Are you in or out
of the broom closet?
Being inside the broom closet is a term used by pagans and witches to refer to those who are not open about their religion or practice.
This may mean you are in the broom closet at home, at work, but open/out at school or with friends for one example. This would mean your family does not know about your religion/practice, neither does your job. But your friends do and maybe you openly discuss it at school or wear jewelry, carry items that are related to it.
Sadly even in this day and age people can be ugly monsters and hate people for their religion/practices.
In some areas this can be a death sentence, in others, it can still be pretty scary. We can deal with harassment or abuse. Worry about losing family, friends, or jobs. Yes legally you can't be discriminated against (in many places, but not all) but proving that isn't always easy.
And there are some people who just do not have the heart, energy, or spoons to deal with the stress from it.
There is NO shame in being in the broom closet.
Being able to just be you and not care is amazing. Being able to just shrug it off and say this is me take it or leave it, I don't care! Is so wonderful. But it is also PRIVILEGE. That not everyone is so blessed to have access to.
Don't judge someone else's journey.
There is probably some wise warrior quote about knowing when to fight and knowing when to walk away. Choosing your battles and all that.
Being a witch is not about having to wear a giant pentacle, carry around a Book of Shadows & tarot cards where ever you go, having a giant altar in your living room, discussing love charms and moon phases to everyone you come across!
You are still a witch without any of that. Without any noise. Without walking into a room and announcing it.
There is a running joke about a great many things... "How do you know someone is a __________, don't worry they will tell you!"
Telling everyone you are a witch doesn't make you a witch or witchier lol
One example I love to share is that during holiday meals I often do a small prayer for the meal. Now I could make a huge fuss, draw attention, do a whole thing with candles, a wand, drawing down the moon and blessing the meal..... or when they say grace I can close my eyes and say my own little prayer/blessing to myself.
Am I in or out? How did I come out?
If you read my journey page, I discuss it a little bit there. I've never really been truly in the closet. I am pretty open and honest but subtle.
I began practicing at 17 and I was nervous to tell my mom because I wasn't sure what she would think. But she didn't care. I had already been reading a ton of books and pretty openly discussing them with everyone in my family so they were like yeah we know already lol
My husband, who was my boyfriend at the time, hated religion and it was an issue at first. But when I finally sat down and explained what I believed and why he said he thought it was beautiful. He still doesn't really get it, but he is supportive.
Meeting his family did have me a tad worried. They are Catholic, but not really practicing. I've never come out and been like "Hey I'm a pagan witch!"
But I am friends with them on facebook and share witchy things, posted pics of my altar, I'll likely share this website link once its ready to be up, etc.... I also wear witchy jewelry. I assume they are fine with don't ask, don't tell lol
Probably just think I'm quirky lol
That is generally how I feel about it. If someone brings it up, I'll be honest and discuss it. But if not, then its my personal business. I still openly wear jewelry, I have a moon & pentacle wrist tattoo (though my fitbit usually covers it now).
How to practice in secret
As I said you do not need a big production. All you need to be a witch is you, your body, your energy, your intent.
That doesn't mean that one can't still have ritual space, altars, or symbolism while still being incognito.
Symbolism plays a huge role in witchcraft. For example, during spring my altar is filled with flowers and bunnies. You could definitely set up a side table, shelf, or other surface with candles, flowers, plants, bunny statues, stars, crystals, stones, etc... and no one would have a clue and just think you have some cute decor. Think outside the box!
Having a small altar hidden away in a box to be pulled out just for ritual is another idea.
Spellwork and prayers can be done purely in silence in your mind.