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Your broom closet, and your folks.
Some of us have
open-minded parents, some of us have parents who don't have
an opinion and others have parent that are going to make it
difficult. So, when and how do you come out of the broom closet
to your folks? Here is
a suggestion from me to help you on your way...
- So you've learnt about
paganism and you feel it's the right path for you.
This still doesn't make you a witch, you might be "spiritual"
but If you haven't been practicing it, you aren't really entitled
to call your self a witch. It's the same if you like hockey,
but don't play it, you don't call yourself a hockey player
do you? So, this would not be the right time to run out calling
yourself a witch. It may be the time to discuss your interests
with open-minded parents. Explain you are interested in becoming
more spiritual, and are looking at the spiritual world around
you. Or expressing your interest in earth based religions.
Paganism is about celebrating the seasons and spirits, its
not based on spells, that is just one twig in the haystack.
- You have started small
rituals
Now, you're learning through practical work and you feel comfortable
with what you've read and what you're doing. You have put
your beliefs into your life motions and all is going well.
Now it is about time to discuss with your folks and maybe
close friends that you have decided to start following a new
religion. And they are going to want to know more about it,
just to make sure you're not in a cult.
- Its time to explain
You know it's the right time to explain when you fully understand
the principals and beliefs yourself and if they ask you questions
you can confidently and comfortably answer them. You don't
need to tell the world, because truthfully, it's none of their
business. As for your parents however, if you're still at
home, you're going to have to run it by them. And I don't
suggest rocking up with the "straight out of the coffin"
look and hanging things around your room that look like dead
rodents. Paganism is a positive, life-affirming religion,
and as long as you portray it correctly, you won't run into
trouble. (Theoretically)
- You will still hit some
brick walls
If you have really tight parents, I would suggest describing
in as little harsh words as possible, stick to the truth,
but don't use those words that grate against the skin. Witchcraft
is one, why do you think so many people refer to it as Wicca,
Paganism or an Earth based religion? Witchcraft has so many
false, negative connections; it's not worth trying to argue
out of them because they have been implanted into all of us
since birth.
- Introduction tactics
Here are some correct ways that you can introduce your paganism
to the people around you. (And get rid of those FALSE CONNECTIONS)
Angels: Angels are another
word for spirits and everyone like angels don't they? It's
the nice word. You can describe your religion as one the works
with angels.
Positive energies: Mention that we try to promote positive
energies. Try to dispel the false connection of "Satan"
and "evil" with our religion.
The Pentacle: Reassure them that the pentacle stands
for the elements, spirit, and the cycle of life, not the Christian
connection of the devil. Tell them that evil people sometimes
do use the inverted pentacle, just like they use the inverted
cross as a rebellion towards those religions.
Healing: Describe how we follow Herbalism and new age
methods of healing which have proven positive in many cultures
for centuries and should be paid attention to.
Karma: Don't forget to mention we believe in karma
big time and that whatever we do good or bad comes back to
us with a vengeance!
Prayer: Rituals are very involved prayers, tell them
how we dance, sing, clap, ring bells, etc and use incense,
candles and other tools in our aid towards creating energies
that we focus towards our "prayers".
Divine Gender: Remark on how you believe that the spirit
has no gender, or how there are both masculine and feminine
aspects that can be seen in nature.
These are just some ways of
relaying the information in terms that are easily associated
with, in order to lessen the confusion and create a happier
outlook towards our positive religion. I would also suggest
making up a booklet of information outlining the facts of
what we are, and what we aren't. Dispel those questions that
are niggling at the backs of their minds, all of those unwanted
thoughts that they were brought up to believe. And most of
all, don't lie, if you seem deceitful about one thing, they
will think you are lying about it all. Try not to hide things,
it will only make them worry. And lastly, keep in mind that,
as much as your folks might aggravate you at times, they're
still your folks, they do love you and just want to look out
for you. So, give them the time of day and they might just
give you some in return.
- When you have become fluent
in your crafts
You are fluent, you believe and you practice. Life is as good
as it gets. Now is a time where you may wish to be totally
open about your beliefs, you have been with it for a rather
long time now and there is nothing more to worry about. The
learning never stops, but you are confident with what you
know. If you come out now, who knows, maybe your knowledge
could help someone who was is the same position as you when
you started? Share the knowledge, keep it fun, keep smiling
and know that the spirits will always be by your side!
Add Your Thought
As a person who has trouble with their parents, I understand
it's hard. But what I do is just keep it to myself(I can't
stand fighting over this), and just hope that in the future
they'll understand. - Dark Angel
Yes, I understand
that there are many people in your "don't rock the boat"
position, this is probably due to parents who are really overprotective
or stuck in their views. If you are in a position where you
feel it is best to keep it from them for various reasons,
sometimes it is best to go with what your intuition is telling
you, and break it to them at a later date when you feel the
time is right. - Morgan
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