This is a big question. How to tell your family you are a Witch. Coming out of any closet even the “Broom Closet” on something that is controversial or socially unacceptable especially when it comes to your family can be difficult. The biggest question I have is why tell them anything? Are you sure you want to carry that label? Identifying as a Witch can be about finding a label to fit into. I do it, you do it, they do it, we all do it.
It helps to understand why people use labels. We use labels to give brief descriptions of something. It is easier to say, check out my new “car” than it is to give the complete description. It’s confusing and long winded to say “Hey, come check out my new thing that I sit behind the wheel and step on the gas pedal to make it move after I turn the key and I can go places” than it does to use the word “Car”. So, to sum it up, we have common terms that many people should obviously know the description of. Rocket Scientist, Doctor, Attorney, Police Officer, Christian, Buddhist, girl, boy, friend, just to name a few.
The biggest problem we have as human beings is our labels. Unless the person or people with whom you are using the term has the same understanding as you, they may not really understand what you mean or they may not have the same understanding as you intend. This can cause a lot of misunderstanding and a whole lot of grief.
If you are new to witchcraft, I would recommend not telling them until you are sure you know what it means to be a Witch and feel secure in claiming that label and can describe it accurately as you mean it. If you have been a Witch for a long time and you are sick of pretending you are something else and you feel it would be in your best interest to tell your family and you are prepared to answer any questions, then it may be a good time to tell them. It is also necessary to keep in mind that you will have to face the results of preconceived misconceptions of what it means to you when you call yourself “a Witch” such as being called a Devil Worshiper and the fears they may have of being Hexed. Then yes, you may want to consider when, how, and why you want to tell them.
All my life, I had felt out of place with my crazy arsed family. I had deep feelings of compassion and empathy for other human beings and my family doesn’t. I have always had deep “spiritual” beliefs since I can remember, my family’s ideas of spirituality are very different. I have never felt like I belonged in my family. There are many things that make me different from them. I didn’t come from a family that loved me or was even kind to me in the first place.
When I discovered Wicca, I felt like I might have found the religion, beliefs, and practices that are the closest to what I already believe and do than any other theological philosophy I had yet to find. I was excited and I told everyone I knew that I was studying Wicca and was a Witch. I ended up fired from my job, called crazy and among other things when I realized why it may be best to keep it a secret. Against my wishes, my newlywed husband (now Ex number 2) told all my neighbors I was a Witch.
I found myself in a long 3 week battle with all my surrounding neighbors who wanted me out of their neighborhood. From harassment using the police, the frivolous complaints to the Land Lord, right down to ending with a group of neighbors at my front door to demand I leave the neighborhood. My Ex made them afraid of me by perpetuating misconceptions. It had to be handled with tender loving care and a warrior’s attitude.
It caused me a lot of unnecessary grief. Every time I professed to be a Witch, I was not met with the same enthusiasm that I felt. Many people have a different understanding than the actual Witch has about her craft. We know that we have the power to do both good and evil and we develop the understanding and self-discipline to manage that power of knowledge. That is similar to the story of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden when they ate the fruit of knowledge only many witches don’t really believe that knowledge is a sin. We don’t deny or relinquish our gift of “Free Will”.
As we develop as a Witch, we reclaim our personal power that in most cases was taken from us through our childhood lessons. To become a Witch means that we have taken responsibility for our own lives and choices. Witches are on the road of personal growth through healing the wounds that are caused by living in this physical world. It is common for Witches to use herbs, Tarot Cards, oils, and incense to help us on our quest to improve our lives. Learning the true meaning of what we can change and what we must accept as a fixed obstacle simply means we need to work around them. We develop an understanding that our limitations are self-imposed and we can do anything we desire. We simply have to learn how to move around and beyond the obstacles that get in our way. We have the power to achieve and often it is called manifesting.
We discover on our long life’s journey that sometimes what we “think we want” is not always what we “truly desire”. We eventually come to realize that with all that we may know, we don’t really know much at all and we continue to learn and grow as human beings until our last breath has been taken.
Before you tell your family that you are a Witch, it would be good to give them the description of what it means to you when you call yourself a Witch. Start with “I think”, “I feel”, and “I believe”. Finish with “…and this is why I am a Witch”. This process may take months or even years or it may only take days. It all depends on you and how much you have discovered about yourself as a Witch. It will take just as much for your family to understand what you mean when you identify with the Label Of Witch. I recommend before you tell your family you are a Witch that you firmly establish what you mean for those you wish to tell.
May your path always be blessed,
When i told my parents my dad laughed and my mom almost fainted. My mom said i need to repent and turn away from satan. I am sure you can imagine their reaction when introduced my girlfriend. My parents are sure im possessed. Same sex relationships are the same as witchcraft in my family.
You’re a bit young, but I want to ask have you been hurt, violated, harassed, emotionally hurt by males or otherwise neglected?
Hi,
I realize that your question was directed to Sam but I want to add something about myself in case Sam doesn’t see your question. Many people (not all) seek religions for a similar reason some people use drugs. You will find many here who have experienced the adversity of some form of abuse or violence. Before the age of kindergarten, I had already had five years of abuse stuffed under my little girl belt. I have seen so much of the Violent darkness of humanity that I too have suffered. Here is something on Complex PTSD. It is on a Christian forum but the disease isn’t specific to Christians and Mainstream people know about it. Even Atheists. Video on Complex Trauma
My parents were open minded. At the time I was also studying the kabbalah and Egyptian magic. My dad was in the army. So he is familiar with other religions. My mother from Massachusetts was very familiar with witches. And my grandmother practice reading tea leaves. And folk magic. Can’t say my relatives were the same. Though since some were being Catholic and fundamentalists christians
My parents and siblings were ok with it, but I know that if I ever told anybody else they would show their displeasure and my whole family would have concicuences
That is definitely something to consider. It is unfortunate that we have to remain silent just to avoid such adverse reactions.
My family is really religious and so am I but I practice witch craft because I can some times see things that will happen in the future . I’m just getting in to this and I’m only twelve going on thirteen (I’d really be grateful if someone could help teach me.) And since my mother is in mental health if I told her she’d send me to the loonyben so how do I get around this?
I’m sorry J.P. at your age you will find it difficult to find a teacher. Ethical Witches won’t teach a minor unless it is their own child. Some may consider it with express permission from the parents but I don’t personally know of any who would consider it for the very reason you mentioned about your mother. There is a book by Silver Ravenwolf titled Teen Witch. If your mother approves of that one, maybe you could ask her. I know this seems unfair but Children are the responsibility of their parents until the age of 18. We can not interfere with your mother’s decisions.
I’ve been trying to figure out what is called witchcraft?????
There’s powers of the mind, telepathy, perceptions of psychic imprints, then there’s water dowsing also called witching a well.
Then there’s the witchcraft associated with the demonic or other spirits. Where spirits are involved.
Then there’s illusions.
The body has energies, the earth has energies. Which chi, qi, ki, prana testify to this, even by phenomenal strength one is endured with in crisis.
Energy can be projected.
But then there’s rootworkers which is called witchcraft. Then voodoo, santeira.
Where I can’t figure out what witchcraft is.
There’s the power of thought, etc.
If someone would enlighten me, I’d appreciate it.
Oh, traditional views of Christianity many times are wrong, perpetuated by others who conjured up explanations for things they didn’t understand to maintain their role as authorities, then perpetuated. Others remain silent to avoid opening a can of worms.
As the lack of knowledge of words and their definitions as well as grammar.
As the tree of knowledge is also called the tree of conscience. Where I guess it gave us selfishness, greed, arrogance, willingness to withhold from another in need, etc. Probably much more to it.
Then witches, well someone, including christians mess someone up, put a witch in the mix, well they found a scapegoat. Which could be true or not. But simple prejudice is sufficient for some to blame others.
There’s also illusion. Stage magicians.
So, could someone actually tell me what a witch is?
I would think many witches, wiccans and such have the wrong impression of Christianity created by those who take Gods’ name in vain, calling themselves of God or Christ, but having an evil heart that revolves around themselves. Not all, but any number. Where there are truer christians not confirmed to social ideals who truly value God shown by their concern for others without motives.
Which God has gifts he gives, maybe not to all, but to some.
Where Simon the sorcerer was astounded by it and wanted to buy it, which it isn’t for sell.
Then there’s people in society that like to play God as well as Satan. Which is a form of blasphemy. Although the Bible says, you will be Gods upon the earth. God, 3rd definition of God in 1828 Noah Webster Dictionary.
But just for the record, if you want a brief idea of the divine God, look at Galatians 5:24 on. We’re also told God is a spirit, this no need of gender. He is simply English language that references someone or something in the masculine, not that it is.
Where correcting errors propagated for long times isn’t likely as it challenged so many belief systems, which Christ did and look what “some” of the religious did, especially those that provides from religion.
Anyway, I’d like to hear from you with your input.
Bertski
Hello Bertski,
I can sense where you are at. I hear your question and I am afraid I may not have that definitive answer that you seek. In Wicca, there is a poem called “The Charge of the Goddess”. In this poem it speaks of what we seek such as answers. It states that “what you seek, if you do not find it within, you will never find it without. What that means is that everything you need to understand will only be found within you, your own mind, your own definition. The answer you seek is already in you, you just have to find it. To help you out and sort of guide you, which is all anyone can really do, is to tell you what I see in what you have stated in your comment. I see that you, as we all do, have combined both religious aspects with traits of humanity. Religion is a byproduct of the human mind or the human nature. We are what we are by our very nature and we can’t change our nature. There is a story I heard about a turtle and a scorpion. I don’t know who created this version but it is perfect to convey a moral of the story to consider. There was a scorpion who wanted to cross the river. Scorpions can’t swim by their very nature just like it can’t fly like a bird. It is doomed to crawl the earth. The scorpion came upon a turtle swiming near the banks of the river and so the scorpion called to the turtle. Mr. Turtle, can you please give me a lift to the other side of the river. Long story short, the turtle was reluctant and denied the favor to the scorpion on the premise that the scorpion would sting him and he would surely drown. The Scorpion swore he would not sting the turtle. The turtle agreed to take the scorpion across the river. Once they were close enough to the other side of the river, the scorpion stung the turtle. The turtle asked why the scorpion stung him after he promised not to. The scorpion replied, It is my nature, I can do nothing less. That story is a thought to consider as you try to define what it means to be a witch and also how to decern between what is human nature and what is philosophy and how they are both part of nature.
I am 17, and i started using tarot cards and runes around this time (maybe October-December, i cant remember) last year. I started off with energy manipulation last summer, because my boyfriend at the time was having some… Interesting happenings going on, having to do with things like the astral plane. Since then, ive discovered more and more of my own truth and turned away from Christianity, which my family practices. Most people that I’ve told about this think its really cool. Very few were afraid, but they were closed-minded girls. My sister knows, and my brother may or may not. Many of my teachers know and are suportive, even Christian ones.
My dilemma is that… I had a conversation tonight with my mother about being gay. I am not gay, but as a Christian, she doesnt think its right, blah blah blah… She said that she lets us (her kids) be who we believe we are, but that if we were straying “off of the path of God” that she would try to get us help. In my parents eyes, being a witch is definitely not on the path of god. Lately ive been tired of pretending that Im still a Christian, and I dread going back to church, which my mother wants to do eventually.
I like being a witch and doing magic. I know not to curse people, so I dont. I rarely invoke gods, though i use the moon in many spells. I dont worship satan, and i know magic is of the universe, not of satan (unless tou specifically ask) but they wont understand that. Is there some way i can very slowly open them up to the idea of magic, and that its not all bad, before i tell them im a witch? Or should i just not bother? This is my senior year in highschool and i will be off to college in a year, should i just wait it out?
Wow. that is a pretty tough situation to be in. As far as opening them up to witchcraft? I’m not sure that’s even worth the time. Only you can decide what to do with this situation. It really depends on your relationship with your parents. How close are you and with certain mindsets such as the fear found in Christianity, people do desperate things and yes your mom could put you in therapy but that’s not so bad if it isn’t a Christian counselor, :). It’s something to consider. You already know how I feel about Witchcraft, but honestly, do you feel even in the slightest that what you are doing is wrong? Do you really believe it is harmful? If not, then does that mean you feel grounded and safe within your practice? You are almost 18, If you wait until you move out or leave for college, what would the possible consequences of that choice? How would that be different than if you told them now? What if you decide you are done with witchcraft by your 18th birthday? And the last Question to ask yourself, Can you live with that?
I understand your situation but living in an annoying situation for a few months or so longer is just that, annoying but there is light at the end of that tunnel. If your situation is unhealthy or dangerous, reach out to someone or call and report it so you can be safe. Otherwise, the dilemma is, do you grin and bear it for another 12 months or do you out yourself and face the consequences and is it necessary? And can you live with that? I recommend sitting in quiet meditation and ask your higher self/inner self, what you should do. And Remember, “that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without thee.” *Doreen Valiente*
I believe in your ability to make this decision.
Blessings,
Summer Song
Witchcraft is in my family so they might be okay with me practicing it too, I told my mom if she could teach me when I was a bit older, I am currently twelve, she agreed to but I want to know a bit more than I know, I mean ik that there are different types of witchcraft and each person practices the one that they are either stronger in or more comfortable practicing, my mom practiced green and white magic, I also want to practice those, and I also know that if you do black magic karma will follow, its really bad karma, kinda like an eye for an eye, the thing is that internet gives me fake stuff or tell me that I always have to do rituals but I know ta sometimes you only need 1 or 2 ingredients or just a spell, if anyone knows a way I could learn a bit more, maybe some basic rituals, potions and spells please let me know
sounds like you have an adult understanding about it. Good luck to you. <3
I had an approach of clearing up misconceptions about witches before coming out of the broom closet and when I told my dad that a pentacle is different from the sigil of baphomet he said “I used to be a witch. If you wanna start conjuring I’ll help you.” I’m still amazed.
I have had this very same fear, I’m really not sure if the only family member I care about would really even blink an eye seeing as how she agrees with me that my mom was an empath and I’m an empath so maybe if she believes in empaths she believes in witches too even though she is an Uber Conservative Christian… To tell or not to tell that is the question ?♀️??