There is a saying for those who keep their Witchy Pagan practices hidden from society or parts thereof. Being "in the broom closet" is a how we maintain a level of secrecy from the outside world, family, friends, or co-workers. A lot of us do it, in varying degrees, and for various reasons like safety concerns or job security. Or maybe we just feel our religion is none of anybody else's damn business. Perhaps it’s an oath to our coven to maintain our sacred rites as holy between ourselves and the Divine. It can serve us well if we need it and even add a touch of romantic mystery if that's the flare you need to spark your wick. But it's 2023 now and wouldn't it be nice if we could give each other the respect and and tolerance that allows all people to feel safe, comfortable and confident in their own skin? Must we still feel that need to consider the threat of violence just for lighting a candle beneath a radiant silver moon in praise of a Goddess once in a month? Should we still fear to publicly acknowledge that our God is the Horned One? (Well, antlered, but that doesn't roll off the tongue so well.) And are those of us who are not fully out of the broom closet doing a disservice to ourselves, ours Gods and Others? What level of secrecy does your life need? And what's that in your closet?
We all keep a secret or two. Secrets are power, secrets are fun, secrets can protect us and secrets can do great harm. Most secrets eventually find daylight and take their place in the world without causing too big of a ripple. But when the secret is who you are before your Gods, is the cost greater than the risk? This all comes down to the individual and it is their choice alone what to share with the world. No one should ever feel the need to make themselves an easy target for unnecessary danger. If we feel our community, family or job would be at risk, there's really no reason to put oneself in harms way. This is one scenario wherein it pays to be a bit more bi-partisan and think like a Republican: look out for yourself first and foremost. Obviously, other larger communities in America are grappling with an even more severe form of this challenge. The sickening violence faced by the LGBTQ community for ages and today's politicians on the right continuing to stoke the flames of anger towards anyone else from the transgender community to immigrants to non-Christians...if they have a list, you’re probably on it. The tiny hands of the GOP aren't afraid to release the hounds of hatred upon the vulnerable if it serves to spread their vile world view that values only conformity, cash and an extremist strain of Christianity that is far too mainstream to ignore. To those who are truly open about their Witchy ways, I tip my pointy hat to you in thanks and honor(I don't wear a pointy hat, just thought that was a funny line. Meh, it was ok.)
It's cozy and comfortable in the broom closet at times, despite the cobwebs. But is it getting hard to see by the light of these dimly burning candles that flicker amongst the shadows of our souls. I've not the courage nor motivation to fully walk in the sunshine yet but perhaps it's time, risks be damned. Some people have known for years what I do when I go missing at midnight and there is the scent of myrrh traveling on the misty breezes of a moonless night, silent, but for the wail of a screech owl calling out from the woods. Hail Hekate! And some people think I'm just out feedin' the cats. It'll probably always be a little like that.