silvermoon17 asked this question on 5/16/2000:

I have been studing various wiccan traditions over the past few years. As of late, and after much thought, research, and reflection, I have decided to delve further into the craft. My friends and my mother know that I have been studying. Most of my friends respect this, and even want to learn more about wicca, but I get the feeling that my mother feels it's just a phase, and some of my "friends" are closed minded and call wicca "the devil's work" and tell me that I am going to hell. How should I respond to these comments? Then there's the rest of my family. You see, I was raised and Confirmed Catholic. As of now, most of my family sees me as a "bad Catholic". I don't want anyone to think that I am "bad", but I know that several of my relatives, would not understand, and would be hurt, and concerned by my explainations. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I can solve these problems? Any help would be appreciated. Blessed Be.

stargazer44_99 gave this response on 5/16/2000:

Merry Meet Silvermoon,

It's funny that your subject would be "coming out of the broom closet" because that's exactly the name of my new book. There are so many of us who have studied, researched many religions, and have decided that Wicca is the right path for us. I've dedicated my book to all of those who feel shy about exposing their family and friends to what will become, not just a religion, but a way of life that's honorable, thoughtful, and very Spiritual. We, as Witches, are bound to the standards of the Wiccan Rede. We honor and love the earth. We try our best never to harm any living thing. We cherish our children and families. We teach peace. We're the greatest example of a simple, loving, caring, creative, honest lifestyle. I can't imagine being anything else. You lead by example. You teach your family by the way you live. How can you hurt anyone when our prime purpose is to bring joy and healing to our Mother(earth). I can give you examples of so called "religious" people who go to church three times a week, and still drink, hurt their spouses, beat their children, throw trash from their cars, cheat on their taxes, have no respect for their elders, and kill defenseless animals. We are the living example of the oldest religion on earth. Before Christ, there was the Universe..there was the Power...there was the God/Goddess(the Creator of life). I'm not saying not to believe in Christ...I believe in everything, because everything exists. Just be discerning when someone tries to steer you away from the path you've chosen. There will always be those who think we're "devil worshipers", "animal sacrificers", "evil spellcasters", and anything else that they consider negative. Show your friends and family, by creating a beautiful, honorable, peaceful life for yourself. Never argue against their beliefs. Walk your talk...live your Path...and by doing these things, give praise to your power and to the God/Goddess..count your many blessings. Worship and respect this Universe, this Earth, this time. Everyone is where there supposed to be right at this moment. All your trials are a learning experience...they make you grow stonger...they create a hunger for knowledge...and they keep you growing in Spirit. All you need has been placed in your heart...follow your chosen path...Blessed Be, Stargazer

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