How do I get my family to understand that I've chosen to follow Wicca?

Question

They are not shunning me, let's get that straight first off. They don't understand what it is I believe in. I have tried to explain my beliefs to them, but they aren't understanding. How can I explain it to them? Are there any books on this subject that I could show them?

With the exception of a few people that answered this question, the rest of you aren't getting it. I am not forcing anything on my family, I am not wanting them to give up what they believe. What I'm having a hard time with is explaining my belief system to them in a way they can understand, because some of them have questions about it. Oh, and FYI, I am in my mid 20's and I know several people, one them my mentor, who is far from being in their mid-20's. Not a one of us are rebellious.

Answer 1

Not going to get into why you practice Wicca or whether or not you need to get your family to understand...just going to answer your question. :-)

Yes, there are books on this topic. Give me a second to locate them.

Wicca's Charm : Understanding the Spiritual Hunger Behind the Rise of Modern Witchcraft and Pagan Spirituality (Paperback) by Catherine Sanders

A Seeker's Journey and Initiation Into Wicca by Janine Demartini

Wicca Demystified: A Guide for Practitioners, Family and Friends by Bryan Lankford

In the meanwhile....here are some websites that might help you.

http://www.tearthesky.com/wicca/essays/001040.html

http://www.crystalinks.com/wicca.html

Suggestion: Don't provide too much information and overload them. Answer their questions the best you can. Realize this is a path YOU are walking and although you would like their understanding, it is not manditory for your progression.

Editted: And I agree to read the books yourself first...don't just hand them the books.

Peace be with you.

Answer 2

how long have you been studying wicca? if not long it may be hard because they are asking for answers that you don't know or fully understand....it takes time and you grow in understanding (hopefully) the longer you are on it.
I understand you aren't trying to force your beliefs on others, but there is also the fact that some may not understand your beliefs no matter how many different ways you explain. It isn't their path and it isn't for them at this time, so you could say it's just not where they are at. I can give one small tip...try to couch your explanation in terms that they are familiar with.
As for books, if anyone would like to see a book on wicca for those not familiar with it, I would ask your fellow wiccans to recommend something.
Finally, if your family loves you and accepts you, it's really ok if they don't totally understand your religious beliefs.

Answer 3

This is not an easy thing to do. I follow a combat based faith that has the same problem. In all honesty I gave up explaining myself. If they are accepting that you follow something else your way ahead of the game. My family does not condone my choices.

What I ment to say above is that I was unsuccessful when I attempted to tell them.

To answer your question, I would suggest finding books and reading material on Wicca. Offer it to them if they would like to understand what you truly believe. Most of it will be hard for them to understand, so as they ask questions offer your best answer.

They will hopefully understand enough that you both will be satisfied. My family was unwilling to even consider reading what I do.

Hails to the open minded,
Silence

Answer 4

I'm sorry, I don't really know how you can get them to understand, a member of my family has chosen a Wicca path, and I can only partially understand it. I understand it isn't about toads and cauldrons etc, that's the stuff of myths and legends. I notice you've already been given a few useful sites, I'll have a look at them myself to try and understand it. Some people who have answered this either haven't read the question properly or are just very closed minded.

Answer 5

Absolutely there are books you can have them read! I highly, HIGHLY recommend you have them read "The Truth About Witchcraft Today" by Scott Cunningham. It goes into detail about what Wicca is and what Wicca isn't (dispelling any misconceptions.).

It's really a wonderful way to help your parents understand a little bit better. I did that for my mom and now she's on my defense team if someone tries to tell me that I'm "actually worshipping the Devil".

Of course, take common sense into consideration and read the book before you give it to them, just in case there is something in there that you don't agree with. If there happens to be something in there like that (which is doubtful), point it out to them and tell them you disagree with it and believe something else instead.

Good luck and blessed be!

Answer 6

Why worry about what your "family" thinks. How old are you any how??? Well who knows maybe you a just a child here..can't tell from the Internet..If so, you are still a work in process so its understandable you think you need family approval. If you are, however over 18 and still in need of this forget showing them the books on Wicca and get some self help..you need to become more independent...I suggest chocolate and wine..yes lots of both! You need to loosen...forget the family...it is all up to them to figure you out. (I hope you are not one of those pathetic Christians with one foot in Wicca and the other in your church if so..get out now..and go back to your church cause we don't want you. eat more chocolate have more sex and forget about about approval. Only then can you stop being christian and start being a pagan.

...Chocolate Witch

Answer 7

They don't have to understand. You are in the habit of getting their permission for important decisions in your life. A matter of personal spirituality requires no-body's permission, understanding, or acceptance.

As long as you aren't making a spectacle of yourself regarding your new-found spirituality, and as long as you aren't demanding that they agree with you, there should be no problems. Sometimes when living with parents, it is best to do as they say and worship privately.

A word of wisdom to a new wiccan: Don't assume the spiritual path you call wicca is the final word on who and what god/goddess is. It is no more a complete representation of God than any other religion. It is just another path to a deeper spirituality. Your parents are also on a similar path. We are all going to the same place in a different way. They don't have to understand yours and you don't have to understand theirs. A time will come when you outgrow the confines of wicca... just as you did the confines of Christianity. That's OK, too. It's all part of the journey. Have a safe and rewarding trip.

Answer 8

My mother is the epitome of the perfect christian women (for real), and this is how I explained it to her.
You know how when someone in the church is really sick, and the preacher asks everyone to pray for Ethel. Well, what's really going on is everyone is thinking about Ethel getting better, everyone in the church is creating a good positive healing energy and their sending it to Ethel. Well, the very same thing happens in a witches healing circle, it's just a different way, with different terminology. Gathering good healing energy and directing it.
It's hard for them to understand a concept that humans are not above nature & animal, so just avoid that part. As time goes by, they'll accept you for the acts you do & not the differences in your beliefs! Blessed Be ....

Answer 9

One of the best authors of the subject was Scott Cunningham...awesome writer, such zest for life...however, the life you lead is example enough to anyone, if you feel the need to prove something.
As you well know, "Do No Harm" is your spiritual goal...too bad more religions don't use such simplicity, huh?.
I would like to caution you in one aspect that many young people come across...and that is to make themselves "special" or getting attentions by being "different"...this religious sect, as others, is a way of life...toward the growth & knowing that the spirit seeks.
Wicca, however, not being restricted by the likes of editted texts, embraces nature and our natural abilities to move the energies of all things...movement with ill-intent is a dangerous situation to put oneself in...always keep in mind "what goes around, comes around", because it truly does. Just some sound advice...Blessed be to you on you journey.

Answer 10

It sounds like you really want them to understand. Why would you want to force this on them? As long as they love you and don't shun you, I think you've got a good thing going.

If they've never heard of Wicca before, I'm sure it's no wonder they don't understand. From my experience...people seldom embrace what they don't know the first few times you explain it to them. If you really want them to know what's going on in your life, I'd keep pressing the matter with them.