How to Tell Your Parents that You're Wiccan

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By DenimDragonfly
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Spiral Goddess

Are you having a difficult time coming out of the “broom closet” when it comes to telling your parents that your religious views are different than theirs?

Since becoming a Wiccan you may feel that your ideas have grown and expanded, and that your spirituality has soared! You feel more connected than ever with the passing seasons, you see the God and Goddess in all that there is around you! But there's a problem, you may feel like you're lying by omission to your parents.

Will your parents disown you if you tell them about your new path?

I understand that this is a very stressful time in your life, but don't worry! Almost every Wiccan has gone through it, and you can too.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Courage
Faith
Understanding

Step 1

In this first step I would like you to consider the personality of your parents; What's the worst thing that could happen if you told them about your religious views? Many times those new to Wicca are teens, young adults or college students, often still living at home. If you tell your parents and they get angry could you be out of a place to live? This is a very important consideration when telling your parents, if you feel they may kick you out, it may be best to tell them when you're on your own.
Step 2

If you've decided that it's the right time to tell your parents there are a few things you could do in preparation. One suggestion would be to meditate and pray to your deities, ask them to guide you on your path; you may even wish to consult your favorite method of divination, such as tarot, pendulum or water to determine if the time is right and what you might expect to happen.
Step 3

After considering your options, consulting your deities and using possible divination to obtain further insight, you may want to begin planning where to tell your parents the news. If you're afraid of outbursts I suggest taking them out to a restaurant; it's more difficult to be loud and rude in public places!
Step 4

Be aware that when you tell your parents about your religion, they may be full of questions! You should come prepared to tell them all about your faith and practices, tell them about the rules of Wicca so they understand that your religion is nothing like the popular myths perpetuated by Hollywood! It may also be a good idea to have purchased an instructional book that tells about the basic workings of your faith, that way they can learn more about the religion at their own pace!

Most parents are actually far more accepting of religious views than most would think, your parents just may surprise you!
Step 5

But what if it goes bad? That's a chance you'll be taking when you tell your parents, that's why it's so important to consider fully your decision. I know a few adult Wiccans who have never told their families about their religion, they've stayed in the “broom closet” to keep the peace. Is that the wrong decision? I can't say - so many things in Wicca are determined by personal choice … it's no different with who you tell about your religion.

If you do tell your parents and it goes poorly, the chances are good that they will come around eventually – they may figure it's better to have you as a pagan than not at all.

Keep in mind that when you tell your parents about Wicca you'll be hoping for their understanding, but you'll have to extend understanding to them as well.

Ultimately, whether or not you come out of the “broom closet” is a deeply personal decision, consider it carefully and proceed as you will!

Good Luck & Blessed Be!

Comments

moonchild1989 said

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on 9/13/2009 Thanks for the advice. I am a new Wiccan, meaning I am still studying, yet I know for sure that this is what I want to do. I am 20 years old, and I still don't have the courage to tell my ma. She has said that no matter what religion I am she would still love me, yet i still feel sort of iffy about it. As for my step dad, i could take it or leave it. I love him, but my ma's opinion is more important to me. Step parents may come and go, but blood parents dont. My dad won't care one way or the other. He would actually think its cool. My brother thinks its neat, my best friends accepts it and still tells me how much she loves me. My husband is going druid, so hes with me as far as this goes. I think she may take it as a shock at first, but ultimately be fine with it, she would just tell me to be careful. Thanks though for this advice.

shadowmere said

on 3/25/2009 Good, thank you for this advice! I am so sure that I would pop if I couldn't find a way!!!!! I'm like, not even a teen yet and this is probably going to be hard. Maybe this'll make it easier. :)