In The Broom Closet: Safety For Witches

In The Broom Closet: Safety For Witches

As a solitary and/or closet witch, it's important to know how to stay safe in the broom closet. Here are some tips to help you grow your spiritual practice and feel safer at the same time!

And if you're out and proud, feel free to save this article to share with your fellow witches who might need these tips! 

What does "in the broom closet" mean?

Blessed Be Magick - Pentacle Mini Pendant Necklace Silver

Our minimalist and discreet Pentacle Mini Pendant Necklace was designed for witches in the broom closet in mind! Explore our full Broom Closet Collection

Being "in the closet" is a term generally used for people who are hiding something about themselves from the world. In the "broom closet" means to keep your practice of witchcraft hidden from those who might not understand or accept it; it's our way of making light of our discomfort by coining this phrase. This can be for safety reasons, or simply because you're not ready to share your beliefs with others.

Why would people be in the closet about practicing witchcraft?

There are many reasons why people choose to keep their practice hidden. For some, it's because they live in a society or community that doesn't accept witchcraft. In these cases, it can be dangerous to be out of the broom closet; witches have been persecuted throughout history, and some areas of the world still see witchcraft as evil. Other parts of the world are more open, however due to political red tape, metaphysical businesses have to replace disclaimers about their businesses being "for entertainment purposes only". This doesn't seem fair, especially when there are businesses for other religions and practises (such as Christian book stores, Catholic gift stores and Crystal mineral wholesalers) do not have to explicitly declare the same.

Another reason why people do not feel open to sharing their personal practice is fear of ridicule; with the popularity of Sabrina from the Netflix series, or Harry Potter stories, people have experienced people demanding you cast spells on the spot, or to "prove" they have gifted abilities and beliefs. This is 100% not acceptable in my opinion - would you demand a midwife show you how to deliver a baby? Or demand a teacher prove they know their curriculum inside out on the spot too? Would you demand a chemist to share their knowledge without paying them or an astronomer to know the exact stars above you to the degree and timing in that moment? If you met an artist, would you demand they make you a piece of artwork there & then?

All these descriptions (and more) can make up witches, and it's ok for you to say "no" as a boundary to protect yourself from others with that. If this includes staying in the broom closet just to save on the drama, then go for it. It is ultimately your practice, and no-one has the right to belittle you for it.

 Witch's Knot Moonstone Ring

Explore our curated Broom Closet Jewelry Collection - featuring jewelry witches would be proud and comfortable wearing anytime, anywhere. 

How can I feel safer in the broom closet?

There are a couple of witchy (and non witchy) ways to help yourself here, but please research and share in the comments below any you feel more helpful:

  1. Use pseudonyms online and in print

When you're talking about your practice online or in print, use a pseudonym. This way, if anyone ever tries to track you down, they won't be able to find you easily. If you're worried about people finding out your real name, consider using a P.O. box for correspondence or deliveries.

  1. Be careful what you post online

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Don't post anything online that you wouldn't want your boss, your family, or the general public to see. This includes pictures, videos, and status updates.

  1. Don't talk about your practice with people you don't trust

This one is also pretty self-explanatory. If you're not comfortable talking about your practice with someone, don't do it. It's not worth the risk of having your information leaked or being ridiculed.

  1. Enchant your jewelry for safety and protection
Our signature, minimalist Pentacle Charm is perfect for intending protection!

    We cover this a lot as we discuss glamour magick, but enchanting your pendant, rings and bracelets to protect you can add an extra layer to your safety in the broom closet.

    1. Use Hot Foot Powder, Warding and hidden sigils for safety in your practice

    Each practice is personal and different, but there are options for safety and boundaries setting. Even if it's as simple as a Full moon in Scorpio tarot spread for when you're feeling uncertain about your privacy & safety, witchcraft has many options to support you.

    1. Hidden sigils everywhere, anyway

    Sigils are a fantastic way to add an extra layer of protection to your practice. You can hide them in plain sight, or put them in places only you will see. On the inside of your phone case, at the bottom of a cup, written in steam in the bathroom. And if you're worried about someone finding your spell books or altars, consider hiding them in a false bottom drawer or behind a loose brick in the fireplace.

    1. Describing your practicing time as "for meditation"

    I have a lot of friends who utilise this one. "I'm just taking some time out for my mental health and wellbeing, I may be gone a while but I'm meditating". I used to utilise a lot of my magick in the bathroom as it's the only room with a lockable door, and I'd tell folks I was going for a long bath. Other things you can do is nature walks on your own (but do tell people where you are going), use temporary tools like chalk or music to help with your magick.

    How can I help others feel safer in the broom closet?

    1. Don't share things (from others) without their consent or permission
    2. Try not to name names when talking openly about your discussions online or in print (use pseudonyms or initials)
    3. Support others, send healing energy + love + protection their way
    4. Signpost to resources that might help them (such as this one!)

    Reminder: A broom closet witch is a practitioner who keeps their practice hidden from family, friends, and/or society. There are many reasons why someone may choose to stay in the broom closet and until they ultimately out themselves, it's not your place to talk about it for them.

    I'm thinking about sharing that I'm a witch. Have you got any tips?

     

    Make a subtle but proud declaration of who you are with our uniquely elegant Witch's Broom Ring.

    If you've been thinking about coming out of the closet, I would recommend starting with close friends or family members who you know will be supportive. Once you've come out to them and it's gone well, you can start thinking about coming out to other people in your life.

    Remember that you don't have to come out to everyone at once - take your time and only do it when you feel ready. It could be as simple of segue as when someone compliments the beautiful symbol on your subtle witchy jewelry, you can share with them the correspondences and why you like it to wear it - this can lead into a longer conversation where you ultimately could feel safe to share your beliefs.

    I hope this short piece can share some tips you may not have been aware of, and help you to feel a little bit safer in the broom closet. Remember, you're not alone - there are many of us out there! If you ever need to talk, or want to share your story, please reach out. We're here for you. Until next time xox

    Written by Lizzie Burgess from Backyardbanshee.com where you can find many free tarot spreads and spells to enjoy.

     

    7 comments

    Heather Croft Stewart

    I am 59 years old and have always had a connection to animals, especially cats and horses. I have an affinity for wolves. That may be my guardian. I have always been a finder and an empath. In the last year I have started to create my oils and salts. I was born in September, so I have a strong connection to the hibernation period of nature. That makes me somewhat solitary, but I love to cook and create jewelry. Not really sure if I fit a specific category. but it is what it is.

    Mystic Rose

    I am almost 46 years old and I have finally let myself follow a tug that I have felt for more than 25 years. Once I moved back home to Texas, I started asking questions and I have found sooooo many communities (Texas is huge so I can’t visit them all). As far as people that I am close to, there is only one that I talk to openly about this. Her fiance is my vocalist, so he may suspect as well, but I know that he is very open to it since he is going to marry a witch who is not in the closet.
    I was raised Christian and still have strong Christian beliefs, which is probably why it took so long for me to finally allow myself on this journey.
    The thought of telling my family ever is very unnerving, to say the least. I don’t like hiding things from them, but I just don’t know what to do. I do know what their reaction will be. I haven’t told my boyfriend of almost 2 years either. I don’t think he is ready to hear this either.
    So for now, I will just chat with my friend and fellow witch, as well as have conversations in private groups on social media.
    The thought of not having to hide this is so calming, it’s just very hard for me to imagine it right now I guess.

    Olivia T

    Hi I’m Olivia, I’m a closet witch because my parents will not let me do witchcraft, I am a storm witch but I can’t hide my things I hide my craft on my bottom drawer in my room and get it out at night when they are asleep love your tips for me I appreciate it.

    Dawn

    I found that using the word Druid instead of Witch is milder for people with whom you feel uncomfortable about revealing your spiritual path. I, too, know what it is like to be surrounded with a hostile – and yes it is hostile – religious atmosphere. To be different, to believe differently, to have a perspective not shared widely means to take a risk. You need not include the neighbors or family members in your Circles. Be a Witch. Know you are not alone. Blessed Be.

    Sherry Parker

    I finally came out of the Closet. I love my path and who I am. I will always be true to myself and I don’t care what people think. They should read about Wiccans have the information before they assume and judge! Blessed be

    1 2

    Leave a comment

    Please note, comments must be approved before they are published