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Coming Out of the "Broom" Closet
First of all, if you wish for your beliefs to remain absolutely secret, don't tell a soul. I'm sure your cat or dog won't tell, but a friend or relative might. Someone may overhear you, your friend may slip up, or they may say, "I have this friend," and the person they talk to guess it's you. One way or an other, someone other than who you told will find out. Also, you must be more cautious not to leave evidence of ritual, hide your books on the subject if you have any, and watch what you say. You have no idea how easy it is to give yourself away, especially as time goes on.
For those wanting to tell, be careful who you tell. Telling your landlord or employer may not be the smartest thing. A very close friend or relative is probably the kind of person you want to tell. You don't need to shout what you believe out to the world(if you want to, that's great, but take one step at a time). Here's a few tips:
*If you are still in the "beginning" stages and have just started on this path, don't say for a fact that you are indeed on the path for good. You never know if you'll learn something that will change you mind shortly after, and if you think telling someone will cause some commotion, you want to be sure it's not for nothing.
*Remember, not everyone cares. Don't bother telling someone all about your beliefs if they aren't even going to listen.
*Don't thrust your beliefs onto anyone. Tell them, but don't try to make them believe in it. We're not here to force people into things, including beliefs.
*If you aren't planning on when to tell someone and want it to come up in a conversation, make sure it's relevant. You don't want to make it sound like an attack while throwing in a piece of information that's not necessary. For example, in a discussion of what comes after death, you don't want to respond to a statement with, "Heaven and Hell? I'm Wiccan and we believe we're reincarnated, not sent forever to one place!" Such a statement would only need something like, "I believe in reincarnation. I don't think we're going to end up in a single place for all eternity once this life is over."
*Be polite in discussion when explaining your beliefs (see above example). Sometimes the way you word things can make all the difference as to how someone else will interpret it.
*Don't lose your temper, no matter what is said or happens. You'll only look like a fool, and, for those who believe you're only going through a phase, you only strengthen that belief.
*Don't bring in (or let others bring in) other issues. (Forgetting a chore, a bad grade on an exam, being late for work, etc. have absolutely nothing to do with religion.)
*Listen to the other person. Not just because it's respectful and fair, but because you'll be able to answer questions more accurately and tell them if the information they have is false. (Don't say, "You're Wrong!" Tell them what the truth is and explain why what they thought isn't true.)
*Don't make anything up. If you don't know an answer to a question, just say so. It's better to be ignorant than to be a liar.
*If they bring an outside source (i.e. book, article, minister, etc.), ask to bring in a source as well. Tell them it is only fair. (If they don't let you, I would personally say to refuse seeing their sources until they agree to see yours. After all, sources from either side will be biased, and if they think bringing in their biased sources necessary, then having biased sources from your side will only be fair.)
I know this isn't much. Each case is different and sometimes the discussion will come even when we don't plan for it. Best of luck!
� 2002-2005 Evylyn Rose
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