I think a surprisingly high number of Wiccans,
Witches,
And pagans have at least started out by being in the broom closet.
By that I mean practicing in secret.
Interestingly enough,
Something held in secret is the actual definition of the word occult,
Which has nothing to do with evil.
So why the hiding?
In my case at least,
It had very little to do with hiding or shame and everything to do with not rocking the boat.
Although the Salem witch trials are far behind us in some ways,
Keep in mind that it wasn't until 2007 when the pentacle,
A symbol of the Wiccan religion,
Was introduced in the list of emblems that can appear on issued headstones.
Recent history such as this seems to suggest that society is still doing a delicate dance when it comes to Wiccans and pagans.
Many feel that becoming Wiccan affords them more freedom and peace than they'd ever imagined possible,
And I'm certainly one of them.
Sometimes it's also a road that must be largely walked alone.
Although I've offered many courses on Wicca publicly,
I've only shared that I'm Wiccan with a handful of people I personally know.
This is my choice and my preference.
If we had to fill out a form and include our religious preference,
Many would proudly state that they're Wiccan.
Beyond that,
Telling people just for the sake of doing so isn't necessary to self-validate.
With this talk,
I want to encourage others to do what feels best for them.
Only you can decide what is appropriate for your practice,
And you are the best guide you could ask for.
Your geographic location and family situation are just two factors that might shape which side of the closet door is right for you.
Regardless,
Should you decide to keep your practice personal,
I can assure you that being in the broom closet does not mean that you are ashamed of who you are or that you're inadequate.
You are not alone.
You are not a flawed individual.
If anything,
You are among the most wise and brave because you are choosing not to ignite conflict by forcing others to weigh their relationship with you against any preconceptions they might have.
The Wiccan Read gives us guidance in what some refer to as the only two rules of Wicca,
Those being,
And it harm none,
Not even yourself,
Do what you will,
And that which you send out will return to you three times over.
These guidelines are simple and easy to follow.
In fact,
Following them feels good and right.
I mention this because I'm often asked what might happen if one chooses to be in the broom closet and then later comes out or is found out.
If you followed the two guidelines I just mentioned,
You will have been living the true meaning of Wicca all along,
Thereby demonstrating that it is a peaceful,
Nature-based religion with no evil agendas.
Whoever found you out will likely consider this after discovering your spiritual path.
Since any such reaction is based on personal perception,
It's impossible to predict the outcome.
But living who we truly are demonstrates our truth quite clearly,
Regardless of whether we're in or out of the broom closet.
May those who have been in our presence view us as one of the kindest and most compassionate persons there is.
Blessed Be.
