Out of the Broom Closet

When you meet people, do you tell them you’re a witch? Is it included in your descriptors, along with human, mom, friend, job title, and assorted hobbies/passions? Writer, baker, artist, tarot reader and more? There’s always a pause when you tell people, isn’t there? You see the movie playing in their heads, either Hocus Pocus or Practical Magic, green faces, Wizard of Oz, who knows what else. Or you can’t tell anyone, or keep your identity quiet except online. Circumstances can be tough. I’ve pondered a lot about this these last few weeks. I came out of the broom closet as it were when I chose the title of this blog. I’ve said before that one of the meanings of witch that I support is Woman In Total Charge of Herself. Yet I also know there are witches all around us, and indeed I was one for eons before I had the proper language to describe myself. But once I discovered the beautiful language of magick and the word witch? No going back into the broom closet, as it is as much a part of me as my ever-changing hair color.

I recently met with a lovely woman who wore a diamond studded cross, and as we discussed our mutual hobby of writing, I mentioned my blog. “What’s it called?” she asked eagerly. I told her happily, “Witch, Indeed” and her eyes widened. She didn’t clutch at her necklace, and I could tell she was a bit puzzled as I sat there calmly, ready to answer questions. “You’re a witch?!” she asked, eyes widening further. That led to a discussion of what a witch is, the difference between Wicca and witch, and what exactly I am all about. I didn’t get all self-deprecating, as I tend to do about other things. I had an awareness of being proud of my abilities, and eager to dispel any cultural misinformation. The conversation ended well, and I felt happy that I was really and truly myself in that conversation. I have also reached an age where I no longer worry about what people think of me (not sure I ever did), so my focus was more on, yay, I helped dispel myths, and be completely comfortable in my own skin. She seemed intrigued, and certainly more comfortable, by the time we ended our conversation.

Today I ran across a meme that summed up me and my witch journey. I couldn’t find the author, so if it was you, please let me know, so that I can give you proper credit. And thank you!

I don’t need a coven.

I don’t need a high priest/priestess

I was connected as a child

Nature is my teacher

Witchcraft came naturally

I am guided by the spirits and my ancestors

I talk to the trees and animals

I don’t answer to rules or redes

I follow my own intuition & instincts

This is my path.

I realize not everyone lives in a magickal place, and that you can feel restricted and secretive. Still, you have reason to be proud and celebrate. I hope you do so, and if you haven’t set aside some time to celebrate. Look over what you do, what you have done, and be proud. Our energy changes the world, all the time.

Since I was little, I have known I was different, and one of the many gifts I was given by both my mother and grandmother was the sense of self that allows me to be comfortable in my own skin. I don’t look to being a witch as a persona I put on, to seem cool, or to make me seem interesting. It’s just who I am, as much as my eyes are brown, or that I love to write, or that I hug trees. It has always been, and will always be. I also have the choice and freedom on how I express it, whether it be healing work, manifesting, creating mojo bags, or helping others with spells. Sometimes, it’s all I can do to look at the moon, and light a candle. And that’s okay. I also give myself credit for what I’ve done and what I am able to do, given my circumstances.

It’s my hope that you have peace with being a witch. Identify yourself however and whenever you can, and let us learn from each other. It’s a whole wide, witchy world out there, so do the work, spread the word, build community, and let us support each other. We are gathering in numbers, because people realize this type of being is as old as time, and it’s not going anywhere. Next time you light a candle, partake in ritual, work a spell, remember: you are a witch. We join together across the miles, time and place. None of us are exactly the same, but we make up a wild and wonderful world. Embrace and accept our differences, love yourself, and be proud of what you do. Solidarity, strength, and support to you all.