How Long do You Wait to Tell Someone....

[CloakofStars9]

that you are into and/or practice the magickal arts???

i tend to wait a while to get to know a person first, some people i have experienced seem to judge to harshly when they don't even really understand it in the first place or want to, i had this problem with a relationship of mine last year, i never talked about it because he was a Babtist and pretty much made fun of anything else other than that religion, needless to say that didn't last long, but now i am dating someone else i haven't really said anything as of yet, besides a few things here and there, just to test the waters ya know...

well anyway, just wondering what you all usually do
thanx!:D

[Ahautenites]

Once I started practicing in earnest, everyone online knew what I was. I didn't see any reason to hide it. I didn't have any friends at that point (literally, I was completely friendless for six years), so that wasn't a worry. Virtually all of my current circle of friends are non-Christians so it's not an issue for them because I met them on Wiccan/Pagan boards. Everyone at AMR knew after about a year. No one at the daycare place knew, and no one at my current job knows. (I work for a very uptight Evangelical Christian reverend who is in politics.) My brother has known because he saw my altar set up in my room and guessed a couple years ago. My parents didn't find out until this past Christmas.

The beauty of being Kemetic is that I can wear an ankh and no one thinks to ask, "Are you ancient Egyptian????"

[Semele]

Only if and when it becomes relevant, which is usually not very often.

[MammaStar]

I have to agree with Semele. Those that need to know, know already. I don't go around, "hi, nice to meet you. I'm a witch."

I have a good friend, who is a devout Catholic. I haven't told her and I don't plan to. Unless of course, she ever asked me.

[CloakofStars9]

ya thats how i feel too ;)

[WitchJezebel]

*nods* I feel the same way. I don't have many "superclose" friends, and 2 of my 3 best friends are witches and the other knows and it was never an issue cuz he's known me all my life. Most everyone I know on an acquaintance level knows or suspects but it's never been anything formally discussed unless they ask. If they ask I'll tell otherwise it doesn't really come up.

[Old Witch]

Today must be my day to reminisce about my friend:D I wear my pentacles openly, but no one seems to ever ask about them........ But I don't go telling to everyone I meet........Use your common sense, you'll know when the time comes, if it every does. But about my friend and me, we had been friends for years, when one day she called to tell me her daughter was Wiccan and she was really concerned about it.........I took a deep breath and told her I had been a witch for years and that I started out Wiccan. There was a stunned silence, and she said "You're kidding".......I said no but I'd drive over with some of my books and she could learn what it really was all about (Her daughter was away at college at the time) It turned out that she and her husband (Catholics) had all their their fears allayed and they supported their daughter to the fullest.........And she and I were closer than ever.......

Ah, Memories........

[cydira]

Well, I've had bad experiences and I've had good experiences with openly expressing my beliefs.

I think it's something that must be handled on a case by case basis. And you need to use your better judgement.

Also, make it clear that they're *your* beliefs and that you don't expect the other person to immediately share or agree with you on them. Alot of people think that if you're discussing religious beliefs that you're out to convert them rather then have an honest discussion.

I've noticed that when I make it clear that I'm not trying to convert any one that people are more comfortable around me. I also take the approach that if you want to convert me to your faith system, show me why I should, don't tell me. I adhere to the whole lead by example concept. :D

Don't know if it helps, but there's my 2 cents. :)

PS: You know, from what I've noticed, Catholics are generally amoung the most accpting of pagans when you look at the various sects of Christianity. Unitarians and Eposcopalians/Anglicans are also very accepting, but I've gotten a very ... warm reaction from Catholics. They've genrally stated that they disagree with my perspective but are interested in understanding it. There's just an order or two that I'll avoid discussing paganism with.

[Tarbh Nathroch]

I tend to tell new people when they put it together or figure it out. Eventually they just see the clues around your home and in how you live your life and ask. So I have no timeline for telling. I just let it come up.

[serenarian]

I don't bother to tell people. I keep myself to myself. If they ask I would tell the truth, but I don't make a point of declaring it to them.

[LdyWolfPrints]

I guess it all depends on the situation. I don't usually hold to don't ask, don't tell. However, I view it like I view politics. It's not a discussion that usually comes up in my life. Those who need to know, know. When people ask me, and yes, at times it comes up at work, if I'm religious (I've never been asked if I'm a Christian) I tell them yes, and that I have found it to be a very peaceful place for me. When asked what I believe, I tell them. The word "witch" has not really come up. I share my beliefs as they are and what they mean to me.

I have to agree that its on a case by case thing. There are just certain things about me that I don't share with anyone, and then there are people who know me well. :::shrugs::: It just all depends.

Personally, if I've known a person a long time, they know.

[CloakofStars9]

i agree with you guys, it does depend

thanx for answering!