Wiccas, wtiches, pagans - what do your family and loved ones think of your practices?

Question

I am thinking of studying paganism and Wicca magicks, and joining a coven. However, I know those around my - family, friends, my man ... will not support my decision. How did your families, friends, and lovers react to your choices? Do they know?

Answer 1

There is a difference between studying Wicca or paganism and becoming a Pagan or Wiccan. If you are serious about becoming a Pagan or Wiccan it can cause serious issues with family and friends, and especially love interests. My family for the majority disowned me for a while. Now I was pretty much already the black sheep in my family so it didn't hurt me too deeply. However you need to decide what is more important to you, being true to yourself or making those you care about happy despite how you feel. If you are not sure yet this is what you want I suggest you do your studying on your own for a while, go to the library and such or the local Barnes and Nobles or Borders tends to have good material to look at and you can research without having to buy there. Best of luck to you and brightest blessings.

Answer 2

I have been openly pagan for about three years now, and everyone closest to me already knew, loved and respected me as a person FIRST...which made my spiritual path easier for them to accept. After all, I am not solely defined by my beliefs! They are simply a part of who I am, and I am a good person. Also, when I decided to finally emerge from the 'broom closet', I didn't make a big deal out of it as I gradually clued-in my family..nor did I elaborate on details of my personal ritual practices (which I consider to be between me and my gods). Over time, I just gently explained the basics of my beliefs, seasonal celebrations, etc., and answered their questions in simple terms--and guess what?--no one freaked out or disowned me. A couple of family members remain a bit miffed, but they still love and respect me--for ME. Most of my friends are pagans, as are my daughter (also a witch) and my fiance (Asatru). The few non-pagan friends that I 'lost' because of my beliefs weren't really a loss after all, since they obviously weren't true friends.....If you are very concerned about your family not accepting your chosen path, then I would recommend that you not say anything until you are absolutely SURE that this path is what feels right and true for you, what speaks to your heart and soul. Spend several months or more reading everything you can (Scott Cunningham is a great place to start), and getting to know other pagans in your area. Witchvox.com can help you find other pagans to connect with...Once you are sure, then break it to your family (and friends) gently and gradually, but with resolve. Who knows--they may be more accepting of it than you expected, as was the case for me. But what is more important is that you are able to accept and handle the possibility that they may not be...

I wish you many blessings on your journey.

Answer 3

My immediate family, husband and close friends know about my chosen path and I only have issues with my mother. After a couple of years she has mellowed and will discuss things with me. My father is of the denial theory. If he ignores it than its not an issue!! LOL Not necessarily a good practice to have in life, but there you go. My friends often have some pretty neat questions. It makes for some very interesting conversations, thats for sure!

I would like to reiterate what was said in another post... do the research and make sure its right for you. Then when the time is right make your stand. I do have to say its not always easy, but you might find some of your family and friends may be more receptive and open-minded than you think.

Good luck!!

Answer 4

I am lucky to have a husband and lifemate who himself is pagan. When I first came upon the path 20 years ago this was not the case and my marriage at that time failed. My fathers side is native american so no issues there...they practice many of the same things and believe in many of the same things..my mothers side not...so I had to make a choice. Would I ignore my true feelings and live a lie or would I follow my heart and the teachings of my elders.."alot from my dad's side" and follow the path that resonated with me.
I chose to follow the Path and have never regreted it. People either accept me for what I am or they don't. My husband and I do fine and that's all that counts. For more information please feel free to join us at www.pagansunited.com or [e-mail]. We'll be happy to provide you with more opinions.
Blessed Be,
Laura & Keith Roberts

Answer 5

I was a christian for years until I was 29 as were my parents...but something was always missing within me...something that was unfullfilled...an empty space. My sister told me about wicca and out of curiousity I read about it and BAM...it was exactly what was missing within me. It was so strong and I knew it was where I belonged. I didnt tell my parents at first and studied it for about a year to see if I would still feel the same ( wanted to make sure it wasnt just a passing thing). when I felt grounded and knew I would be on this path for the rest of my days, I became open about it and knew after a year I would have answers for those who didnt understand. It was a little hard at first but it was who I am and still is...I simply told them that I didnt think any less of them for there faith and in return to respect mine and to not think any less of me. It took them a long time...lol...they even "prayed" for me, but after about 7 years, they finally have accepted it ( I think...lol). In any case, over the years they have not witnessed me as evil, etc. and finally understand I am a good person too just like them...now I am at the point where I do not worry about criticism or people not liking me because I am who I am and I am a good person filled with love and compassion and am proud to call the Goddess mother, my friend, my higher power.
My suggestion would be to read about it for a while...get a real feel of it to see if this is your true path...when the time is right, you will know and will feel grounded enough to stand for your beliefs and hope that others will understand:) If they really love you, nothing should change, right?:)

Answer 6

It is rather divided. My sister and her husband practice not only paganims but Asatru which also my tradition. My parents have no choice but to accept it lol. But they are also really open minded. My sister started paganism when she was a teenager and my mom bought her a book on it. My dad is fascinated with the lore and the world view but he'll always be Christiand and I respect that. He celebrated MY holidays though when I'm in town.
My husband is having issues with it, but not because it's paganism persay. It's religion in general. He also has issues with the time it requires but we are working on it. I'm not giving up my gods. But I am willing to comprimise on the time thing.
It depends on your family and how bad you want this. After meeting my gods I wouldn't give them up. I can't. They are a part of me. :) It's a part of my life and my heart and most importantly my blood. This is a step that only you can make.

As far as my friends, probably 90% of my friends are pagan. The only Christian friends I have are from when I was younger and they have known me most of my life. They aren't going disown me for my religion. Most are just curious more then anything. They enjoy the lore if nothing else.

Answer 7

My mother was very supportive of my choice of religion (she was an atheist who began to explore Wicca in the last months of her life), as is my husband, who is agnostic (he even helps me to prepare our house and set things up when I'm having a religious gathering). My friends are all accepting of my path as well.

In your situation, I would advise you to do a lot of reading and investigation in advance, perhaps without saying anything to your family and friends at this point. "Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner" by Scott Cunningham is a good place to start, and you can find other suggestions for good books here:

http://wicca.timerift.net/books.shtml

You might also want to connect with other Wiccans/Pagans in your area with the intention of speaking with them, attending some events, etc. One way to do this is through the Witches of the World section at Witchvox:

http://www.witchvox.com/xvn.html

Just use the pull-down menus on the left to find individuals, groups, shops, and events in your area.

Best of luck to you on your path.

Answer 8

confident and no. whilst the trails do have plenty in simple with one yet another (all of them non-monotheistic traditions, all of them based--some extra loosely than others--on pre-Christian ideals and practices, etc) they are all very distinctive paths with their own unique histories and such. that is an incredibly gentle undertaking, incredibly between Recons, and incredibly between Heathens. i in my view haven't any situation being linked with Neopaganism or being called a Pagan (way I see it i could particularly be linked with "fluff bunnies" than a number of the jerks who're well-liked interior the Asatru faith) yet some Heathens have significant subject concerns with it. a minimum of right here interior america of a. distant places, they don't have a situation with it (human beings in Iceland and Germany who prepare Forn Sed call what they do Paganism each and all the time...there must be something interior the water right here in this u . s . a . to make US Heathens so Pagan-phobic, between different issues that I won't get into through fact that is rather not the main suitable thread for it). Likewise i do no longer see it as unavoidably honest to lump Christianity, Judaism, and Islam at the same time through fact they are very distinctive religions from one yet another with their own separate histories, cultures, ideals, and practices. And confident i comprehend i'm responsible of it. i think of human beings do it extra out of simplicity's sake. saying "Christianity, Judaism, and Islam" each and all the time is a mouthful, besides as "Pagan, Wiccan, Heathen, Recon, etc". in simple terms cuts down on the style of words used.

Answer 9

I was born into a pagan family,,Some have converted to Christians and some have converted back.We tend to leave religion on the shelf at family get together.Most of us feel we do not need to inter fear with each others religions

Answer 10

If it's in your blood to be a pagan or witch then that's who you are. I say be completely open about your feelings and stand up for yourself if there is adversity, maybe it'll teach them something in return. They may soften up and be respectful of your personal decisions. You can practice in secret without them knowing of course but that may be a bit difficult? Depends on if you want them to know or not...