Should I tell my parents that I am a Wican - evening if I know they are very religious and very against it?

Question

Thing is, I want to 'come out of the broom-closet', but I have no idea how angry they will get, and how to go about it. I've tried hinting at it, but they just got angry and confused. Should I just keep a secret?

A Wiccan is a pagan, a witch, as one might say, althought I don't like the word. We worship the end and keep track of the changing seasons, and believe in a God and Goddess.

A Wiccan is a pagan, a witch, as one might say, althought I don't like the word. We worship the earth and keep track of the changing seasons, and believe in a God and Goddess.

By the way, I'm 17 and this is no teenage rebeliousness. This is what I firmly want.

Answer 1

I don't know if this is helpful or not, but if you decide to tell your parents, perhaps this essay will help you explain what being pagan is.
You do not have to tell them. But if you feel like you are hiding a big part of who you are, it can make life very difficult. Being true to yourself is a very good way to honor Goddess. You are as you are intended to be. Only continue to keep your faith a secret if you are able to do so without repressing or hurting your soul. Everyone is different. Some of us can live stealth quite happily, for others it is a drain on energy and can affect every part of life. In order to make your decision, you need to look within and do what is best for you - not what is best for them.

Brightest blessings, dear

http://www.circlesanctuary.org/aboutpagan/iampagan.htm

Answer 2

I'm 25 years old and I still haven't officially told my dad, although he does know I am not Christian. I think he knows what's going on, because he's seen my pentacle and my tarot cards and stuff.

I'm a firm believer that a person's religion is already imprinted in their DNA while they are still in their mother's womb. I believe I cannot help being a Pagan any more than I can help being Hispanic, or right-handed, or heterosexual. If you are an adult, then I say go ahead and tell them. If they have a problem with it, tell them that you are still worshiping God, you just have a different way of worshiping and you see a different side of God that they see. Tell them it's not evil, and most importantly, that you are very happy with your new found spirituality.

There's a good book you can give them, if necessary. It's called "When Someone you Love is Wiccan" by Carl McColman. I've already ordered a copy for my dad. Good luck and blessed be.

Answer 3

First thing is if you are serious about your religion you need to learn how to spell it correctly. Wicca is the religion and you are Wiccan. :)

Second, yes many Christians would unfortunately be the first to cast a stone and say that you are worshipping "Satan" when involved in a religion other than a Christian religion.

However, if your parents are truly Christian ( meaning not just acting, but are truly living as Christians should - ) they would not judge you in such a manner. They will let you follow your own path ( even though I'm sure they will still pray for you, but hey... prayer never hurt anyone and I always accept prayer even though I do not follow the Christian religions myself ).

Again, though it's hard to say if you should tell your parents because only you know how they really are. Do they truly follow the Christian path or do they gossip and judge people? Just by the answer of this question you should be able to know if you can tell them or not.

G'luck to ya and Blessed Be!

Answer 4

Lying to your parents will probaly make them even more angry than if you tell them about it, because one way or another parents DO find out.

When I came out I started by first slowly bringing up the subject of religion with my mom, telling her I'd been studying different religions, then I told her about Wicca, what it was, what they believed, and all. Then I slowly came out and told her that I was Wiccan (I'm not Wiccan anymore but I was about a decade ago). Most parents if they are really hung up about it will dismiss it as just a phase, but if your parents really get angry about it I'm afraid there isn't much you can do until you move out of the house. I'm not big on advocating practicing behind their backs, but since I did that myself for a time I don't have much room to talk.

Just hang in there if they do get angry, but don't try to go out and seek out covens or teachers. Most Wiccan/Pagan covens/groups/teachers won't touch minors with a 10-foot pool because if the parents were to find out the Wiccan coven or teacher can get sued. You might have to wait till you're 18 if you're not already.

Answer 5

While I am personally against keeping secrets, I believe you would be better off waiting till you're 18 to make this particular announcement. For one thing, I believe that a parent should have the right to set down the rules in their own house, and shouldn't be challenged. Also, since you are technically a child, you probably won't be taken seriously anyway. Best to wait until you are legally and adult so they can not take you seriously, but at least can't bark orders at you about it. Even better to wait till you move out. That's what I did. They handle it alright now.

Answer 6

I d/k how old you are and d/k what religion you're speaking of. If you are young than I'd wait and see if the flying fickle finger of fate changes your belief system. If you are a bit older and firmly believe that Wican is your chosen faith than I'd tell them. Be mindful that they may react by throwing you out of the house (very Christian and living up to the love that all hypocritical Christians spew). If they try that remind them that you are their child and that they are supposed to love you regardless of your belief system. GOOD LUCK & PEACE!

Answer 7

How old are you? If you are still living with your parents, I would be reluctant to say "You should 'come out' to them". I would be more likely to tell you to follow your path without being confrontational about it, because even though you disagree with them, they are still your parents and you do still live with them.

I really wish my favorite Forum were up right now, because there have been some great discussions and suggestions on just this topic. Stupid hack attacks. Grr.

Bright Blessings...

Answer 8

I told my parents a 16. They were upset but we just agreed not to talk about it. After 13 years my mom has finally realized it's not a fad and it's not as bad as she thinks. She even came to Pagan Pride Day last year. send me a message if you would like some good books to give them.

Answer 9

blessed be and merry meet it is what makes u happy and that is what counts right my parents are big in to church too and while they used to make me go and while i was there i know i don't belong i felt out of place I am now wicca and i feel at peace and more whole and a lot happyier u just need to sit down and talk to them tell them how you feel and what u are needing to do they will either respect your choice or fly off the handle best luck
blessed be

Answer 10

It depends. If you are still dependent on them it's your call. By dependent I mean living at home or they pay for college. You'll have to tell them eventually. My advice plan how you are going to say before you say it. Tell them how you feel about it and why you feel that way. Try to stay calm while you tell them. People will ignore a shout but strain to hear a whisper. Peace and love.