coming out of the broom closet

[LunarWind]

hello, like i said in my last thread, i a newbe witch and new to this lovely community. My parents are very closed minded people, and catholic to boot, but i really feel that they should know about my faith. Are their any good ways of talking to them about wicca, or should i keep them in the dark about it? thanks

[clef0628]

I'm not all the way out of the closet yet. I usally bring up paganism as more of a topic to talk about. I begin by just asking people their veiws on it. I don't tell them I'm pagan. When, I hear their view, I go into explaning a little about mostly telling them that it is not devil worship or anything like that. I tell them what it is how people believed in the old-days. I try and stay away from magick, but just give a general over view. If they seem to have an open-mind about, I may tell them at that pagan. Personally, I would not tell my parents around a holiday like Christmas. People seem to have stronger faith at this time. Which is good, but in a lot of cases it closes their minds to other things.

[MammaStar]

There's also a few threads floating around here about the subject. From what I understand by your profile, you are still under your parents influence. What I mean is, they still pay for your shelter, food, clothing, etc. Is that correct?? If so, I would hold off telling them for a while. Read and study more, so when you are ready to sit down with them and discuss it, you will have information for them to process and calm their fears and answer questions intelligently, instead of as some kid who's confused.

I'm not totally out, and I'm 31! I have many reasons. One, is my son & his school. The other is that while my mother knows and respects my path, I haven't told my Dad. His wife is probably just as or even more close minded than your own parents and I don't feel like having a fight and risking losing my Dad over this. My faith is important to me, but not as much as risk losing my Dad. So I keep quiet about it. It doesn't bother me, because I'm comfortable with the way I choose to practice.

Read up some more, maybe glance through the different threads about the subject hear, and then decide what you want to do.

[Nissala]

I am also a newbe and I am not out of the closet. It's not parents I have to worry about it's my husband that doesn't know. We were both raised baptist and things like this have always scared him so he chooses not to deal with it. So I will remain hidden until such a time comes I think he will understand...if that time ever comes....

This probably doesn't help your delimma but just wanted to let you know you are not alone :D

[LunarWind]

thanks for the hlp so far, o and LdyStarlite, yes i do still live under my parents control.

[~**foxglove**~]

LunarWind, I understand how difficult it can be when you're in that position, because in essence, that is where I am at this very moment: unsure whether I should reveal the truth or just continue the way that I am. You see, although my parents are not religious as such, and regard themselves as fairly open minded, I do not believe that they would react particularly well to what I practice and believe in. So I am undecided as to whether telling them will achieve much for me.

However, I am fortunate in that one of my closest friends holds fairly similar beliefs to my own and we can discuss different things with each other, so in a way, I don't feel the need to 'come out of the broom closet' as such. That, and I have this community here to remind me that I'm not completely alone, hehe! I am who I am, and I don't need to explain or justify it to other people.

At the end of the day though, your beliefs are your own, it's a personal thing and there is no law saying that people must be aware of them. Until you really feel that you can reveal this in the gentlest way possible to your parents, without causing conflict, keep learning and continue on by yourself, just as I am. And don't let it worry you, okay? :)

[white_draco]

I am fully out of the broom closet to my family aleast around my house, it seems like they are more accepting over my gay brother then me, maybe if I come out and tell them that I am a bisexual they will treat me better, but I'll save that surprise for next year :rolleyes:


How I came outta the Broom Closet was by my brother snooping around while I was looking at some sites on Witchcraft, of course he told my mom like a little 18 year old cry baby. So my mom and dad talked to me about it and they just told me to be careful and I told them this is what I want to do and I won't change for them or anybody.

Ever since then my mom can't really understand how I can be so openminded and be so tolerant of some people. Her curiousity has landed her and bro into beating me up and quite a few verbal arguments.

Just remember that if you're under the age of adulthood and you're in your parent's house, you can practice your religion privately without them knowing. Yet once you tell them, they can tell you not to practice it and throw away any "Pagan Paraphanalia". I have books all over my room that are Pagan/Wiccan/Occult books and I am about to put a spell on them so they will never be destroyed.

Your parents are your parents, not telling them about your religion is not something you're going to get struck by lightning for not telling. I'm sure they didn't tell you about alot of things. This is how I see it : If they don't tell you about you sex life then you don't have to tell them about your religious life. BUT if you want to tell them GO AHEAD , just make sure it's something you won't regret....


- White Draco -:)

[LunarWind]

wow the people in this community are great, i appricate all the kind words and your willingness to open up and share your stories w/me. Thank you all so much! i look forward to getting to kow you all!

[Eeluna]

I am over forty years old and my mother doesn't know. I think religion is a personal thing, and while I'd love to be open about it, I know my mother would be hurt by the revelation. She is a devout Christian and doesn't have a tolerant view of other paths.
I do love her though, and I don't want to hurt her so I keep my secret. I agree that you should consider long and hard before you reveal your religious feelings to your parents. Being dependent upon them for all your needs gives them a right to dictate certain rules to you. I believe a person can continue their worship of the Gods without any tools or books whatsoever. It is in our minds and our hearts that we meet with them, but it may make your life more difficult and stressful if you tell your parents and they are intolerant of your deepest beliefs. Perhaps the best thing for you to do is to meditate upon the issue (maybe many times) until the proper course of action becomes clear to you. I wish you the best. Blessed be.

[Siren]

And most of my family knows about it....*grin*

although, for some reason, my mother wanted me to stay in with my extended family....can't figure out why....since they all find it interesting....

but, for school i work for a christian organization....so i kinda have to stay in the closet there....just cause, well, they are christian....they aren't mean about it...and aren't the preachy type....but.....i don't wanna cause any waves....

other than that....most people accept me...and find it interesting....


I have jsut recently got into contact with a guy i knew four years ago....long long story there.....

but, we ended up talking about wicca and paganism and he and i have talked since...(okay, it hasn't been all that long, but we've definitely had great conversations.....)

anyway, good luck, and bright blessings

:rotfl: