Hiding in Plain Sight: Broom Closet Witchcraft

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Charlotte Wilde, author of the new Eclectic Witchcraft.

Some of us openly practice, while many of us consider hiding our practices as the only viable option. There are many reasons for this, such as having a devoutly religious family, a conflicting career, or other relationships that we believe would be compromised by being forthcoming. While the stigma towards witchcraft seems to have decreased in recent years, it still exists.

As a naturally private person, I’ve spent the better part of my practice skirting the explanation of my beliefs and reserved them only for the people I trusted. This certainly doesn’t appear to be a case that is exclusive to me, so I wanted to explore some common concerns.

You Don’t Have to Label Yourself a “Witch”
First and foremost, you do not have to use the label “witch” if it is a term that you don’t connect with. The terminology isn’t as important as developing a practice that you find deeply fulfilling. Terms such as “practitioner” or “pagan” may resonate more with you than the term “witch”—and that’s okay.

However it is that you choose to identify, you deserve to feel comfortable using that term. Keep in mind that both people and practices evolve, so the label you choose to use may evolve alongside that.

Keeping Your Practice Private
There are many ways to mask our practice in a way that blends seamlessly into the background or outright hides it. One key component for a 21st-century witch is technology. The advances in the last several decades have given us a pocket computer that can house not only our apps, but our practice as well.

There is nothing wrong with utilizing the digital age to keep our practice locked behind passcodes. On our devices alone, we can house literature pertaining to the craft, our own magickal books, as well as many apps that help us further our knowledge. This accessibility ensures a level of privacy that the boxes of tools I used to house under my bed couldn’t. Furthermore, there’s no shame in digitizing our practice.

Finding Kindred Spirits
It can be difficult not to be able to share your practice with others. Even as a solitary practitioner, finding people you can discuss your craft with is advisable. While you don’t necessarily need to find a coven, having the space to speak freely about your beliefs can be vital.

This could be in the online sphere, with close friends, or with other like-minded individuals. What is most important is finding a space where we feel comfortable sharing our ideology and a place we can find acceptance. Finding these kindred spirits helps cultivate a sense of belonging that we might otherwise feel is lacking.

Embrace Individuality
Half the battle is knowing that what works for another person may or may not work for us. This occurs amongst various religions as well as with fellow practitioners. Our practice doesn’t have to fit the cookie-cutter mold. We don’t have to match the aesthetics we see elsewhere.

After all, what is most important is curating a practice that enriches our lives spiritually. By staying authentic to ourselves, we’re capable of reaching true fulfillment on our own terms.

Our thanks to Charlotte for her guest post! For more from Charlotte Wilde, read her article “Rule Your Magic: Carving a Unique Path in Witchcraft.”