Are you out of the broom closet?

[mol]

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-- Posted by sin on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I think this is a good new pagan topik. oh, hi everyone. i have not been here much. but its cool here. i like it.

I am out..almost everyone knows I am a witch.





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-- Posted by Jazzmine on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I am not out of the closet. My husband and son know, my mother suspects, because my son likes to talk, he is 16. But I don't go around saying that I am a Witch. Of course, I don't say that I am not either. I live in a small community and I don't know how people would react.





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-- Posted by Rosabelle on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

i was (i guess) never in the broom closet. i'm not a witch, just pagan, but as soon as i got interested i told people. my best friends, my mum and lots of other people.
Rosabelle

(Edited by Rosabelle at 11:58 am on Feb. 4, 2001)





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-- Posted by eaglewolf on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I would tell you, but I am not out yet, so won't.

~ew

;)





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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969



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Quote: from eaglewolf on 11:33 am on Feb. 4, 2001
I would tell you, but I am not out yet, so won't.

~ew
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* waving a piece of fresh meat in the air* Come on boy, you can do it!! Come on out of there. There is a whole world out here!!
Semele

;)





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-- Posted by Fairyelf on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

The only people that know of my chosen path is my sister and good friend, and the father of my kids. My entire family does not know, i dont know how they would react. They are all very religious Catholic people so they will probably think im satanic or something.





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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Ahhhh..the question of questions. i am out of the closet to everyone that needs to know. Thats it. My wife, son, friends..

The people that it would only cause grief...they dont know. Why tell them? Then I would be bringing harm to them and i cant do that. So, I live. It doesnt make a difference to me who knows and who doesnt. It only matters that I know.

Many Blessings! And welcome back sin. Have not seen you in quite a while.





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-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

My family, friends and to my immediate co-workers close to me are aware. I do not wear my pentacle necklace at work, as it is best that I keep on my protective black tourmaline necklace during that time, but I do wear my pentacle earrings.





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-- Posted by Rain Dragonhorn on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Very few people know that i am what you called a witch. I like the term Planeswalker alot better but hey what can you do. Anyway in my line of work its not that smart to let people know what i am. I work for the a local police dept. and most people wouldnt be happy if they new because i live in whats called the bible belt. My wife knows, buts thats about it. Well a few people i work with have some clue as to what i do but other than that, not a soul. :)





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-- Posted by Mairwen on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Am very much out.

Besides, I think "being in" means that you're afraid of truly walking your Path. I have more to say about this ~ but it can be found on my website ... http://pagan.drak.net/feymariblue/broom.html.





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-- Posted by Ari on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I was only out to my immediate family and closest friends, until my mother decided to show off my website to my uncle and aunt, as well as one of her colleagues from Virginia who I hardly knew :(





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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969



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Quote: from Ari on 12:26 am on Feb. 5, 2001
I was only out to my immediate family and closest friends, until my mother decided to show off my website to my uncle and aunt, as well as one of her colleagues from Virginia who I hardly knew :(
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Gotta love dear old mom! :biggrin: Always good fun at parties and the Prom! Ack!

Blessings!




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-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

***Press Release***

From: Pagan Unity Campaign Political Action Committee (PUC PAC)
Subj: I Am Project
Dist: Please Distribute Unedited Copies Freely

Body: Today, the Pagan Unity Campaign announced the start of a new political awareness project for Americans who follow one of the many diverse
religions of Paganism.

Broadly defined, Paganism is a life-affirming, positive, Earth-centric religion. Many in mainstream American culture wrongly believe that Paganism is associated with Satanism or devil worship. "We do not even believe in Satan. That is part of the Judeo-Christian faith." says Storm Bear Williams, Chief Political Strategist of the PUC PAC.

The I Am Project is an effort to introduce Pagans to their elected officials in local, state and federal governments.

The Project works like this, Pagans from across the country get a postcard that has a picture of their city, favorite local museum or other local scene and write on the back; "I am a Pagan ____."
The blank can be anything like Mother, Son, Veteran, Banker, Cook, Teacher, etc.

To make all the postcards make a more cohesive message, Mr. Williams had some suggestions. "We would appreciate all volunteers to add the PUC PAC tag line; 'I am free. We are united.' to the bottom of each card. This will be the glue for all the cards.
Also we suggest that everyone stick to the
single sentence 'I am a Pagan ____.' format.
If you are a Mother and a teacher, then send in two cards! Lastly, use your return address as your privacy needs warrant. For those in the community who are safely out of the closet, please use your real name and full return address. If you need to remain in the closet, consider using your initials. We would appreciate everyone at least including their ZIP code on each card. It is important for the politicians to know that you are actually in their district."

When a Congressman gets several thousand postcards with scenes from their district, that he or she are familiar with, the impact is much more personal than if everyone sends in a generic postacrd or if everyone sends the same postcard.

The Pagan community needs to divert itself away from negative sterotypes and show their existance and positive contributions in the population.

The Project will culminate with all Pagans sending in their cards with a postmark on or near the Summer Solstice. We ask that everyone mail them at
the same time for maximum political and psychological impact.

The I Am Project is just the first of several postcard campaigns that the PUC PAC is planning. Other messages will center on freedom, liberty and
finish up with a vote awareness campaign that will conclude shortly before the Congressional elections in 2002.

For complete details on the I Am Project at http://www.paganunitycampaign.org/iam.

"The United States is not a Christian nation any more than it is a Jewish or a Mohammedan nation."
-- Treaty of Tripoli (1797) signed by John Adams

***End Press Release***






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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Thanks for the info, Litha. I will check that out...

Love and Light!





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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Yes Litha Thankks. I had forwarded a copy of that to Mol already telling him I thought it was great. A nice way to let the guys know without beating their doors down demanding religious freedom blah, blah,blah!!
Semele





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-- Posted by Litha on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

aHa! great minds think alike...and now you have a seething community full of us, hehhehe!
Last count I think was 95 :)





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-- Posted by Shatav on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Well, I guess you'd say if it wasn't for my husband, I'd be completely out of the closet. Unfortunately, his side of the family are stict Baptists, and he doesn't want to offend or scare his grandparents. It's a hard thing for me to do...I mean, I've always been open with it, running alternative religious discussion groups in college, little healing circles and whatnot.

But he cares for his grandparents and doesn't want to give them the heartache of thinking that I'm "satan's child". They're not going to change. I know that, so why make them feel bad?

Anyhow, out of respect for how my husband feel for his grandparents, that side of the family just talks about us behind our backs. My family however came to our handfasting, which was a few months before our legal marriage (both of which were done by my mentor and an alternative religious gal herself. :))

Shatav





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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969



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Quote: from Shatav on 5:54 pm on Feb. 5, 2001

But he cares for his grandparents and doesn't want to give them the heartache of thinking that I'm "satan's child". They're not going to change. I know that, so why make them feel bad
Shatav
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And I concur...most of my family are Christian and I will not tell them...am I ashamed? Absolutely NOT! But me telling them would only cause heartache (thinking that I will go to Hell) so I choose not to cause that. I love my family...and harming them is last thing I want to do.

Blessed Be.




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-- Posted by eaglewolf on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Many of our friends know we are Pagan, but it is not our tradition to "out"... never has been.

Though many things are changing within our tradition, it is a slow process as we highly respect the ideals of our elders, past and present.

The internet has afforded us a good start, but only time will tell...

~ew





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-- Posted by Kaylara on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I'm out of the Broom closet with everyone except my father. It's not that I hide it around him, he just hasn't caught on. He is a Southern Baptist, and had some experience with "witchcraft" when he was with my mother. (Then again, he tells me that I was kidnapped by my "mother's cult" for a week, and used in their "black magick")

Other than that, I think everyone in my family knows, and accepts that this is my choice and my path, and they know that I am not stupid, and would not just jump blindly into something. My co-workers all know, my boss got me a book on it for Yule this year, and the VP was telling me to make sure that no houses got dropped on me before my insurance kicked in. (jokingly)

Blessed Be!
Kaylara






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-- Posted by Mairwen on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Litha ~ that wasn't supposed to be released until the 9th ... Then again, it's been circulating for about a week now, even though it wasn't supposed to yet. Might I ask how you came to it?





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-- Posted by mol on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969



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Quote: from Kaylara on 9:49 am on Feb. 8, 2001
jump blindly into something. My co-workers all know, my boss got me a book on it for Yule this year, and the VP was telling me to make sure that no houses got dropped on me before my insurance kicked in. (jokingly)

Blessed Be!
Kaylara


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Hahaha...priceless. I had a buddy of mine at work that got me a broom. Said: "This is in case your car breaks down!"

:cheesy:




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-- Posted by Shatav on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969



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I had a buddy of mine at work that got me a broom. Said: "This is in case your car breaks down!"


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:biggrin: That's great! Those who take the time to ask me know. Most of the people where I work are too scared, though. The rumor mill says I'm a Satanist and sacrificed a baby at my wedding or some other hogwash. Oh well, if they're not bold enough to approach me, they don't know what they're missing!

:cool:




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-- Posted by Kaylara on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I have been lucky enough to find a job with some of the most wonderful people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. My boss is deeply religious, but does not judge. (and yes he is christian)
He was going to buy himself the book that he gave me for Yule, but thought I would like it better. (It was a Silver RavenWolf book, but the thought was nice.) (I don't like her style of writing.)
It's nice because at my last job, my boss completely ridiculed me infront of the entire staff because of my beliefs when she found out that I am Wiccan. The whole staff joined in on the taunting, and I went home that day crying, and ready to quit right then and there. I was completely outraged when she started telling me what my religion is all about. (as though she had any idea) It really hurt though, when my aunt (who also worked at this place) sat there and said "this is why I always say that we aren't related." and continued about how "stupid" my religious beliefs were. So, I am no stranger to how horrible people can be. I am getting upset just thinking about that incident. Sometimes, people can be such a******s!
Blessed Be!
Kaylara





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-- Posted by eaglewolf on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

If someone is verbally abusive to me or my views, I just turn the other cheek, lean way back and kick their teeth in... :biggrin:

...actually, I seldom run into that problem around here. Wish I knew the secret, but I think we are all just "tested" in different ways.

~ew







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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

My boss is vaguely interested in my religion. She is just thrilled that I am availiable to work on the more traditional Christian holy days, but sometimes confused when I ask for certain nights off. She has said more than once, "now what are you, Jewish??" I tell her and she says, "oh yeah..you really will have to tell me all about it sometime." Luckily enough I work weekend nights..mostly and don't have a lot of time to sit and chat with her. I do like the fact that she is respectful though.
Semele





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-- Posted by Armitage on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

I'm sorta dangling half-in half-out of the door. :)
Most of my friends know, or have found out, but I'm still weird about telling family. Then again, it's not really foremost in my mind. Spirituality is a private and personal thing, and anyone who goes around screaming what they are seems to just want attention, IMO. If my mom asked I'd probably tell her, though.





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-- Posted by semele on 7:00 pm on Dec. 31, 1969

Armitage,
I agree with you very much. It is not important to tell everyone you know or for every word out of your mouth to be related to spirituality. Many Christians, who I am very close to, seem to have to praise God or make some religion based comment about each and everything they encounter. I often find myself thinking that they have to keep doing this to keep their self on the right path. Not every Christian and not only Christians. I don't want to sound like I am badmouthing them. It is just that they are the most prevelent or at least most outspoken in our community. I have a wonderful relationship with God and I rarely, if ever discuss it even with my husband, let alone strangers in the mall. I hate for strangers to come up to me and say "do you know God loves you?" I usually just say yes, thank you. But I really want to say, "why yes I do know that..and do you?? Obviously not or you wouldn't feel the need to go around telling everyone and looking for it in return." Of course I realise how immature and childish that is, so I behave.
Semele






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[Niamh]

MM, All!
This is a tough one... yes and no? I can discuss my path with various people with whom I am close, but my parents and most family members do not know. I have not made it a point to tell them. However, I am growing less and less "careful" about what I say in front of them. I feel that as time goes by and I express my views more readily (as opposed to just keeping my mouth shut and listening) they'll figure things out on thier own! I think that will be the best way for them to "find out."

[Wyrdsister]

MM all,

I'd definitely have to say I'm in the broom closet (perhaps the title of my website would give you a clue? ;)

There are people who know, mostly very close friends. I'm not sure if my mom knows I identify as pagan, but we have talked a lot about different religions including paganism. For her birthday several years ago I bought her Margot Adler's Drawing Down the Moon. She really loved the book, but definitely felt that paganism was not for her. ;)

Wyrdsister

[Trevi]

It makes me very sad to think I cant tell many people about my prefrences. As I have said in other posts, I have told people in the past and had to switch jobs. My mother almost became a nun, so telling her would cause a LOT of pain and discomfort. She suspects, but my mom is notorious for thinking if she ignores something it isn't happening. My husband knows and I am easing my 12 year old into it now because he's been asking. My hubby is a Druid and is very verbal to anyone and anything and I am always telling him not to mention it. The woman next door to us actually moved out because she overheard me on the phone with a friend talking about spells!!
I don't like being called a "witch" because of all the stigma attached to it, but I guess I am one!

[Amethyst Rose]

I'm mostly out -- I have about one foot left in it, but that's about it. I don't hide what I am and I certianly don't lie about it, I just don't talk about it.
With my friends and with people in the community I am completly open, I even have a pentacle hanging from the review mirror in my car. With my immediate family, I just haven't said anything. Between my pentacle ring, my Wiccan website and many other things, I think that they just figured it out on their own.
As for my Christian relatives, I would never come right out and tell them... my grandma wouldn't be able to handle it at all.... but I say "blessed be" after meal prayers instead of amen.... maybe they'll all figure it out eventually too....

[mol]

Originally posted by Trevi

I don't like being called a "witch" because of all the stigma attached to it, but I guess I am one!


Ack. I know what you mean...but we cant live our lives based on other peoples fear.

I dont tell people because its none of their business. Family, most dont know because it would hurt them (Christian - hellbound you now?) but others...Bah! i am not going to go out of my way to hide my Path.

[Nyxee]

If the topic comes up in conversation, I'll quite cheerfully chip in with my 2c. However, in New Zealand atheists (or at least agnostics) are the norm, and anyone with strong spiritual beliefs is sort of ridiculed (gently). We do have a big Christian population (after all, the first European settlers here were Christian missonaries, and that was only a few hundred years ago), but nothing like the rampant fundamentalism you hear about in the US.

My peers (mostly 17 - 25 year olds) have very little interest in spirituality as a whole... My bf is Wiccan, as are two other mates, one friend is Roman Catholic, and I'm on good terms with a few Anglicans. Otherwise, more 'mundane' concerns rule peoples lives. Most of my friends are aware of my religious practices.

My parents, and current guardians, are aware of my practices (my bf's father calls me 'witchypoo') but don't see it as a serious thing. I'm not too worried by it all. I have been warned, however, to steer clear of religious discussions around my bf's other relatives, as they are devout Christians who have had some bad experiences with 'fruitloop witches' (fakers).

I wear a small pewter pentacle engraved with celtic knots, and have only had one comment on it, from a workmate. I had my bf's dad register my domain name for me. I have had a discussion with my bf's mum on the 'evils' of tarot.

I guess I'm out :)

Blessings

Mellee

[SilverMoon999]

Well... interesting question. Up until this year I was still stuck in the broom closet. I was too afraid to tell anyone about my religious beliefs. You see I attend Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario. Formaly known as Waterloo Luterian University. I am also in a business program. In order for me to best get along with my peers its easier to fit into what they consider the "norm"... which would be Christian and rather traditional.

About two months ago I was diagnosed with Clinical Depression. Although it has been an upward battle to recovery I am starting to discover new things about myself. I am stronger, more mature and wiser than I was just six months ago. I am no longer afraid of what people think of me. I have this new found confidence which has enabled me (just recently) to come out. I'm glad I have because I'm finding that more people talk to me know and that I have the respect of my peers even thought I don't necessariy fit into the "norm".

[Litha]

I don't mind at all being called a witch.
It reminds me of people who whould snear
and call me braniac in grade school.

Kinda like, um, yeah, and so?!

To each his own.
Yep, I like to prance about in the moonlight outside.
Don't let that stop anyone from their WWF rumble on TV.

[Mariposa De La Luna]

I am definitely in the closet and its not lonely in here.
I think this needs to be brought up in a poll on the main board.Maybe I will maybe I won't . we'll see

[Mairwen]

I have a broom closet poll on my website.

http://pagan.drak.net/feymariblue/broom.html

[Lady Tana]

i am not in the 'broom closet'

and in fact.. at work they are starting a 'newsletter' for our 'team' and i have added website links to here and a few other pagan/wiccan sites...

heh.. and have had a few people say how awesome this one is... :D

[Sleeping Ghost]

yeah im out... it was hadest to come out w/ my mom.. since she was raised christian. but my dad dont care i just cant tell my grandpa and grandma on my mom's side (they're hardcore catholic).

[Kalima]

Like others here, I am out to everyone BUT my family. (I'm surpirsed there are actually others in a similar situation. I've never come across anyone in my situation before).
My mother and father are Catholic and professed atheist respectively, and both just think I'm 'a little weird'.
As do my grandparents and assorted other relatives. I'm not going to dis-abuse them of this notion ;)

I've been wary of letting the cat out of the bag, because I have heard some of the horror stories ... but surprisingly, have met with very little hostility.

And now via the Internet I'm a member of a wonderful group of friends of all different faiths, who are caring and supportive of each other. It's such a wonder to be able to share thoughts and experiences that are Pagan-related with a christian friend, and find them interested and respectful, and wanting to share back. :)

[Amethyst Rose]

I have come so close to telling my family that I'm a witch, multiple times.... or at least, to telling my mom. The last time I considered it was at my university graduation, when the familiy all went out lunch after the ceremony.
We were all sitting around the table talking, when some how an old friend of mine from junior high was brought up. This is what was said: "her mom had to get her deprogrammed because she was in a coven of witches!!"
The reaction around the table was like she had killed someone, everyone was so shocked and utterly disapproving.
I decided that day never to say anything.... just let them figure it out on their own.
Granted.... it was my Christian relatives that were so shocked...I think my mom (who's agnostic) just found it amusing, but still... it scared me enough to keep quiet. :)

[Trevi]

I must say, I've felt that fear before too! I was a part of a very good actors guild in Massachusetts and my mother would get ulcers when we got together for warm-ups and voice exercises and rehersals! She would always ask "does anyone do drugs? Do they ever ask you to lick stamps? Do they ever say anything bad about your parents or God?" It was awful!
AND THIS WAS JUST AN ACTORS GUILD!!

Most of these people were Jewish and Protestant! She was so paranoid that they were into, what she would call "witchcraft" that it scared me into not ever saying anything to her. The funny thing was, I think I was the only witch there! :)

[sherry]

I guess I'm dangling in the doorway too! I have no fear of telling people, But my family has fear of someone trying to hurt me because of it. At times I feel hurt by thier comments about hidding me because I feel they are ashamed of my path. The more they learn the more calm about things they become.
At family reunion we had quite a discussion on this, What a variety of opinions there are in just our family.
My close friends are Wiccan and some are just begining to explore the idea of it. Some are just to understand me better some are because they don't understand themselves!! I feel a few are because they think they can learn all they have seen on TV and in the MOVIES
I just tell THEM good luck it don't work that way!!

[Shirley]

Hi! I am Sherry's Mom. I feel I need to add to this as I have known what I was for years and my family all have it to a degree. A very wise person(my father) once said yes we all have this, it is from God, most people don't understand and are afraid....so use it wisely but don't tell anyone. Those that have it will recognize it; those that don't won't and no one will get jurt. I have had a fear that someone not understanding our gift would hurt us, so no I very seldom tell anyone. I was originally afraid to go on this site for fear that someone would know me and hurt someone I love by my admission. There are still people in this world, that is "so enlightened" that don't understand and fear us. They can hurt you. I wish people would just live and let live, but that isn't the human way. If you don't understand some attack even in this day and age.
I guess i am what you all call a kitchen witch. I have just done things from need or emotion all my life. Never knew any spells or rituals. I am Christian and never felt it interferred in what i did.

[Shirley]

oops typo......hurt not jurt! Not enough coffee I guess.

[Dextra]

I am definitley out of the closet. I am way too opinionated for my own good. As I mentioned in another post, Mairwen, another friend and I were involved in a protest and were decked out in full ritual gear! Ok, they were, but my robe was at the cleaners!:D

We were on the news and on the front page of the local paper. I didn't get a lot of flack about it. The only thing that was mentioned about it from my family was my mom. She groaned to my boyfriend, "Make her stop..."
She was just kidding though. I'm a Taurus all the way. There is no "making me stop." :D

My friends ask me questions all the time. They're very fascinated about my beliefs, and I gladly oblige them. My family doesn't say too much about it. My mom still thinks it's a phase I'm going through. An 8 year phase? Come on now, mom. However, my granny is very understanding and often tells me about her dreams she has, that she sees my grandpa's spirit around the house, etc. She's very into astrology and had me make up a natal chart for her and I've even read the tarot for her once!

I guess I was in the closet for a couple of years, but the longer I was a witch, the more confidence I gained, and I just didn't care what people thought anymore. And I'm very happy with my station in life!

[Earth Walker]

Out of the broom closet, and into the vacuum closet.
:P:

[bluecat]

Out of the Broom Closet?

Coming out of the Broom Closet is a very personal and important decision. Inclusive is the question of how far out of the closet we are going to come and can we retreat back into the closet if we feel it necessary?

Coming out of the closet should be carefully considered because there are many factors in this decision that may have a profound impact on not only your life but that of your family and your home. Considerations include your work and social environment, your family, parents, siblings, spouse, children are an immediate concern as well as any other relative that may be affected by your coming out. Are you truly ready for this and are you truly a Pagan or is this just some sort of "statement" you desire to make because you wish to rebel, be cool, fit in with some crowd or just be plain stupid.

Let's take a close look at some of the questions you might ask yourself before you open that closet door? Not necessarily in any order or importance, except for the first one, it is perhaps the most important.

1. Why do I want to declare to the world that I am a (fill in the blank) ? Is it because;

a. I am and have made a commitment to my life as a Pagan.

b. There is someone I wish to shock (friends, family, schoolmates, pastor, etc)>

c. I am upset at my parents and wish to rebel against their way of life. (Also goes with b above.)

d. I want to make people think I am cool or I am trying to impress a friend or certain group of friends.

e. I wish to belong to a certain group and this is a requirement to being a part of the "in" crowd.

f. This is my life and how I choose to live.

The questions get deeper.

2. Why do I choose this way of life?

3. How will my family and friends react?

a. How and/or when will I tell my family?

b. What if my family rejects me or my ideas, how will I react to that?

4. How will this change my life? Do I desire a positive change or it is just change I desire?

5. Is this just something for today; this week; this month? Is this the flavor of the month for me?

6. Am I willing to study and continually advance my knowledge in my craft?

7. How much do I know, or think I know?

8. Am I willing to consider new things and new ways of thinking?

9. Who am I to do this? Am I really who I say I am?

10. Am I prepared for what might come out of this?

This is not an all inclusive list nor is it meant to be an authoritive list, but every decision should have a beginning and perhaps these questions will cause you to ask yourself other questions about why you want to come out of the Broom Closet.

How or why did I do it and am I completely out?

Well, life is certainly complicated. I am 46 years of age and have been practicing for as long as I can recall, although I kept it well hidden from many of my friends and family for most of my life. It was important to blend in for most of the time and I went as far as join some churches that were strongly anti-witch; Yes, boys and girls I was actually a member of a Southern Baptist congregation, but it was not a lasting relationship, I could no longer withstand the narrow lines required to be a member of such a group. There seemed to be too much do as I say and not as I do in their world.

From there I went to become a Mormon, yes, boys and girls, a Mormon, although I was not a very good Mormon. I was even married in the Salt Lake City temple. I knew how to act as I should so others would accept me but many of my ideas did were just too different from theirs. The biggest difference was in the way the Mormon church saw minorities and women. I was simply amazed at how the church suddenly received a revelation about giving the priesthood to black men, after there was the threat of a lawsuit. Why did it take a lawsuit for "God" to tell there Prophet that a Black man who was descended from Africa was worthy of the priesthood?

There was also the question of the station of a woman in the church. The more I saw of how women were treated and the fact that they were supposed to just create children. This has a great deal to do with the churches belief in "the pre-existance," where spirits are waiting to come to the earth and be tested in a sense. I saw too many very large families that could barely support themselves. On the other hand there were amny good things about the church and how they took care of their own, it's just that you had to tow the line to hard.

Now the hot button question; am I totally out? No, I am saddened to say that I have tempered my exit from the closet. I presently live in a small New Mexico city that would not be tolerant of my being out. I have lived in other places where I was more public and that is a sort of sad testament to the isolation of this place. My sister, her immediate family (most of them) and many of my friends here know I am Pagan and there are mixed reactions.

My sister sort of accepts it, but she is always trying in very subtle ways to "show me" the right way. I believe she knows it is futile, but if she did not do it she would not be my sister and I would somehow be dissappointed in her. I respect her beliefs.

My parents, I believe, suspect something. I have always been different; I am not sure what they thought, but I am not out to them, I strongly believe that it would be way too much for them. I sincerely hope that I am not underestimating them, but I don't think I am because of all of my past experiences. There are links in my family to the Craft and my parents did everything they could to steer me away from them. That is why I would not wish to come out to them in such a way. I have always maintained that if they asked I would tell, they have never asked, it is sort of a don't ask don't tell thing.



My ex-wife and I were both on different branches of the same path. Our beliefs were not what caused our separation, there were other differences. She is still important to me and a beloved friend, I am fortunate in this aspect.



There is a friend, whom I consider my best friend, without qualification or doubt. I have known her longer than either one of us would like to admit (it's an age thing, ya know). I am not sure if she had any idea at all about my Pagan leanings until we were reunited as adults many years later. It seems that we were both inclined in that direction I am happy to say and even though we have some philosophical differences we love and respect each other. We had a link from the moment we met, this person will not be my life mate, but I will be connected to her for the rest of my life and beyond.

To make a quick conclusion to this, I wish to say that coming out is a personal choice and we must take many things into consideration, but for me the most important is our personal committment to the path we have taken, the path as well as our committment must be taken seriously.

Remember, we are here to love and teach one another.


http://www.bluecatsden.com/closet.html

BlueCat

[adrian]

yes, i'm out. but when people started asking me my religion and i said pagan they automaticaly assumed i was a witch or worshiped satan. they said they would pray for me and i said thanks, i can use all the prayers i can get. LOL these days i don't hide who and what i am, i am proud of it!
love and light

[Earth Walker]

:cool: :)

[Mairwen]

Hey Bluecat, might I take what you posted and add it to my broomcloset page? Complete with proper attribution, of course. :D

http://pagan.drak.net/feymariblue/broom.html

[bluecat]

Originally posted by Mairwen
Hey Bluecat, might I take what you posted and add it to my broomcloset page? Complete with proper attribution, of course. :D

http://pagan.drak.net/feymariblue/broom.html

Sure, it's also on my site at http://www.bluecatsden.com/closet.html

Thanks ... :cool:

Steve

P.S. My Drak.net is also my host! :)

[Mairwen]

*It's a small world after all!*

Thanks!! :D

[bluecat]

Originally posted by Mairwen
*It's a small world after all!*

Thanks!! :D

Hehehehe ... and my e-wife recently moved to Kentucky! No worries, we still love each other and are friends, but ... well ... marriage doesn't seem to work for us anymore. ;)

[Lady Raven]

Out at home and in a small circle of fellow Wiccans. Kind of out at school, but reserved:) Plan to be totally out in college next year.~raven

[freya]

those that need to know, do(boyfriend, my son-6-)
and two close friends. it is sacred to me and not to be subjected to the negativity of those who do not understand. i am glad to say however, that my boyfriend has taken an interest, more toward celtic than wiccan, but i am all the more happy for his curiosity, support and understanding.

[freya]

those that need to know, do(boyfriend, my son-6-)
and two close friends. it is sacred to me and not to be subjected to the negativity of those who do not understand. i am glad to say however, that my boyfriend has taken an interest, more toward celtic than wiccan, but i am all the more happy for his curiosity, support and understanding.

[bluecat]

Originally posted by freya
those that need to know, do(boyfriend, my son-6-)
and two close friends. it is sacred to me and not to be subjected to the negativity of those who do not understand. i am glad to say however, that my boyfriend has taken an interest, more toward celtic than wiccan, but i am all the more happy for his curiosity, support and understanding.

:cool: I would like to bid you welcome to this place and offer you one of Kaylara's comfy chair/couch thingies and a glass of lemonade. The lemonade and friendship are both bountiful here so don't be shy. :cool:

Blue

[MistOfTheSea86]

The people who know are the people needed to know, My friends, well most of them. all my friends respect the christian religions, but most of them despise them for one reason or another as do I. But when this topic comes up to some of them, they scarce away as if they were afraid. If they despised the religions, then why would they be so afraid of me being evil??? Or a demon???

[Fawn]

It's the conditioning of society that influences most people and also the fear of the unknown.

[Jamie]

Well, I'm just reading up and studying Wicca at the moment, so I guess I can't really 'come out of the broom closet'.

Having said that, I was using some of the resources at my school's library, when some of my friends came over to see what I was doing. Now the whole class pretty much knows that this is what I want to do with my life, and most of them are decent enough to respect my choice. I still overhear the occasional comment about my being a 'f*****g witch', and stupid remarks with hurtful intent thrown at me, but I've learned to deal. If they can't see beyond the confines of their narrow mind, I say it's their loss.

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by Jamie
Well, I'm just reading up and studying Wicca at the moment, so I guess I can't really 'come out of the brrom closet'.

Having said that, I was using some of the resources at my school's library, when some of my friends came over to see what I was doing. Now the whole class pretty much knows that this is what I want to do with my life, and most of them are decent enough to respect my choice. I still overhear the occasional comment about my being a 'f*****g witch', and stupid remarks with hurtful intent thrown at me, but I've learned to deal. If they can't see beyond the confines of their narrow mind, I say it's their loss.

Most who hate are those that CAN'T understand. There will always be those who say, "good for you" and those who say, "F%$#ing Witch". That is a part of balance and will always be there. And, yes, it IS their loss. Just be true with your path and you will prevail.

Blessings,
RnR

[adrian]

Originally posted by Jamie
Well, I'm just reading up and studying Wicca at the moment, so I guess I can't really 'come out of the broom closet'.

Having said that, I was using some of the resources at my school's library, when some of my friends came over to see what I was doing. Now the whole class pretty much knows that this is what I want to do with my life, and most of them are decent enough to respect my choice. I still overhear the occasional comment about my being a 'f*****g witch', and stupid remarks with hurtful intent thrown at me, but I've learned to deal. If they can't see beyond the confines of their narrow mind, I say it's their loss. gREETINGS JAIME!
If you truly believe your own words you will be just fine, the second part of that is to find others of like mind in which to communicate your feelings and questions...such as this place, we are here for each other as you will see. I have found a place of comfort and understanding here, i can relax and be myself and maybe have some lemonade while curled up on one of those big comfy thingy while reading my favorite book of shadows. Peace and love are here and a lotof other places, join us.

[Jamie]

Hehe, thanks for the warm welcome guys ^_^

Lemonade huh? Yum :)

[Kaylara]

And comfy thingies...
Merry Meet!

Kaylara

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by Jamie
Hehe, thanks for the warm welcome guys ^_^

Lemonade huh? Yum :)

Lots and lots of lemonade here. And an abundance of big comfy couch chair thingys on the porch.

RnR :D

[Monkey]

Merry meet Jamie. I guess I am one of the lucky ones, people pretty much know who I am and accept it (or don't). As long as you are comfortable with who you are, don't worry about what others think. I'd like to tell you that people will eventually understand, but there will always be the "bad word" witch comments. I guess I have just learned to turn the other cheek. People fear what they don't understand.

[Jamie]

Exactly, that's pretty much my philosophy.

Big comfy things too? This just keeps getting better and better... :D

BTW: Hey Monkey n' Kaylara :)

[rantnraven]

Originally posted by Jamie
Exactly, that's pretty much my philosophy.

Big comfy things too? This just keeps getting better and better... :D

BTW: Hey Kaylara :)

You're gonna fit right in. You too Monkey.

Yes, join us on the porch.

RnR

[Monkey]

Did anyone mention they have great banana bread too?

[Wynter]

As my little-name-thingy-do-bob-er implys, I am Tameran. and I'm also a witch. My mom knows I am pagan, but she doesn't know any details about what I believe. Her response was, "Okay.... whatever floats your boat.' And that response was typical to my friends too.

[bluecat]

:cool:
and it's always warm Banana Bread here on the porch!
:cool:


It's also good to hear that you are accepted with tolerance Wynter, very good. :)

Blue

[adrian]

Originally posted by Wynter
As my little-name-thingy-do-bob-er implys, I am Tameran. and I'm also a witch. My mom knows I am pagan, but she doesn't know any details about what I believe. Her response was, "Okay.... whatever floats your boat.' And that response was typical to my friends too. I get a lot of that too, "whatever floats your boat" but for the most part, i get a lot of flack from the hard core "christians" and it's amazing that a religion the preaches love, compassion, and positive things seems to project the most negative energy towards pagans...as of now i have the Jehovah
witness trying to convince me of my path towards evil and being deceived by the devil/satan, who i don't believe in at all. Sence i have embraced paganism my life has become one of freedom and happiness, why would i want to give up that?

[Jamie]

i get a lot of flack from the hard core "christians" and it's amazing that a religion the preaches love, compassion, and positive things seems to project the most negative energy towards pagans...as of now i have the Jehovah
witness trying to convince me of my path towards evil and being deceived by the devil/satan, who i don't believe in at all

Wow, that's harsh. But it is a good point you have - if they're supposed to love their neighbours as themselves, then surely this kind of behaviour would go against their beliefs?

Sence i have embraced paganism my life has become one of freedom and happiness, why would i want to give up that?

That's a nice attitude :)

[adrian]

Originally posted by Jamie


Wow, that's harsh. But it is a good point you have - if they're supposed to love their neighbours as themselves, then surely this kind of behaviour would go against their beliefs?



That's a nice attitude :) Yes! I have pondered this many times, why would a religion that teaches love have nothing but negative things to say about paganism? WE are a selfish lot, our own needs no i correct that statement....our own "wants" come first and never mind how much damage is done to others. Even by the smallest things we say we can do harm or good...if i offend any christians in this group let me apologize now but my experiences with the "christian" religions haven't been one of mutual understanding or love.


As i tried to walk in the masters footsteps, i found his feet to be so much larger than mine.

[SahuaDjet]

Em Hotep (in peace),
I am sorta in the closet. The people I live with and my friends know but my mom, dad, family, ect... don't know I am a witch. Of course if they asked I'd tell them *Grin*
I live in Georgia and it's highly SouthernBaptist so I have to watch who I trust around this neck of the woods.
Love and Light,
Sahu Dejet

[Earth Walker]

Have you noticed that the Jehovahs Witnesses send
men to women & women to the men?

They were so persistent in telling me that as a Pagan,
I would not be allowed into "their paradise", that I
came to the door naked, and invited them in with a wink,
and they haven't been back since. :D hehehehehe

[Monkey]

That is too funny. hehehe

[bluecat]

Originally posted by Mystique
Have you noticed that the Jehovahs Witnesses send
men to women & women to the men?

They were so persistent in telling me that as a Pagan,
I would not be allowed into "their paradise", that I
came to the door naked, and invited them in with a wink,
and they haven't been back since. :D hehehehehe

There must be something about JW's that makes many of us Pagan Folk want to answer the door naked. LOL :bigredgri ... Oh well, they don't come back! :D

Blue :cool:

[Earth Walker]

:D The funny faces I get :eek: when I tell them that
I am transsexual. Priceless. :)



<Sigh> So many Kodak moments, so little time. 8O

[Fawn]

yes I am excepted in my family and friends and community and yes I am definitely out of the broom closet---I have an ongoing battyle right now about us letting others know we are here and don't bite.

As for the JW----they are only doing what their religon instructs them too I see no wrong that. Since I am not interested in their beliefs I always tell them no thanks but to have a nice day and have been met with kindness only and just recently was allowed to do a healing for one JW's child.

[adrian]

Originally posted by SahuaDjet
Em Hotep (in peace),
I am sorta in the closet. The people I live with and my friends know but my mom, dad, family, ect... don't know I am a witch. Of course if they asked I'd tell them *Grin*
I live in Georgia and it's highly SouthernBaptist so I have to watch who I trust around this neck of the woods.
Love and Light,
Sahu Dejet Greetings
Sahu Dejet! May we all walk in light.
You my friend have it very hard, i used to live in Georgia and i found that i had to keep my questioning to myself or i was gang raped (spiritually speaking) by the congregation. I found the southern baptist to be somewhat fanatical in their beliefs, it goes way beyond being a zealot for christ it was like some of these people were terrorist! Which explains why i moved back to connecticut, land of be who i wanna be, and be free. By the way is there a special meaning to your name? It is...unusual, but i like it.

[adrian]

Originally posted by Mystique
Have you noticed that the Jehovahs Witnesses send
men to women & women to the men?

They were so persistent in telling me that as a Pagan,
I would not be allowed into "their paradise", that I
came to the door naked, and invited them in with a wink,
and they haven't been back since. :D hehehehehe did you really answer the door naked??? that is just too much to think about...LOL. I can imagine the looks they had on their faces...LOLROTF!!!!

[SahuaDjet]

Em Hotep,
Yes! The south is a hard place to come out of the broom closet in but I am trying. *Grin* My name is Egyptian, Sahu=afterlife spirit and Djet=the backbone of Wesir (Osiris)*wink* Wesir is my God.

BB,
Sahu Djet

[Earth Walker]

Originally posted by adrian
did you really answer the door naked??? that is just too much to think about...LOL. I can imagine the looks they had on their faces...LOLROTF!!!!


Absolutely! I had to make sure that I wasn't
constantly pestered by JW's, 7th Day, etc.
It got to be too much, and I had to put an end to it.


Never spit at a Camel. They will spit back :eek: and
they never miss. <gak> :sick:

[Lavender]

If anyone asks, I tell them the truth but I don't go around announcing who or what I am. When I meet you for the first time, I don't introduce myself as ***, the witch/pagan, just as I don't introduce myself as ***, the one wearing glasses. That would become obvious as you get to know me.

A friend of mine has an interesting way of finding other like-minds. When she meets someone new, she would work into the conversation a comment that her mom is Wiccan. That usually gives her a response one way or other. BTW, her mom really is.

-Wildchild

[adrian]

Originally posted by SahuaDjet
Em Hotep,
Yes! The south is a hard place to come out of the broom closet in but I am trying. *Grin* My name is Egyptian, Sahu=afterlife spirit and Djet=the backbone of Wesir (Osiris)*wink* Wesir is my God.

BB,
Sahu Djet Thanks for the information on your name, i wasn't familiar with the Sahu
but i thought it might be egyptian/tameran in nature.
I had to put away my studies for awhile but i hope to be back to the soon and enter something on the history page under egyptian/tameran history, spiritual practices.
I am just beginning to discover the tameran deities but i find that i have a great affinity with them...hope to converse with you more soon but for now it is 12:30 and time for my beauty rest...LOL. Please be careful with the southern christians, they will crucify you.
Remember...suffer not a witch to live? many of them take it serious. Em Hotep my friend, until osiris is on the horizon.

[MystyPines]

Merry Meet Everyone! I am new to Mysticwicks. Well, I have been Pagan about 8 years now and still not completely out of the broom closet. I am newly handfasted to a wonderful man who is also Pagan. Although my entire "catholic" family was at the wedding and did not realize it was a Pagan Handfasting because we did it under the guise of a Medieval Wedding. I have 2 boys (5 and 10), and they have not been completely exposed to the pagan lifestyle but have attended a few open Sabbat rituals at the park, which they thought was a large picnic. They have been taught respect for mother earth and nature from our numerous camping and hiking excursions teaching them about trees, moss, mushrooms, etc. Also, my 5 year old son has helped me make various shapes and sizes of Clay Goddesses (he says he likes to put the boobies on them, he he he). I find as time passes, it is more difficult to hide my path being that it is more than just a spiritual path but an entire lifestyle. From the office to my home, everything shows an undertone of paganism, with crystals and willdendorf/nile river goddesses on my computer at my office to my home where my kitchen is full of kitchenwitchery with a full cupboard stocked with jars of herbs, oils, candles, charmbags, etc. and scurrying to my bedroom to clear off my permanent altar, everytime we have a visitor, I find it difficult. When the landlord comes to the house to make repairs, I have to hide over 300 books, trying to stuff items in drawers. At 36, you would think I would be able to be open about my beliefs, but I am unable to tell my parents and brothers. My 2 close friends are Pagan which gives me the sense of community and support I need, as being solitary for many years gave me a sense of loneliness. Now, I feel I have gotten to a point, where if someone finds out, that is fine. I just don't feel I need to "announce" it to anyone. I feel my office co-workers may have caught on because I have given out Herbal Intention Candles for love, money, etc. that I made and also handed out crystals telling them their attributes and no one found it to be odd. Actually, they seemed quite interested. I just wish I could bring my children up in my beliefs, but I cannot for fear of them being taunted at school or even having them taken away in a custody battle by my "catholic" ex-husband. It's terrible when one has to fear losing a job, an apartment or custody of their children because of their spiritual beliefs. BB! MystyPines

[adrian]

Peace to you sister, i was touched by your story and inspired to respond, i feel you deeply and i am sending my prayers to help in protecting you in your endeavors.
May the goddess fortify you in strength and guide your words when dealing with the ignorant, and may you shine brightly with radiant light for all to see.
Em Hotep

[MystyPines]

Adrian,

Thanks for sending positive energies my way....I see you are also a Connecticutter! :)

[adrian]

Originally posted by MystyPines
Adrian,

Thanks for sending positive energies my way....I see you are also a Connecticutter! :) Yes, been here most of my life, but got my sights on sunny florida! Hopefully within the next year if all goes well.

[Mooseheart]

Where I come from (Northern Spain) catholicism has been in everybody's mind for centuries, but unlike in the States, catholics here have never been told that Tarot or witches in general ( almost nobody knows the meaning of the word Wicca, they've never heard of it) are evil , so you get many many catholics "mesing around" (because that's what they do) with Tarot and other stuff. The problem of being out of the broom closet here is that people don't see witches as evil worshipers or anything of the sort, but rather fear them and see them as manipulative or willing to give an evil-eye to others anytime they feel like they've been bothered. And people here take very seriously the evil-eye thing.In other words, I'm proud to tell those who really know me that I'm a witch (thought I have very little experience under my belt) but to go around telling everybody is a big no-no here since people would put up a wall between me and them...Oh well........

[bluecat]

:cool:

[tempest69]

Sadly, if I came out to some people, I'd proably be sent to a bible camp for three months(or more!)

[Kaylara]

I went to one of those for a week when I lived in Florida when my parents thought that I was being "Satanic"
It was a Baptist one, and it was kinda scary, the guys got to play paintball, clay shoot etc.
The boys and girls were segregated at all times, even to the point of not being allowed to be near each other on the trampoline. The girls had to wear either long skirts or coolats at all times... Ick! Other than that and the bugs, and the ice cold showers, it wasn't that bad.
I guess that it really depends on where you are, I know that in the South, it can open the door for huge amounts of harrassment, but people seem more tolerant in the NE. (Seem being the operative word here.)

Kaylara

[sherry]

I now have an update !! I am now out of the closet to my family!! Even the BIBLE BEATERS from the south!!

This is greatly to do with my relationship, and moving to be with Bluecat!! He is officially known to my family as My Hocus Pocus Guy in the West!!
LOL :D

Gotta Love them they are family !! And should make family reunion a lot better, we are a split group Bible Beaters on one side gossiping about the rest of us laughing about them being uncomfortable with who they are, and how they are dressed in stuffy hot church clothes while we are active having a blast in our comfy clothes playing sports and glad to see each other!!

:D

[bluecat]

bump to the top

[Hestia]

I am 'out' with some of the poeple that matter the most to me. That being my husband and my best friend who is pretty much pagan also. My parents come from a very traditional Catholic culture and the idea of wicca and witchcraft is completely foreign to them so I do not bring it up. I know they're concerned that I seem to have left Catholicism and they know that I'm not bringing my son up in that faith. But they pretty much figured I'm old enough to do my own thing and prefer to ignore anything they might not understand. My husband's parents are strict born again Christians and my husband has told them of my beliefs. Although they try to be sweet and 'loving' with me my MIL is constantly dropping statements about The Lord and being Saved whenever we get together. She always adds quotes from the scriptures in all the greeting cards she sends us. In turn I send her solstice cards and wish her a Blessed Yule and Ostera! It's an interesting relationship at best. On top of that, we are also an inter-racial couple (I'm Asian, he's British) which makes it even more interesting all together.

In my daily life I'm just a regular old suburban mom. Most people usually think I'm just more new agey/artsy but I don't advertise my spirituality as I feel it's a personal matter. My home however is openly witchy....right down to the witch's broom and altars I have around the house. But they're all cleverly integrated into my very eclectic decor so anyone who drops in unannounced would have to stop and think twice about what they see, lol!

[MystyPines]

Hi Hestia,

I am in the same position you are, I am out of the closet with my husband and my best friend, both of which are Pagan. As for my sons, it has been brought to my catholic family's attention that my 10 year old son did not make his communion 2 years ago. It was an uncomfortable situation to say the least. It all came out when we went to my nephew's communion last weekend. We attended the mass at church, and wouldn't you know it, my 5 year old son fell asleep in the pew during the middle of the mass and woke up abruptly and yelled out loudly: "Hey, how am I supposed to get any sleep around here with those bells ringing!" he he he. After the mass, there was a luncheon at a nearby restaurant. Of course, as I walked in all I said to my husband was all that I ask is: 1) I do not get seated next to the 2 Catholic priests and (2) no one bring up the fact that my son did not make his communion. Well, I was seated between Father Patrick and Father Thomas and my husband was sitting at the opposite end of the table. Then, my sister-in-law asks why Matthew did not make his communion. I just motioned to the waitress to please bring me a Bloody Mary!!!! Oh well.

:eek:

[Hestia]

Hi MystyPines!

I can absolutely relate. Both my parents and inlaws have never stopped worrying because our son who is 4 is not baptized. We took him to the beach when he was about 18 months old and while we walked along the shore I did a silent dedication to the Goddess and asked her to bless and protect him as a child of the Earth. This to me has been his 'baptism' but of course it's something our families would have a hard time accepting. I'm sure as he gets older things will become even more interesting. I better stock up on the Bloody Marys, lol!

BTW, I know what you mean about having to hide 300 books and all the stuff in the kitchen :) I used to get so stressed out when I knew my inlaws were on they over to visit. Since we've moved to this new place I've tried to be really creative with my decorating so that I can quickly place a large plant or something in front of anything I don't want someone being nosey about! But for the most part I just keep everything out now, if they want to ask about anything they are welcome to. I also worry about my son being teased when he starts school so even if I teach him the basics like respect for the earth and following the seasons, I try not to be too specific. As it is I usually catch him out in front hugging the tree in our yard then waving his hands in front of him saying he's blessing it!!

[MystyPines]

My 10 year old son has been asking what religion we are. He said he wanted to make his 1st communion last week and walked around wearing a crucifix to school, and now this week he has been asking about earth religions and wants to make a wand. I told him about Catholicism (what I remember in my catholic school days) and we talked a bit about earth religions. He is still discovering what is out there. I will just give him whatever information he needs on whatever path he chooses. But, I do worry about him being teased at school and also worry about what information will go back to his father (catholic ex-husband). My 5 year really loves working with clay and making clay goddesses and also knows about the attributes of all different crystals and stones and also knows about color correspondences, he is so cute! :D

[Tigerwallah]

I believed myself to be a witch from probably the age of 6. I've never hid it. I've gotten a lot of strange looks when I announce my religion. My grandmother called me a devil worshipping lesbian, although I am not a lesbian and I do not even believe in the devil, but she was staunchly Catholic, and that was what she was taught a witch was.
Now, I am so into my faith, and so faithful to my goddesses, that I try to convert my friends, the Jahovahs who knock on my door, and anyone else who I believe to have a soul. (I no longer believe that everyone has a soul). Just look at George W.

[loopy]

I wasn't too hesitant about revealing to my friends/family that I was interested in Wicca/Paganism. I always knew the Catholic church wasn't for me, as I was sooooo bored during CCD classes and had no idea what was going on at my Communion. (Anyone else that had one--were we supposed to know what prayers to say after going to confession? That's always bothered me--no one told me what to say and everyone else had to say 14 Hail Mary's and I couldn't even recite one in full. Anyway.)

When I started researching, a few years ago, I kept it to myself and my family. My mother never expressed any dislike in what I was doing--it was indifference, at best. And I have to admit I wasn't doing all that much--mainly reading, wearing a pentacle. The feelings were there, the actions weren't, you know? I'm just really starting this year.

Anyway. I remember telling my best friend a few times. She's very Catholic--or maybe Christian, I'm afraid we don't discuss religion all that much. She's the friendliest, most tolerant person you'll ever meet, so she would never say anything condemning to me. She did grow sort of quiet whenever it was brought up, but that was probably my fault, as I get really nervous when other people ask me questions and tend to seem shy/off-putting.

Anyway. I remember a few instances I wore my pentacle to school. One was during freshman year, and during drama class I got one remark--"What, are you a witch? Gonna turn me into a frog or something?" I was kind of taken aback, and like I said, I was shy on the subject, so I didn't say anything. My drama teacher came in with "No, the pentacle has to be upside down" which wasn't true to my knowledge, but I was glad for the out and quietly agreed.

The end of last school year was the other time I remember. My best friend and I were walking to our math classes, and stopped to talk to this senior--very nice person, also a Catholic, went to my best friend's CCD or whatever they're called at the high school level. He sort of looked at my necklace and said something--I don't remember what, nothing hurtful deliberately, meant to come off as joking. But he took a step back from me he said it. I just sort of moved closer to my friend and she gave me a little hug to comfort me.

But then there were these two other times which led me to find two other Wiccans in school, both aquaintances of mine. We talked sometimes. That was cool.

So that's my little long coming-out-of-the-closet story. Wow. Ramble much? :lol:

[Faery-Wings]

<<(Anyone else that had one--were we supposed to know what prayers to say after going to confession? That's always bothered me--no one told me what to say and everyone else had to say 14 Hail Mary's and I couldn't even recite one in full. Anyway.) >>

ROTF!

The priest almost wouldn't let me make my first Communion. We had to get tested before they would agree to let us participate in the ceremony. We had to recite the Hail mary and the Our Father. I could never get them straight and complained~to the priest~ that I didn't understand what memorizing prayes had to do with religion.

As far as me being "out" I am still in the learning stage and no one really knows that I am seriously studying Wicca. However, I don't think anyone in my family will be surprised as I am quite outspoken against the dogma and priciples of catholicism. I have a Aunt-in Law who feels that my kids need to be brought up as Catholics and bought my daughter Rosary Beads. I let her pretend they are a necklace or dress up whatevers. My mom saw her today with them and said "Oh these are not a toy!" I burst out laughing and replied, "Mom, in my house what else would they be ?" :)

At any rate, I am sure I will have to come out at some point. I 'll know when the time is right.

Chris
:sunny:

[bluecat]

bump

[Yvonne Belisle]

bump

[yemayasdaughter]

Let me just go on the record and say this: I love my Aunt... Do I like her? Nope. If we werent family would I wish to have her company? Definitely not. Which is basically why I had chosen not to tell her that I am Pagan now.

She has this ability to just poo-poo everything you say, especially in regards to choices you have made about your life. My immediate family all know that I walk this path, and they support me in it. In fact, at next weekend's Pagan Pride Day in NYC, my Mom, Sister, bestfriend, and close friend, will all be there to support me. I am very fortunate.

Now to my Aunt... they had planned on going on a bustrip the weekend that the WTC was attacked. They postponed the trip untill...Sept. 29th... Pagan Pride Day. My Mom told my Aunt she was unable to make it because she had promised me she would go with me MONTHS IN ADVANCE. (I think I asked her in like May!! lol) My Aunt... being the nosy person she is... HAD TO ASK:rolleyes: And my Mom, being the wicked woman she is... had to just tell her.

MY MOM: "Yeah... she is a witch... WITCH... W-I-T-C-H.... We're going to Pagan Pride Day... PAGAN... PAG- AN!!! P-A-G-A-N"

MY AUNT: (After dead silence) Okay... I'll see if someone else can come along. Goodbye...<click>

I can just see my Aunt running up her stairs and making a mad dash to her rosaries!! LOL

So now, I am officially out of the broomcloset... I havent told my father or anything, because he is not in my life, but everyone who is important in my life, knows and supports me. Again... I am very fortunate.

NOW... I have to worry about going over to Auntie's house for Thanksgiving and finding a stake in the backyard!!!! ROTFLMAO

[Lilu]

LOL Your mum sounds very cool yemaya - a lot like my mum :)
I love her "she's a witch WITCH W I T C H" hahaha That's great!

Lilu

[Lavender]

Yemayasdaughter, you're lucky to have such a great mom. My mom doesn't know & I don't think I'll ever tell her. I don't think she'll ever understand.

[Dria El]

Originally posted by Shirley
Hi! I am Sherry's Mom. I feel I need to add to this as I have known what I was for years and my family all have it to a degree. A very wise person(my father) once said yes we all have this, it is from God, most people don't understand and are afraid....so use it wisely but don't tell anyone. Those that have it will recognize it; those that don't won't and no one will get jurt. I have had a fear that someone not understanding our gift would hurt us, so no I very seldom tell anyone. I was originally afraid to go on this site for fear that someone would know me and hurt someone I love by my admission. There are still people in this world, that is "so enlightened" that don't understand and fear us. They can hurt you. I wish people would just live and let live, but that isn't the human way. If you don't understand some attack even in this day and age.
I guess i am what you all call a kitchen witch. I have just done things from need or emotion all my life. Never knew any spells or rituals. I am Christian and never felt it interferred in what i did.

Welcome to Mystic Wicks Shirley! So glad you decided to join us!

:)

[Dria El]

Originally posted by Jamie
Well, I'm just reading up and studying Wicca at the moment, so I guess I can't really 'come out of the broom closet'.

Having said that, I was using some of the resources at my school's library, when some of my friends came over to see what I was doing. Now the whole class pretty much knows that this is what I want to do with my life, and most of them are decent enough to respect my choice. I still overhear the occasional comment about my being a 'f*****g witch', and stupid remarks with hurtful intent thrown at me, but I've learned to deal. If they can't see beyond the confines of their narrow mind, I say it's their loss.

Welcome to Mystic Wicks Jamie!!! Glad you found us ok! :)

[Dria El]

Originally posted by Mystique
Have you noticed that the Jehovahs Witnesses send
men to women & women to the men?


Well, not always. I have a very nice lady that comes to see me every once in awhile. We have great discussions. Of course, she doesn't know 'who' I am. So, that could all change.

[Swanspirit]

decision as the path we choose..... after all.... it is part of our path.
I am "more out than in" now ,but used to be entirely in, after having been out for a long time.. I was very careful for a long time after moving to the eastern shore of MAryland and going into CULTURE SHOCK ......because here on the shore .... the culture is more like that of the deep south....the deep deep south...... they even tried to secede from Maryland during the Civil War......and be a separate state, LOL.
My other consideration was my profession and my clinical area .. which was pediatrics and then adolescent psyche........which made for some precarious and interesting interactions.....
In the psychiatric clinical practice, where I was ; many people like to be avant garde and "new Agey" but they cant go as far as the word "witch" . They thought it was a HOOT that I attended clothing optional "events" ... so very free you know ............but I left out the part about dancing skyclad around a giant bonfire to a drumcircle all night;)
The funny thing is I HAVE NEVER had to be in the closet as an astrologer...... everyone wants their horoscope done,and thinks being an astrologer has nothing to do with "religion".
I would not attempt to judge anyone for where they are in or out .....because I feel it is very personal decision.. and that being a witch, wiccan pagan.... they are using their intuition and instincts to keep them safe and lead them on their path.......I will come completely out when I feel it is SAFE for me ....
I dont think there is any benefit in being a target...... Right now ..... my ADMIN"s name in real life is ""Crowley" and he is an SDA.... and I am very slowly and carefully testing the waters and the limits......I wear my pentacle earrings to work..... no one asks about them .... and lately they think they are stars LOL ...I am working on merging the symbol meaning LOL, to change its connotation......and letting people get to know ME.....so that when do come out .... the fear factor for them is nil.....I also wear my Kuan Yin pendant..... which everyone knows because I have told them..... that She is the Chinese Goddess Of Mercy and Compassion....very well received by my fellow women healers .....on many levels .....and there aer some at work with whom I can be more open ... but we arent socially intimate with everyone .... why be spritually intimate?? I dont know the religions of everyone with whom I work ...... why should they know mine???
I think that some coming out comes very close to proseltysing....and I dont "announce" or "witness" my religion.

I dont think it is fair at all to decide for someone else what their decisons should or should not be.....and judging them on it says more about the judger than the person making the decision. I have heard the statements many times
from many people for many years now ....... well if I CAN COME OUT everyone can.... and to my estimation its rubbish.....and for me tantamount to telling people how to live their lives..
So if anyone is in or out.....I congratulate on your decision......and trust the Lord and Lady to be with you in your process of decision making.
Love and light
Swannie

[Lilu]

Originally posted by Mystique
Have you noticed that the Jehovahs Witnesses send
men to women & women to the men?

Hmmmm, Actually I usually find it's the mormons who are the all male combo (I assume there is probably female combos too though I've never seen them). The JW's I've talked to have usually been a man and woman. *shrug*

Lilu

[Ravensnest]

I'm out to everyone that matters. My entire family knows the only ones who don't are my husband's family (very fundamentalist) though I think they suspect and his ex wife and children. We live in a small town with a church on every corner and if she ever decided to use it against him with custody/visitation she could and would unfortunately probably win in this area. I haven't "come out" to his family because he's asked me not to. There's really no reason to tell them anyway. It would serve no positive purpose. And of course all of my friends know the truth. And when anyone asks me I have no problem telling them the truth. I just don't wear a banner proclaiming myself a witch just don't see the need. Soooo the long and short of it.. YES! I'm out!!:D

[Starlight]

Only certain people know that I'm a witch. And the some that do either make fun or just ignore the fact and continue to look at me like I've got three heads anyway.

[Shadowulfe]

I am most definately out of the broom closet.....now I'm not going out on the streets yelling...look at me im Wiccan....that would draw too much attention to myself....but i have always hoad the attitude "if you dont like me for who i am than fine....leave me alone" I have been out of the broom closet for 5 years now....



Brightest Blessings, Light & Love,
Shadowulfe

[Angelwulfe]

i'm kind of out the broom closet. my pagan friends and my family NOT including my extented family are basically the only people who know i'm pagan. i have certain friends and relatives i would rather not tell because i'd either get an ear full or i'd have to explain and they still would'nt get where i'm coming from. i wear my pentacle at all times, (except when i'm around my majorly christain relatives i tuck it in my shirt) so anyone who knows what it means knows i'm wiccan, so in that sense i am out of the broom closet. although i've found a lot people just think i'm wearing a regular star with no meaning behind it. i've also had trendy teenie bopers tell me my pentacle looks "soooooooo totally cool" and where did i get it. if any one asks me if i'm a witch i won't lie but i don't bring it up in conversations either.:p :rolleyes: :cool: :D

[Firestorm]

Am i out of the closet??
(That place where a witch keeps a broom?)
Well, i can say i AM OUT of closet space
For i haven't got the room --
For me staves and rods and besom
And the many herbals i keep;
In stuck-tight jars in neat wee rows
In the dark of the closet they sleep.

Yet .... am i out of the closet??
i say, "Yea," as a matter o' pride
For i ne'er could find a hiding place
Whene'er the door be a-wide!!


note: a-wide = open

[charmedkisses1]

I"ll never be out to my family... but that's just for their safety :boing:

[DianaStormDancer]

hell yeah Im honest to fault at times! I hide from no one!

[Agayvli Wahya]

Yea, I'm out of the closet. I'm the only openly pagan person in my county. The others around here hide what they are.

[Lil Miss Witchy]

Not out yet; to anyone really... My fiance is the only one who knows...

[blueangel]

I've told my bf, my sister and bro plus a couple of friends but I haven't told my parents... yet. I hope to work up to it soon. It's not something I particularly want to tell them. I have only told people because they have seen books or asked me questions. It's weird having an alter-ego. *sigh*

[Crispy]

My boyfriend knows, my family might. I leave an altar up in my room, leave "pagan-y" books around and everything, but they just never ask about it. If they did, I would tell them. . .ditto for anyone else.

[mucgwyrt]

my boyfriend and his best friend know. No one else really, not sure I'm ready to come out :D

I always have wierd things hanging around, so no one's asked about my Stang in the corner of the room! :spinner:

[Rainy_09131983]

I am, except with my parents...They are not hardcore of any religion, but they are not very open minded or easily persuaded. But I am sure that they "know", from things said here and there, but as long as we play the "i wont say anything if you don't say anything" type of game, everything is just fine ^ ^
I have many younger siblings and I would not want to jeopordize their trust in me with them

[Lai]

I was never in the broom closet. If people want to know, I speak about it, otherwise I'm content to go on living my life. :)

[Miss Edith]

*is in the broom closet*

Most of my family are Roman Catholic, and my mother thinks anything remotely 'occult' related is 'evil' :tongueout

So, yeah, broom closet for me, hehe :)

[~Broken Lily~]

You could say I'm still in the broom closet. Only my Hubbie knows that I'm a hedge witch. It's not that I'm ashamed it just the conversation has never come up. Friends know I do spells, but have never brought the subject up. I wear my pentacle in public for the world to see.

My parents saw my wand the other day and asked what it was. I told the what it was used for and they decided to tell me I was talking crap and state that they thought I would grow out of all that rubbish. I just shrugged. They can think what they like.

[Sylvan]

I'm out, but I can't say *everybody* knows. I'm not actively hiding, but I'm not volunteering information unless the subject comes up. *shrug*

[morrigan]

i guess you could say i still have a foot in the broom closet.. my family are hardcore christians and would comdemn me and say i was a satanist so i chose not to tell them.. if they were to find out it wouldnt bother me but i dont see the point of bringing un-nessesary drama into my life if i can help it Blessed Be ~Morrigan~

[celticstorm76]

I am out...I was kinda kicked out by someone, they did not do it on purpose. Someone was listening to somthing they shouldn't have been, but I wasn't hiding just not talking, I wear a pentacle, I have a sticker on my car that states pagan...but not everyone pays attention or wants to. My husband is suportive, he states he is on the fence, y mother does nto agree so we just don't talk about it. My work well I get a lot of questions, which is fine, it opened my eyes to how many people are not educated, and I am glad to take away the fear of wicca, paganism in general, as often as I can. I work w/a lot of diffrent faiths, one doctor is jewish, one is indian one is christian, one is mennonite...so we are all open minded. My in laws are more open to it then my own family but it's cool.

I do understand why some people are in and have to stay in = my friend works w/hardcore born agains that stated my husband worshipped the devil becuase he has snakes for pets....come on now....and they can make your life at work very difficult, so he just keeps his mouth shut, but his family and friends know. Maybe one day no one will have to be in any kind of closet.

Freedom of religon : as long as it's christian of some sort right...hmmm times are a changing for the better I hope...not only for pagans, but the gay community as well.

[Spiritcalf]

I am out of the closet with everyone but my mother. When she is around I run back to the closet. lol. actually though I am slowly helping her acept my ideas. Like today she wanted to pray about a family matter (shes christian) and I said only if I can pray the way I want to, she agreed and I said a prayer to the Lord and Lady asking for thier help to clear our some of the negative energy in our family right now. When I was done, she was touched. I then thanked her for being more open lately about my religious ideas. So, slowly I am getting out of the closet when it comes to her as well. I got like a arm out of the closet around her, but everyone else knows I am out.

[Kanilea]

Well, no. I have never had a very open relationship with my parents so I can't tell them. I mean I think my dad was a wiccan at some point we have a whole bunch of spell books and tarot cards in the basement and I sure as hell didn't buy them. But still I don't think he would be open to the idea. I even started going to these classees for scrying and tarot but I couldn't tell him, so every week I came up with a new lie, going to eat with friends, sleeping over so and sos, I hate lying but I don't want to have that conversation with my dad. My mom seems open to it I don't keep it a secret I have about ever religion ever up on my walls, I think they suspect I am not christain anymore, they probably think I'm agnostic, like them.

[Grey]

Hmm... actually I think the first person to figure out that I wasnt christian was my mother. She just kind of puts things together you know? *shrug* never had a talk about it our anything, but she doesnt mind if Im a little late once she sees the candles burning or me meditating or anything else in that region. Shes and old hippy thankfully. My stepdad.... well hes no longer religious, and aslong as I dont hurt anything physicly, he keeps his mouth shut.

As for everyone else, all my friends pretty much know. Religion in general is a favorite topic of mine, and once we start talking, it becomes obvious I dont have a christian veiwpoint. Havent gotten any bad remarks from it, some conversion attempts yes, every few months, but thats not malicious or anything. Hehe, by every test Ive been given Im more likely to go to heaven that many of my christian friends. lol.

[wildfairie2000]

I have been in the closet for a long time. I was a practicing pagan for some time.i then had some problems to where i wasn't around the same group of people no more so i went back in the closet. but now i am out and proud. i will tell everyone who intrested. hell will even tell if they dont care because i am proud of who i am and what i believe in. :fprtyman4 :durrrr:

[HorseCrow]

Yes, I'm out- have never really been in, but there are situations where I chose not to elaborate on my being Pagan nor being a witch. I do not have any need to let everyone know. If anyone asks, I'll tell them. Anyone who has been to my home will know, because it is quite obvious looking around, who/what I am; dried herbs, altar, goddess images, mummified toads, cauldron, morter, incense, oils, pentagrams etc and about 55+ pagan books. Also, I always wear my pentacle.
Though, when I talk of my beliefs I will use the term Pagan, almost never the term witch, because where I come from, a witch is something out of Disney.

[Hellenic_Witch]

I am in the closet and that's fine with me--I am a very private and sensitive person and don't realy want to deal with alot of questions/comments, etc. Of course, my husband knows and is supportive of everything I do, but beyond that I do not discuss my path with extended family or friends. Of course, they all know I'm a bit 'different' so they probably wouldn't be surprised

[sanc]

I came out yday!!!!! i actually had an hour long convo with my mom about pganism and wicca! i was soo scaed of what she would think but in the end i found she didnt even kno what it was!

[RubyRose]

Yup, I'm out too, in effect. Both my parents now 'know' Not that I'm open about what I do, in regards to rituals and stuff. But they know I am most certainly not, Christian in any way shape or form. My dad is indifferent (hasn't said a word about it) and my mother, well she seemed okay with it. She doesn't understand it, but I'm not sure I could explain it, without getting into some sort of tangle. For now its just enough that she 'knows'

[WinterTree]

Not completely. Only my mother knows about my religion, and I was surprised to find that she was very open minded and embracing toward it. In fact, she already new a fair amount about Paganism! Now, my father I have not told because I have no idea how he will react.....he isn't a religious or spiritual person at all, but he was raised by a very devout Catholic mother and his brother is a Catholic priest. But my dad is known for having mixed reactions to different things so I'm not planning on telling him any time soon.

[redrobin]

Yes and no. All my friends know, but the only person in my family who REALLY knows is my mom. I don't want to tell my dad cuz my dad's wicked conservative and might give me crap.

[mara]

More and more all the time, but there's a limit to how far I want to come out. I don't want my husband's family to know..too much grief and there's the possibility my husband would be disowned and cut out of the will- not being greedy, but it would hurt my husband. I've heard too many horror stories to risk my children's well being..I wouldn't want my 8 year old to be shunned or made fun of for what I choose to do. After these things aren't issues anymore I'll do whatever I want.

[Mesektet]

Im not sure that i ever had a closet to begin with, but for arguments sake, yes I am out, or rather the whole chantry is as well, as Im sure most of the immediate neighbors have spotted the 40 oz. shrine in the backyard....

[Khuinaset]

Not entirely...most of my good friends(and a few who aren't...think it's something like 10 people all told) know, and I'm pretty sure my mom and dad know on *some* level, but they tend to refuse to acknowledge it. *shrugs* not really out at school either, because I don't want to deal with the idiocy, really. I would probably be more open about it if my parents had no problem. as is, it would be difficult in a small school, to do so without them hearing about it...

[IvyWitch]

Kinda sorta not really. My parents know but they choose to pretend they don't. My brother wouldn't get it so he doesn't know, my extended family doesnt know, and out of my friends most know, a handful don't. Basically I don't feel like I need to project it, so I kind of have it on a need-to-know basis.

I follow the George Carlin commandment: Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself. hehe

[The High Queen of Faerie]

i am. :)

[The High Queen of Faerie]

Kinda sorta not really. My parents know but they choose to pretend they don't. My brother wouldn't get it so he doesn't know, my extended family doesnt know, and out of my friends most know, a handful don't. Basically I don't feel like I need to project it, so I kind of have it on a need-to-know basis.

I follow the George Carlin commandment: Thou shalt keep thy religion to thyself. hehe


aww, i don't like george carlin :p popsicle stick joke man imo!

anyway! imo... we shouldn't have to wonder about "coming out of the broom closet" for fear of like, being harassed or anything. if you want to keep your religion to yourself, that's perfectly fine, but we shouldn't be doing it out of fear. :) not saying you are at all, just my two cents

[lythadancer]

Yes, to almost everyone. I see no point in upsetting my great grandpartents or my father in law. I use to think that my mother in law did not know but, i guess she cuaght on when she saw my altar. at least she loves me enough to keep it to herself. if the others would look more closely at my jewlery or the large tattoo on my back they would know.

[Grey]

*shrug* anyone who asks gets to know, the rest dont care so it doesnt matter right?

[Gwynna Star]

:fpeek: This is me peeking out of the broom closet. Hee hee! I'm mostly in the closet especially when it comes to my family. My husband knows (he's agnostic, so he's open to any religion that I like). Also our good friend knows, and he laughed when we told him. He's also agnostic and doesn't mind either. He has a good friend who's Pagan too.

Gotta go too much lightning!! :shaker:

[Silver_Undine]

Kinda but not really. My fiance knows, as do my younger sister and some close friends. Other than that everyone assumes that I am Christian, I guess. I don't bring it up unless someone asks.

[Eirwen Hartsock]

My best friend knows *Waves to Élistariel* and our other friend knows...however I really don't think she knows what a pagan or wiccan is. Ah...ignorance is bliss. My roommate from college also knows, but she's been everything from goth, to pagan, to hippy; so she doesn't really care. Last year my mother found my Wicca Handbook. She mentioned it once, and we haven’t discussed it since then. My family are all Christians and extremely religious. So I guess I’m still in the broom closet, but I occasionally come out for air or just to go to the movies with my friends.

[fly_free]

heh, i think i'm coming out the broom closet..well some people know some people don't, haven't really told many people..

[misschief]

in some parts of my life i'm out... but in other parts i never will be. *shrug* it's just how it goes.

[misschief]

if the others would look more closely at my jewlery or the large tattoo on my back they would know.lol same here.

[FaeFollower]

I guess I'm out. My immediate family knows enough to know that I am into various kinds of earth religions, and they really don't care at all. (Just yesterday my mom took me to a local occult store for some stuff. :bouncysmi ) Everyone else...I guess if they're around me long enough they'd figure it out on their own, and if not, I don't tell them.

[halfwaynowhere]

Yeah. I have never really been 'in'.... Ever since I chose paganism as my path, I have told anybody who wants to know. People are sometimes afraid of me, but thats because of their ignorance... but sometimes people see me wearing a pentacle, r using my tarot cards, and they just ask questions. The only thing I have to be careful with is Boy Scouts... My family is really into scouting, and although it isn't a religous group, they encourage christianity.