Do you think witches today should keep with tradition and stay in the closet? or do you think we should be out for the world to see us?

I am neither in the broom closet nor dancing around outside of it...I wear my pentacle all the time & will explain it to anyone who asks, but I don't slip my personal beliefs into every conversation either. I would really say it depends on the individual, and that it needs to be treated like any other faith, Christians, Buddhists & Hidus don't feel the need to make a big thing about 'coming out', and for us to do so simply reinforces the stereotype that there is something wrong or evil about what we do.

Added by: ~faye~

11-10-2002

I do not have the choice unfortunately, i have to stay hidden. In my opinion(as in if i had a choice) i would still keep it from people, i usually only discuss it with friends who i know are open minded about things, i believe if someone is meant to be wiccan or pagan(or any path so i dont offend anyone) then it usually finds them. And if someone asks me about it i am willing to help though.

Added by: Grey Wanderer

11-13-2002

I don't know... it depends where do you live; my country is too christian. I'm not up to a closet, I show my Pentagram and my crescent moon tattoo to everyone who asks, but I keep my religion up to my privacity. I preserve that very much...

Added anonymously on: 11-15-2002

my opinion is that most witches like myself, are half out of the closest. we tell people who we know we can trust or people who ask, but we don't fully come out because of the steriotypes that cover this world in like a blanket of desease. until people can break free from their iggnorance, we will stay hidden. i mean really most of us don't want to be fully out because of all the crap that goes along with it. we don't want to be 24/7 looked at as an animal, preached at telling us we are going ot hell, etc etc ect. i agree with faye

Added by: cresent_arwen

8-29-2004

I wouldn't really know, I have only been practising for about 5 years now and I wear my pentacal around my neck and havn't taken it off of my body no matter what it is always on me. I have to admitt I have been physically atacked once by a man near my home, if I hadn't been meeting up with a friend I could have been seriously hurt. Anyways I really don't care if people know or not, and I don't care if they like it or not. I'm me I believe what I want to believe, and I am free to do it. If someone has a problem with me come up and tell me don't yell it don't mock me. I wont do it to you. If christans, Jewish, and budists can wear a necklace or somesort of jewlry presenting their religion, why can't I???? My whole family knows, and they also know I don't worship the devil. I really hate steryotyps. My best friend is catholic and when we were talking to a close friend of ours, the girl asked about it and my friend said it was just a reblious faze and I would come to my sences soon and stop believeing in "Hogwash and Devil Bullshit," needless to say I havn't talked to her since. But no I'm not practicing it because of that I'm just stating a fact. I love the practice and I do it because I love it.

Added by: LadyIce

9-5-2004

i think that witches arent really real. not ike what they say in movies and storys. if there were such a thing then people would by now "bring it out of the closet" because we accept gays and people with disablitys, so why couldnt we accept witches. So i think if people are witches, then they should come out and say it and "come out of the closet." make the world we live in a better place, and only we can do it not any president or officer... you and me and all the other people just walking the streets! 1.908.892.1335<-- call if you need someone to accept you for who you, or just some one to talk to for advice.

Added by: D- Murph

10-14-2004

hum thays a tough 1 i realy dont no

Added by: sophie

1-21-2005

i were pentacle all the time and i always make a point of explaining what it means to all my friends i am only 14 and i am a strong beliver in pagan tradition i belive that witchs should be exepted just like any other faith or religion is.

Added by: sophie b

1-21-2005

Added by: whitney

3-22-2005

i think that we should go out for the world to see us and stand our ground.

Added by: chelsea

3-22-2005

I am looking into paganism now, because the religion I grew up with (Catholic Christianity) is not satisfying to me at all. I think I sometimes respect people who aren't Catholic more than those who are catholics just because they are different. I strongly feel that all people should express their feelings and beliefs- it's what makes this world diverse and interesting. I grew up thinking witches were just myths, and the image of a witch embedded into my brain since birth wasn't such a pretty one. If witches come out- all the better. Perhaps this will cause some revolution- but maybe we have learned from past mistakes. Maybe this will help people to stop being prejudice because they will be forced, or chalenged, to accept yet another group introduced(or reintroduced) into society. I think, for the younger people, that we (I'm sixteen) should begin to do this, and perhaps we can make a difference in the way people think...it's worth a try and I'm sure the world can handle more diversity.

Added by: Lizzy (or flora bluestone)

4-16-2005

i believe in magic and im not a strong believer in god i rely on magic powers to guide me.People should be more opened minded about what witches are. most people think we are evil but not all witchs are like that.I have been into wiccan magic for about 4 years and its great.I explain what i am and who i am and what i believe in to people who want to no about it. BLESSED BE!!

Added by: ~tiarna~

4-24-2005

Witchs Rule and people need to realise that magic is a hugh part of the world weather they belive it or not! we should stand our ground and not let anyone try and change us!!

Added by: ~WOOZIE~

4-24-2005

i think witches should not do evil and should be the same way they are i belive in god not in magick

Added by: nobody

5-12-2005

i also think that the power of withes magick is more powerful than the evil one there is no other god there is no other magick and no one in this world is sacred only the one,s who belive in the lord and for the witches i,m gonna tell you something all i respect you and know that all of you have power but i hear something that i could not belive somepeople are saying that witch hunters are caming to usa from europe a group that will hunt witches and the law will let them because many acident hapen cuz of withes i dont know wha are they gonna do after they hunt them but i hear this you wont belive it but its true

Added by: nobody

5-12-2005

only the lord who is in heaven is the lord who hold the power

Added anonymously on: 5-12-2005

wise folks

Added anonymously on: 5-12-2005

i believe in the godness/god because i can see , feel her/him in every place.

Added by: cldoaldo leonardo dos santos

5-18-2005

i believe in the godness/god because i can see , feel her/him in every place.

Added by: leo

5-18-2005

I believe in the Pagan/Wiccan path and follow it, its hard because I go to a catholic school and wear my pentacle 24/7, people call it a satan star no matter how many times i explain it to them they can't get it through their heads, i bear with it because i can just pray to the god and goddess when I am at home, its hard but they guide me through...

Added by: Sai

5-27-2005

i would like to be a witch but im not sure how

Added by: kirsty

5-29-2005

I have been studing Wicca for about three years now, and I am loving every minute of it. I call myself a Wiccan but I don't think I have studied long enough to call myself a witch. I guess I'm a witch in training. In my studies I read about the Oath of secrecy. This oath does not say that we can't tell other people about the Craft, because many high Priestess write books telling thousands about the Craft. I personally in my situation have only told my Father and Fiancee about my religon, and that is only because I have strong bonds with both. My father thinks its "just a silly phase" but I know he will come around. Once I'm out of my home my Pentacle will be worn outside of my shirt all the time. I do not hide it in shame right now but in fear that my step mother will take it from me if she sees it. The Lord and Lady have filled me with the light of thier love and I'm going to let it shine on the whole world. I know this might bring me some hard times but with other witches right beside me I know we can change what the world thinks of us. Be proud my brothers and sisters. Blessed be!

Added by: Kathryn

6-6-2005

yes i love to see a WITCH brew it's so cool

Added by: kidarakash

6-8-2005

Added by: phyco

6-8-2005

i think we shoud all be out in the world

Added by: phyco girl

6-8-2005

i think they should be saved and give their life to god, its the bes way

Added by: *Hat*

6-10-2005

Added by: yourmom

5-9-2006

I think we should be half in half out because their are people who hate the ideas of witches like my freind and their are others who think that being a witch is great but you don't have to listen to me for I have only ben studing for 2 and a half years and just found a study group

Added by: frankie

5-12-2006

i am tottally confused about this stuff. someone explain what a witch does!

Added by: wondering

6-4-2006

How do i make my own brew for spells!? I need help so can some one help me please :)

Added by: How

8-10-2006

i may be the youngest witch(or witch in traning) at age 12 but i understand alot i have even reached spots that older women havent but i understand enough that we shuld only tell are loved ones and close frinds for if we are not caurfle we may stumbel in to another witch trial.

Added anonymously on: 8-31-2006

The craft has been in our family for 4 generations. The question of comming out depends where you are. There are many out there who wish us harm, even in this day and age. My kids grew up learning the craft and knowing it was not safe to tell just anyone what bloodline they have, and they are raising their children the same way. Blessed be, Sandy Witch

Added by: Sandy

10-6-2006

Being a Wiccan isn't easy at timees, but it is more free flowing. I like it because there isn't any Dogma saying that it is the "only way" like Christianity does. To find the deity you have to first examine yourself and think honestly with your heart what you believe despite what other people say. I am just learning wicca but so far I am loving it. You don't have to agree with me because everyone has the right to their own opinion. Blessed Be

Added by: David

10-7-2006

I think they should just tell people if they are witches or not!

Added by: Kayla

10-10-2006

Well I'm a witch in training only 15 but I learned that magick is less powerful if there are people around that doubt you because the more faith there is the more powerful the spell, and there is still a stereotype witch in the media. I usual keep it a secrete the only people that really know are my close friends or other people I can trust in my inner circle to not judge.

Added by: Zarah

8-24-2007

im studying witch craft and i dont feel comfertabe telling my friend about it because im only 11 so i think its interesting and i just tell anyone even if they dont like it.

Added by: sharice

9-2-2007

im studying witch craft and i dont feel comfertabe telling my friend about it because im only 11 so i think its interesting and i just tell anyone even if they dont like it.

Added by: nobody

9-2-2007

Ok I don't really see a reason to be hiding who we are. sure Im new to this but i know enough about it to say THIS IS WHERE I BELONG!! I hate the fact that im sappost to hide who I am and belive in someone to fit in society to be seen as "rightous" yet their religion is the only way. and anyone who doesn't fit is pushed out and labeled "sinner" now I've been pushed into going to church and I did it with my pentegram out in the open. Has anyone ever seen a group of angery Christians? Anyway my friends support me and I thank the goddess they do. to my brothers and sisters out there I support you too!

Added by: V Charlie

10-10-2007

Ok I don't really see a reason to be hiding who we are. sure Im new to this but i know enough about it to say THIS IS WHERE I BELONG!! I hate the fact that im sappost to hide who I am and belive in someone to fit in society to be seen as "rightous" yet their religion is the only way. and anyone who doesn't fit is pushed out and labeled "sinner" now I've been pushed into going to church and I did it with my pentegram out in the open. Has anyone ever seen a group of angery Christians? Anyway my friends support me and I thank the goddess they do. to my brothers and sisters out there I support you too!

Added by: witchgirl

10-10-2007

Ok I don't really see a reason to be hiding who we are. sure Im new to this but i know enough about it to say THIS IS WHERE I BELONG!! I hate the fact that im sappost to hide who I am and belive in someone to fit in society to be seen as "rightous" yet their religion is the only way. and anyone who doesn't fit is pushed out and labeled "sinner" now I've been pushed into going to church and I did it with my pentegram out in the open. Has anyone ever seen a group of angery Christians? Anyway my friends support me and I thank the goddess they do. to my brothers and sisters out there I support you too!

Added by: witchgirl

10-10-2007

i think we should be out in the world today.people talk about witch hunters and to beware,,but their are christians who will be persecuted too...now that is scriptural.as for me ..i am learning.i am into the herbs and making things as such and really getting into spell making now.but nothing to harm anyone...karma...it bites hard....so YES we should come out ...i consider myself an Eclectic and love it....!!!!!

Added by: abracadabra

10-15-2007

wicca is not just something that you do every so often to get what you want it is a religion and a way of life. i am 12 years old and i am cathlic but i am not sure if i believe my religion after all i didn't have a choice on being baptized. anyways, my parents on't approve of wicca so i have to lead a secret life and have a shrine to worship "god" (aka wicca) in my room. i practise spells and ritauls daily. i have only been studying for uh lets see...TWO DAYS!!! can someone help me and give me advice on how to progress in my training without the use of herbes, candles or anything my parents need to get? like i said they don't approve...

Added by: yamini lump

10-19-2007

maybe they are maybe not

Added by: me

10-23-2007

we should come out tell the world stand our ground dont let other people diss you for what religion we dont hate on thier religions why should they hate on us come out of the closet now NOW IS OUR TIME TO SHOW THE WORLD WHO WE ARE!!!

Added by: annonomous

10-23-2007

I don't think I could come out of the closet because I live in the "Bible Belt". I do how ever think it is up to the individual. I have been practicing for almost ten years now. Personally I think because of the burning times and the fact that one's magical power is more powerful if it is kept quiet. Just my personal opinion.

Added by: Sidharose

10-28-2007

i am 1 of the many who have probably come to ask a question. i myself have always appriciated and wanted to learn magic. for many reasons 2 1 it interests me 2 it runs in my bloodline and my ancestors where around magic (mostly black magic) like for example any1 heard of catrina vantassle wel i am a descendant of the family and many generations past my family has practiced magic i mean half of my ancestors where burned at stake but i want to learn magic not nescaserilly desructive magic but simple charms maby a bad luck spell or two to cast on some asshole who bugs the daylites out of you but dothing seriouse like burning his house down just simple things and i dont no whoelse to turn to

Added by: a wonderer

12-16-2007

i think we should stay among friends only trust the ones who can be trusted if they cannot be trusted your life is kept secret. also let the world come out of its illusion and the will eventually see we are not evil or dangerouse

Added by: another thing from the wanderer

12-16-2007

you guys are freaks

Added by: ????????

12-22-2007

i'm not afraid to tell my parents even though they treat me badly for it i think witches shouldn't have to hide who they are and i think people who treat witches badly are their own hipocrites christian religions say to treat people equally well it doesn't seem like their doing that very well

Added by: Pamela

2-11-2008

We are all at various stages of development in our practice and understanding. We also live in widely different circumstances. Therefore, I believe that there is not one answer for everyone. We need to do what we are ready for and feel is right for our path. I only discuss my beliefs and practices with those who I trust and who come to me with sincere desire to learn about it. I always speak out, though, for tolerance, when I see acts of racism or religious intolerance. I think, though, that it's important to behave wisely and safely, and find the line between having courage and leaving ourselves open to harm. For those who do not know Wicca, try to learn about it before putting criticism out there. All religions acknowledge the creator or creative source of our world. We all have different names attached to it, and maybe a Christian God has alot in common with our Wiccan source of creation. Maybe it's okay that we percieve it/He/She differently, and use our creative gifts. That's what witches do. The power we use is within us from God, not some outside "evil" energy. I believe that we are co-creators using the power we've been given. Even Christians know that we all have the power to believe and forgive, if we choose to. Wiccans just talk about this and do it in a different way. Peace to everyone.

Added by: Catalena

3-19-2008

I am not scared to tell anybody that asks about my religion or why i wear a pentagram. I show a respect for there beliefs they should respect mine. i think we should be both open to whomever that asks and wants to understand but that is no reason to bring it to the public.I have people i am very close to that still thinks i am evil. I try to explain, but if they want to be keep in the dark about our religion they may do so.

Added by: *sara*

3-20-2008

Added by: Linda Brewer

4-2-2008

Why is it that most of the posts here either don't know how to spell or they don't know the proper pronounciation of words?? Is it that they are not really well educated or they haven't had very much schooling?

Added by: Linda Brewer

4-2-2008

i think you should be proud of what you are and show everybody who you really are.

Added by: kmk

6-20-2008

i think that witches are horrible! but very clever because they look like normal human beings

Added by: jade and demi

7-11-2008

i like chevvi the witch

Added by: jade demza

7-11-2008

i think that witches are horrible! but very clever because they look like normal human beings

Added by: jade and demi

7-11-2008

I think that witches should be open without flaunting their faith. I'm a witch and I have told my close friends but I won't go out to a store and tell some cashier "hi I'm a witch, can I have a discount?" that's just stupid. I believe we should tell those who are a part of our life and that we trust and not just going around and screaming it down the streets just because we can.

Added by: Bree

7-12-2008

I'd like to tell my parents that I'm Wiccan. I tried to tell my dad and he freaked out. So the only one who knows is my best friend. But, I think you should be open about it if you can.

Added by: Kimmy

7-16-2008

i think witches should be allowed to grace this world without closed minded religions telling them that what there doing is wrong i mean i am 15 years old now finding out that i have witches in my family and thats kind of amazing but my mother and father and granmother refuse to allow me to learn about my history and as i see it the world and my family dont see witches as people who can feel and cry but as demons from hell sent to cast evil spells and to torture but i pray every night that one day this world wont be indulged in such hate and prejudice.

Added by: jasmine

7-20-2008

me and my friends at the university of Sunderland are very interested in this subject. we have decided to produce a documentary on witchcraft that shows witches in a different light aiming to get rid of the stereotye. we are based in the north east so if there is anyone in this area that is willing to help us and maybe meet up for an interview to have your say then that would be great, group meetings etc would be perfect for filming. please get in touch. kate_dobson@hotmail.co.uk

Added by: kate

9-30-2008