How do I tell people in my school I'm wiccan?

Question

Somehow religion gets brought up in my school alot, and when people ask what i am, i dont really know what to say, because most of the kids either think wicca=evil=hell, or wicca=witch=hollywood

Answer 1

You don't tell them directly. One's spirituality is a private matter, and besides most of them would not understand. Once you put the "buzz words" out there -- Witchcraft, Wicca, Pagan, Magick -- people stop listening. It's better, then, to tell them what you believe before you tell them what it's called. You can say things like, "I see God in Nature," or, "I can see the truth in all religions." And take some time to get to know yourself and your religion before you "come out of the broom closet." Read a ton of books, and do the work. Spend time in nature talking to the Gods, and talking to your Ancestors. Learn about Wicca, and other Neopagan religions, inside and out so that you can accurately and confidently answer questions when they are put to you. So, keep it private for now, but learn as much as you can so that you are prepared when you are ready to "go public" about it.

And some people need never know. Coworkers and Employers, for example, don't need to know what you're into. It's really none of their business.

Edit to add -- Lab Girl reminded me of a quote;

"Witchcraft doesn't pay for broken windows"

I think Doreen Valiente said that?

Answer 2

Well first I wouldn't bring it up, religion is about your choices and your opinions and not a popularity contest. If you feel pressured to tell or think you can handle the discussion (and occasional problems) then feel free to tell them you are Wiccan. Yes there will be those that think Wicca = evil or that Wicca = Hollywood, but those are their opinions and they do have a right to them as long as they do not act out of hatred or bigotry. Probably the best way you can convince them that Wicca is not evil or Hollywood is through your deeds and words. If you are a good Wiccan that will show regardless of their opinions of Wicca and perhaps you can convince them that Earth based religions are not evil or Hollywood. Unfortunately we cannot control how open someone else's mind is but we can control how we behave and what we say.

Good luck and Blessed Be )O(

Answer 3

Easy answer: You don't.

Avoid the question. Say your still looking. Say you are Unitarian Universalism or Agnostic. Don't use the "W" word in school, unless you have parents to back you up. Even then, I wouldn't.

You are not a vivisected thing. Strangers do not HAVE to know everything about you. Protect your mysteries from people who cannot understand them. The students are the least of your worries. I've met some hardcore fundamentalist Christian teachers who would judge you quite harshly.

Wicca does not require martyrs, especially not from among the youth. School is for academics, not teaching tolerance. Make the grade, get the job, then you can come out safely as an adult.

If you are determined or convicted by your conscience to do this. Be smart. Come out to your parents first. Then your best friends. This is your base, your stregnth. Look for a reputable group to speak to about neo-Paganism. Read everything. Be prepared for a deluge of questions. When you are stumped, admit it. Shrug and move on. This is not a contest.
Best Wishes!

Answer 4

When I started practicing Wicca, I was currently attending a church school, so telling everyone about my newfound religion was a little fun. I know that at first it is hard to decide whether or not to tell people. I think that it is easier to tell people that you are pagan, instead of just telling them that you are wiccan.

Answer 5

Its your choice to tell them or not. Of course, if you tell them some students will think of you as the traditional Wiccan stereotype. However, others will accept you for who you are.

My best friend is Muslim and where we go to school is a very strong Christian based community. She kept her religion hidden for a very long time because she was afraid of everything that could happen because of 9/11 and all that. Eventually, as we got older, she gradually began to tell people she was Muslim I guess because she was tired of trying to hid who she was and if people didn't like her because of it then that was their loss of losing one amazing person.

So it depends on what you want to do. If you don't want to tell then don't. But if you do, then just realize that those people who treat you wrongly because of your beliefs are the ones who are actually missing out on possibly a great friendship.

How do you tell them? Well, you just. .say it. When they ask, tell them! No matter how you tell someone they are still going to make judgments about you (whether they be good or bad). So don't worry about how you say it or their judgments. .that's not your problem. .its theirs.

Answer 6

It's not really any of their business.
From your asking, it appears that it is not yet time to "tell people" ANYthing. You will gain strength as you age.

Maybe you could answer a question with a question.

"Didn't Jesus say [inMatt 6:6 by the way]

But you, when you pray, enter into your inner chamber, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. ...?"

and perhaps say, "I think Jesus gave wise instruction here. Don't you?"

.....

and you would (could) be truthful.

Just because you have a different way of "religion" (sic) does not mean that you must "reject all" ideas which may have sources different from "hard-core Wicca"

does this make sense?

If they persist, smile and walk away.

Answer 7

This is a tough one. You need to find a balance between two truisms:

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

and

"Discretion is the better part of valor."

Personally I think that it's better to not discuss it at school, because schoolkids are not known for understanding and acceptance of the unusual. However, I also think that pagans shouldn't have to be in the closet if we don't want to be.

It's got to be up to you. Don't be defensive in any case, because you have a right to your beliefs. Just be matter-of-fact about your discussion or avoidance, whichever way you go.

Answer 8

Often the trepidation you're feeling is unneeded, because you'll find some people who you didn't expect to be Wiccan are in fact also Wiccan. Most Wiccans practice their beliefs in private, they just believe that to be the best way to understand divinity.

Answer 9

When I was in school (oh so long ago) If pressed I just said I practiced the Old Religion, and if they want an explanation, I worship nature, like the American Indians.
Hope this helps, but if they don't ask, don't volunteer! Like the military "Don't ask, don't tell"
BB
)O(

Answer 10

If you're at a hick school, just remind them that their god is against judgement; also, don't hang around too many militant cultists. No matter what you do, people will always give you crap for some reason or another. Just roll with it and hang with the ones who you get along with (and I guarantee you're not the only one there)