepared to provide input or assistance when requested to do so. A greatly undervalued role is to bless events/activities - and by doing so, giving a "wise person's" approval. More on this [here] (external link - will open a new window)
Third: to the spiritual needs of the community - through teaching ritual, mythology/stories and core beliefs, and by example.
The above are points which explain what a good elder might be (or at least part of what a good elder might be) - but are not essential to being an elder. Even an elder who is unintelligent or power-hungry has something to teach.
Simplicity is best - a love of your beliefs and spirituality, and a willingness, perhaps even eagerness to serve it to the best of one's abilities and by whatever means become available.
If you have different views to what being an Elder is, or are an Elder within your community, I would love to hear from you - either by email or by signing my guestbook. I am not an Elder myself and know I do not have all the answers or even the life-experience to truly understand what being an Elder is, but I believe I have some understanding, and certainly a deep-seated need to see more visible and accessible Elders within my and others community.
thanks and blessings (and thanks to Jack for your ideas on this subject!)
Wyrmwood