This week I have an assignment for a class in which I am supposed to explain “the four pillars that guide my life.” For most students reflecting on this framework, completing the homework is a no brainer. However, I have been agonizing over this paper all week.
The four things that guide my life are the love I share with my family and friends, the principles of the Rede, the passion to pursue my goals, and the freedoms protected in the Constitution. In that order, which means I have kept my religion and faith from anyone whom it would harm. Namely my family. It’s not that I don’t want them to know. However, we do not have the kind of relationship in which they could accept me as a Pagan. I realize this sounds angsty, but it is the nature of my relationships with some of my family members. As I think we all can agree, family interactions are complicated. I am past the age in which that bothers me, but it is a fact I navigate every day. As a result, I am very closed about expressing my path to other people in my everyday life. Including professors and classmates.
I consider myself to be an honest person, but what does that mean from inside the broomcloset? Do I lie on this assignment? Or do I do when my family discusses religion and step away from the idea?
I’d appreciate some wisdom and advice on this subject. It’s something I’ve struggled with since beginning my path.
© Ariadne Woods
Cauldron and Brew: A Witch's Blog 