Witch?

I recently listened to a podcast featuring 'Old - Hag', in which she spoke about how so many people claim to be a witch or follow a religion, but don't put anything into it. They are not for lack of a better term 'practicing'.

And this made me think; is this me?

Do I label myself but not follow through?

Do I perform enough magic, to classify as a witch?

The answer is that every time I light a candle, every time I draw down the moon, every time I put my intentions out into the world, every time I wear a crystal for guidance. every time I read tarot, every time I meditate, every time I let the bath water run down the plug hole before leaving the tub, every time I bake with love, every time I use herbs for healing - all of these things are magic.

In my heart I feel so strongly connected to divination and candle magic. I am drawn to mirror magic, and adore reading tea leaves.

It's not a lie, it's not a fad, this is my life - and in every thing I do, you can find my inner witch.

It's inside all of us.

How can it not be, women especially with our connection to the moon and the tide.

We are made of power.

We are the goddess.

I agree with Old-Hag, there are many people of little faith out there from all religions who claim to be something, they simply are not.

But what does your heart say?

You can't expect good things to come from your religion, if you are not practicing.

How does mother earth know you're calling, if you don't take the time to get outside?

Out of the broom closet...

Until I reached adulthood, I always took for granted how supportive my family was about my connection to the craft.
I knew how cool my mum was when my friends were being grounded for meditating with candles, whilst my mum and... actually, my whole family were buying me every book they could find on wicca, paganism and druidry!

But hearing stories from all walks of life about 'witches' who are scared to leave the broom closet, makes me realize how important that support was.

I was always allowed my phases.
We all go through them...

The goth phase.

The adventurer, girl-scout, camper phase.

The aspiring vet phase.

The Daddys-Girl phase.

The Model Phase.

Some phases are just that...phases; but others are with us for a long, long time.
When my family realised that my 'witch phase' was no longer a phase, and an actual religious experience, they went out of their way to get me as educated on the subject as any 12 year old could be.
I had limits set in place...no Ouiji boards for starters. (A rule I broke on numerous occasions, but hey.) and it took a lot of convincing the female generations of my family that tarot was not evil to get my first deck.
They collected herb and magic magazines for me.
Picked me flowers and herbs for 'potions'
Books galore.
A set of Runes.
Chi-gong balls.

I was drawing circles on my wooden bedroom floor with chalk. I was creating covens with friends (sadly none of which stood the test of time), I was playing 'light as a feather, stiff as a board' in the middle of my year 7 class room. I was keeping a Book of Shadows. I was watching TOO many episodes of Charmed. I was living a magical life, and that was fine.
It was normal.
No secrets.
No hiding...
I didn't even know the metaphorical broom closet, was where a large handful of my fellow witches were residing, existed.

I wish I had true, helpful advice for anyone who is having to keep their journey on the path a secret. But I understand it is not always as simple as just being honest about it.
Speaking out is not always the best course of action.
Your family might NOT understand.
You might have tried to talk about it before, and been shut down.
Maybe you were bullied in the school yard.
I don't know your individual situations, but I can offer a few suggestions that might ease the transition.

1. Find like minded people.

In this age of technology, there are hundreds - thousands of outreaches into witchcraft! By joining private facebook groups you can openly discuss things like rituals and spellcasting online. You can find forums that are safe-havens for those of you with no support IRL.
You never know, you might find your own little family/coven online. Even with the support of my family, partner and friends...I still reached out to others who actually practiced the craft, and I fell in love with The Parlour.
An online tarot (and other witchy goodness) class led by wonderful, witchmama Veronica Varlow.

Join us?

http://dangerdame.com/shop/online-class-the-parlour/

2. Educate yourself.

Learn as much as you can!
Learn the history, the traditions. Know your stuff! That way if you have to fight your corner, you can do so with accuracy and efficiency!

3. Start Small...

Test the waters.
Don't come out of the broom closet over dinner. Gently tip a question or comment into conversation and watch the reaction. Learn the limits your family might have...find a way to ease out the ultimate 'coming out' conversation.

4. Never Hide from yourself!

Even if you do have to keep a part of yourself under wraps, never lose your own way.
Be true to yourself!
Don't let anyone make you feel wrong, trust your own footing on the path, and don't feel judged by those around you.
You are who you are...and that is a beautiful person who will somehow find their time and place to flourish.