My sister is a witch?

Question

My sister recently told me that she is a practicing Wiccan, or a witch. As a Christian, I have no problem accepting people of other religions as long as they are secure in their spirituality and believe it with their whole hearts. However, sometimes I think that she may be just going along with the crowd on this one; something I cannot and will not respect. How should I ask her about this?

A. Evangelicals need not apply.
B. I don't believe Wicca is evil, I just don't think she really knows what she's gotten into.

She's 16. I'm concerned because things Wicca has definitely become a craze lately, though not as much as say, Scientology or Kabbalah. I just don't want her to align herself to a religion just because others are.

Answer 1

The best thing you can do is to study up on the religion, ask her why she chose this particular practice, and listen carefully to her answers. If she can give you meaningful, well thought out answers, she has made the choice for herself, not her friends. If she can only stare at you or say "I don't know," discuss some of what you find in your research. She may either find a deeper appreciation for her chosen path, or choose to change paths. Remember, a lot of people practice a religion they do not believe wholeheartedly (such as when the family forces you to go to church or temple.), especially when they are young. Your sister will find her way. Just be supportive of her as your sister, and trust she will make the best decision.

Answer 2

I'd suggest you do two things. First, read everything you can on Wicca (on what it truly is). It will be hard for you to avoid the Christian propaganda websites, but start with witchvox.com and religioustolerance.org. Those are two excellent sites to begin with.

Then, ask her to explain Wicca to you. This will give you an idea of how well she understands it herself. If she can't give you a thorough explanation of what Wicca is and what it means to her as a life path, then I'd say it's a pretty good indication she's following the crowd. Since you will have already researched it, you'll have a very good idea of whether she truly wants to follow Wicca or is just trying to be popular if she doesn't hit the main points of the path. For instance, if she doesn't mention karma, the threefold law, the Lord and Lady, or the rede at least, she's pretty far off base.

Good luck!

BB
)O(

Answer 3

I understand that you are concerned about your sister, but I don't think you should approach her on this topic.

If it IS a craze or rebellion or her part, you talking to her about it isn't going to change her mind. If anything, it may spur her on to continue with it because she realizes it got your attention.

If she is genuine and sincere, then your question is going to appear, at best, insulting. Did you ever ask her if she was being a Christian just to please her parents or her friends? Probably not. I'm not saying that you should have asked - I'm just saying that asking about her new religion is going to make her feel like you're not taking her seriously.

Your best bet is to be kind, understanding, and (above all) to keep your concerns to yourself. If you're open to listening, and she wants to talk, she will come to you when she's ready. In the mean time, if she is faking it, there are far worse religions she could have latched onto. Good luck! :)

Answer 4

Have you asked yourself if "she was following Christianity and I was not sure she was sincere, but suspected she was just following along with the crowd, would I still have problem with her choice?"

If your answer is 'yes,' then you may not be as tolerant of other religions as you tell yourself you are.

Sometimes there has to be a period of exploration before you decide how you truly feel about something.

Normally, people cannot flip sincerity on and off like a switch. Sincerity and enthusiasm are not necessarily the same thing. Enthusiasm may be sincere, but it burns off after a while. Sincerity continues when enthusiasm is gone.

Answer 5

If it is just a fad, it won't last. There is not much of a "crowd" when it comes to following Wicca. I would suggest that you not ask her about it, but instead let her follow her own course. If Wicca is right for her she will continue on with it regardless of what others think.

Answer 6

Just ask her.

It's certainly possible, especially if she's a young girl, that she was simply drawn to something different. But the good news is that even if her motivations aren't pure, she's been drawn into a GOOD thing.

Perhaps if she's not already at that point, she'll grow into it.

So I wouldn't discourage her; just see how it plays out.

Answer 7

First of all, thank you for your tolerance. That's unusual.
Second of all, there is no way you can really know for sure except to see if she sticks it out. If she's very young, then it may indeed be a phase, but continue to support and love her.
When I started on my path, my friends wondered if it was some kind of rebellion or phase but 15 years later I feel more sure about my chosen path than ever.
Peace

Answer 8

If that's the case, it shouldn't last long. Don't worry about it.

If it's not just a passing fancy, then I think you should respect here devotion. Wiccan isn't evil. Again, I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 9

Maybe wait a while for this 'fad' to take its course. If later on she is still practicing than maybe talk to her about it. Have you considered the possibility that she is secure in her spirituality?

Answer 10

SHE NEEDS JESUS