After what seems like forever..I've made a discision

As a Solitaire, I learned to let the "Revealing" take it's Own course! If those who have benefitted from my Presence and Works should turn away from me, then it's best to let them go, they never should have been in my Life at all... I haven't lost a client or friend yet because of my beliefs, the experience that comes with my Lifelong Love of "What I Am" really helps me in situations such as this, as you develop your knowledge of Human nature, and Human behavior, your own confidence and acceptance of yourself will empower you. I see by your comments that you have at least a knowledge of "To Know, To Will, To Dare and To Keep Silent" which has protected Witches, Magicians and Others for centuries... In today's world, The Craft and it's many, many Branches and Faith(s) is growing and showing Itself more and more throughout the Planet and this fact alone should bring you much comfort... The Craft, Wicca and Pagan Faith(s) are truly here to stay and for a very Good Reason(s). Now my advice to you is to wait until the next Major Sabbat on the Wheel and ask The God(s) and Goddess(es) for an Answer, I don't recommend "coming out" because you are "feeling unhappy" by keeping Silent. Oddly, when you mentioned the Library, which is a known hangout for Witches and Mystics (We love Our Books), the Libary here in Philadelphia, had put up this huge display about the Pagan roots of Holiday celebrations, it was wonderful to see... Please don't allow frustration to take the place of Power in any decision you make, listen for Guidance and you will get It as surely as you recieved It on the day The Craft chose you. Joy, Abundance and Prosperity to you, Dear One! May Happiness guide Thy every move and Love be The Result of All You Create. Blessed Be!

You will find who your true friends are! I found this out when I came out about being christian of all things! I guess when you tell people you believe in something that they do not believe in or do not understand it makes them nervous. I wish you all of the luck in this and remember a TRUE christian will not judge you ! it is not for us to judge !

They say sometimes it's better to hide things but I come from a big city where no matter where you look,you see everything from white supremists,Goth,Skin heads and everything else that's going on out there,I say express yourself,I don't believe in a lot of things that others do,I don't even have a religion but I do believe in GOD and really,it's no ones business but my own.....but you know,if everyone walked around in a zombie like form,trying to hide from who they really are,this world would be one boring place with nothing to look at or view....do you watch the Tyra show?They had a great episode on witchcraft and the myths behind it.....check it out at www.thetyrashow.com

I think one way I manage to 'fit in' with my unusual beliefs is by not making a big deal about them. I mean, they are everything to me, but unless I'm with a group of open-minded people who share similar views, I just don't bring it up. This is not to say that you should 'hide ' who you are... just that you should stop looking outward for approval and acceptance and accept and approve of yourself. I know it's hard. Another thing I have done is dropped the word 'witch' when talking about myself because I prefer not to label myself, I would rather take the time to explain the basic principles I believe in, and the specifics that I practice... like astrology, herbal medicine, tarot, and moon magic. I'll tell people if they ask that 'I'm more pagan than anything else, but I find valuable principles and truths in all religions'... My goal is to not separate myself from my community, but maybe start a loving dialouge. You may also want to think about moving to an area that is more friendly... where you can celebrate your beliefs within a community that supports you. My advice is to wear your medallions, carry your stones, etc. and be confident in your decision. I've never hid who I am, and I never will... because it is not in my belief that any of us should ever have to. There is a lot of wisdom in what you practice, just don't waste your time discussing it with those who don't want to understand. Blessings.

Dont worry about what people think. You are who you are and there shouldn't be any question about that. People just don't understand and they also have developed preconception about alot of things. And that stems from hering society say that things like that are not real. I choose not to have any preconceptions and my mind is very open. I deal with chakra stones, meditations, visions that I see and anything that comes to me. So, be strong and if you ever need to talk, get ahold of me. ciao for now never goodbye.

You've already had a lot of replies, but a few more wont hurt, eh? My simple advice (and how I coped, even though Im no longer wiccan, I still wear a seven-pointed star for my own beliefs, gets glares still) - is to be yourself. As many have said. Don't rub it in people's faces. Don't force those ox-headed christians to listen to you. (Unless they force you to listen to them, then you're free to butt right back.) But what's most important, is with all the bad reps witches have (media and all that) you have to be a standing representation for what you believe in. You need to keep your composure, to be level headed. To show those who are confused about what it means to be wiccan that it isn't all satan and cat-killings. You have to show them how kind you are (which im sure you are a kind person. You sound very level headed ^.^). And you need to show them that believing in the spirits of wicca is very similar to believing in God. Different, and the same all at once. Some will never accept you. And most of them will scream their "you're going to burn in hell"s at you, and never see you again. Don't try to grab them and fix them. It's not up to you to change peoples minds. You just have to let them see for themselves (hopefully) that you aren't a follower of evil. The true christians will accept you for who you are (and hope one day you'll find god. The same way wiccans hope one day they will find the soul of nature). It's simple in concept; to be yourself and a representative for all Wiccans. But in practice it's hard. People can be rude. But no matter what you have to keep to what you believe in, the wiccan rede will come in handy here. Screaming at a christian that they're wrong and sick or something is harming them. (Maybe not physcially, but its still harm.) Maybe kindly remind them of their golden rule, and then the wiccan rede. That comparison will make many come to terms with wicca. Others.. well.. good luck. ;) I've rambled on forever XD Sorry. lol. Best of luck on your journey to being true to yourself.

With all the people running around with streaks in their hair and dressing all in black or whatever, I am not sure you will really have a big problem. Just wear your necklace and don't announce yourself or make it a big deal. If someone asks then say something simple and not confrontational. If something does happen, then side with your Mom, she should side with you. If this is a true path then you will be prepared to politely defend yourself and it and if need be, be able to defend against any phsycial assaults. I don't predict that will happen. Good luck with this.

Hey, good for you. You are your own person, the way you want to be is your choice. I wear my pentacle openly and am quite happy to do so.

Read this my friend. James 1:26 If anyman among you seems to be religious, and brileth not his tongue but decieve his own heart, this mans religion is vain Prob 21:2 Every way of man is right on his own eyes, But the Lord pondereth the hearts Eph 2:8-10 For the GRACE are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the GIFT of GOD. Not of works less any man should boast for we are His workmanship created in Jesus Christ unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Hurrah! Good on you and stuff what others think!! If anyone says anything just tell them that they are being ignorant and should know their facts before passing their judgement, lets face it witchcraft has been around LONG before the Christians. If you want to go into more detail then tell them that your not a satanist and that was the churches spin to turn people against witches who practice earth loving rituals! Good luck sweetie and Blessed be!

I am not into religion myself although I was baptized since I was young. I really don't see any reason why you should hide yourself behind a mask. My parents used to yell at me because I didn't go to church but I just couldn't go to where my heart is not. I believe there is God but somehow I don't think He can be worshipped only in the church. If you are a good person, does it matter you are a witch or not? If you are a good witch, wouldn't you help those who need help? That's all that matters.

You know what? i say do it. Do it for yourself and everyone else who believes what you believe. You should be free to be yourself. You know, Christians walk around with there Jesus stuff plastered all over their bodies. Feel free to have your spiritual images on you, too.

If that is who you are, than so be it. Every religious affiliation I have met, believes they are being percecuted, including Christians. it is quite silly, really! When you come out of the closet, so to speak, you attract like minded individuals who share your interests, so that isn't so bad. as for those who persecute, well shame on them! the 7 fold law would apply I assume. good luck to you, and Peace be with you.

to paranoia i think you are simply asking for trouble by openly declaring a religious beleif contrary to your community. when you declare to a religious person that you don't beleive what they do, you are likely to receive a hostile response. by not sharing their delusion you invalidate their beleif system, this forces them to defend their beleifs. you can expect to be ostracised in your community at the very least and a victim of violence at worst. perhaps you should ask yourself why you have to declare your delusion or why you need to have a beleif system at all. when you start to beleive you stop thinking. the universe can seem a cold and lonely place without god or other hocus-pocus but we can find meaning to our lives in our relationships with others. dedleytedley

It was very hard for me to come out of the "Broom closet" to my mother who is 100% Christian. The thing is Iam glad I did and we respect eachothers religins. For me almost every one I know locally are Christians and all feel the same way. It is a respect thing. Yes go ahead and be yourself but at the same time show everyone a softer side of you that showes a positive side to the religin.

IMO the jewelry and 'witch' clothing is a lot of stuff just for show and shock value by almost everyone who wears them. You religion, your beliefs are in your heart and in your soul. If you choose to put it out there for the world to see that is your choice same is if you choose not to. It doesn't make you any more or any less what you believe yourself to be in your heart and soul. I have always been a witch and I never once felt the urge to do anything dramatic because of it. I own one piece of Pagan jewelry, a necklace for Hecate and nothing else and I only wear it when called to. Most people who see me know nothing of my way of life, heck most people around here think I'm Christian.

I think you gotta hold the idea of letting this out atleast for some more years.You're just about in the begining of your career and what you are matters a lot. I'm not trying to hurt your feeling nor am i trying to say that being a witch is something crazy.You can practise witchcraft and your other beliefs but keep it to yourself for just a couple of years.Dont let others know about it.That'll will help you get your dream job and whatever you wanted.I've known you for around a week or so you sure wont have problems posing to be a normal person.I'm not forcing you to follow this, even if i would you would'nt do so..LOL.Its just a suggestion.

I'll join what many people already said. Be yourself. I wouldn't hide it, wouldn't force it into people either. The ones that matter - your family and close ones -, already know. The rest doesn't really matter much. As for the rest do what you feel is what you need to do and what is the best for you.

I have been folowing several different Earth based forms of spirituality for several year. These include Goddess worship, The Native Ameican path & Witchcraft.I consider myself an eclectic solitaty witch. What most people don't realize is that anyone can be a Witch. however you won't know it unless we tell you. Your next door neighbor could be a Witch. The young man who bags your groceries could be a Witch. Your bank teller could be a Witch. Your college professor could be a Witch. You child's teacher could be a Witch. We wear normal everyday clothing unless we are doing Circle or rituals. We don't always wear Goth clothing or make up. I don't though I do have a black velvet like cape. I also have a black velvet lke dress that I use as one of my ritual gowns. You should not consider all people who dress in the Goth style as Witches. Though some of them may be. The Witches that I know are kind & loving people. We do not sacrifice animals or babies on altars. We also do not deflower virgins on altars. As for you coming completely out of the closet. You need to do what is comfortable for you. You might want to share some of the points that I have made here. I really great book ig you can find it is Scott Cunningham's book The Truth About Witchcraft Today.

I have worn a pentacle over 40 years and no one really cares. In fact, most think it is a jewish Star of David! LOL! Wear it with no fear. You have hte right to your own beliefs. And if they don't approve, what skin is it off your nose? (Who cares? -Just move on.)