Im curious to how many wiccans on here are open about their religious beliefs and in what way they tell people. I am unsure how to address it with others, im in no manner ashamed im just reluctant to share something so personal that people could be so judgemental of.
RE: Coming out of the Broom Closet
Well most people I know are aware I'm a Pagan, a lot of my clients say I have a Magical touch with their animals and I must bea witch!! Some now know that, rocked them back a bit, but they accept things.
All my friends know, some of the neighbours have a good idea. Family sadly not, as staunch RC, which narrows their outlook, and I'm a firm believer in living and let live. My mother actually does call be a pagan with a small p as in not RC
RE: Coming out of the Broom Closet
Hi all,
People's religions are a personal thing I think. It's up to you who you tell and I've never really been bothered if it upsets them or not. My family all think it "suits me" as they always knew I was "a little weird". I'm reluctant to tell people at work - some know some don't, if they ask questions I answer - one of my favourites being could I curse someone's boss for them :D(I was tempted;)).
The only person who wasn't very understanding was my younger brother who said that it was like devil worship - after some explaining he can now see my way of thinking.
I guess it depends who you're telling? I normally guess the sorts of people not to tell - I've been lucky as I haven't found anyone who was understanding - I just skim over it and never give away too much detail.
Why do you ask though?
Siany
xxx
RE: Coming out of the Broom Closet
I jsut wondered whether other ppl found it quite hard/easy to be open about. I find it quite difficult because of bad experiences of people being judgemental and narrow minded
RE: Coming out of the Broom Closet
Shadowskin, most people do have problems of some sort or another with Paganism and the Craft, mainly through their own ideas of what we are about, so its best not to get upset as some don't want to understand.
Where my husband works there are about 5 Pagans /Witches all quite open,and they say they have never met such a tolerant group of people before.
RE: Coming out of the Broom Closet
Like everyone says, being open about your religion is entirely up to you. You just have to remember that there are a lot of stupid people in this world, but there are also a lot of people who understand you as well. (Like here on hp. ^_^) For me, I don't go right out telling the world I'm Wiccan, but I don't deny it either. If I come across someone who is prejudice about it, it's usually because they don't know anything about it. It's all up to you. Don't hide who you are because you're scared or ashamed, but don't try to flaunt it just to make a point. Just be yourself and you'll be fine. ^_^ No worries.
RE: Coming out of the Broom Closet
Thanks everyone, well iv set up my own [link= http://groups.msn.com/WiccanCovenOnline ]Wiccan Online Coven[/link] on msn groups so hopefully that should be good at meeting and chatting with others with similar ideas as me