My Parents Do Not Want Me To Be Wiccan Can I Lie

Question: My Parents Don't Want Me To Be Wiccan -- Can't I
Just Lie?

their child that he or she is not allowed to practice Wicca,
belong to a coven, or even own books about the subject. If

My parents don't think I should study Wicca because our

this is the case in your family, there are a number of
things you can do.

family is Christian. I'm thinking about just telling them
I'm not studying Wicca, but doing it anyway and just not

First of all, don’t lie. No spiritual path can get off to

telling them, or maybe telling them I'm still Christian. I
have a place I can hide some books, and I can probably find

a good start if it begins with deception. Secondly, you can
learn and study non-Wiccan subjects while you live in your

someone to teach me in secret. This should be ok, right?

parents’ home. Mythology, history, herb and plant lore,
astronomy, even the religion your parents follow – all of

these are things that will come in handy later on. Save your
Pagan books for when you’re an adult and have moved into

No, no, a thousand times NO.

your own home. Wicca will still be there after you turn
eighteen, so as long as you’re living under mom and

If you’re underage, then whether you like it or not your
parents are responsible for you, and ultimately get to make

dad’s roof, respect their wishes.
*Ten Things To Learn About Besides Wicca

decisions for you. If you’ve decided to convert to Wicca
or Paganism, you need to have a serious heart-to-heart

Finally, you might be fortunate enough to have parents who

conversation with your parents. They either (a) won’t know
what you’re talking about (b) are going to be really

will allow you to practice Wicca or a Pagan path with their
blessing, as long you make an informed and educated

opposed to it because of their own religious doctrine, or
(c) are willing to let you explore your own paths as long as

decision. In these cases, you may have parents who are Pagan
themselves, or they may understand that spirituality is a

you do so in an informed and intelligent manner.

very personal choice. Whatever their reasons, be thankful
that they care, and share information with them at every

If mom and dad have no idea what Wicca or Paganism is, it
might not be a bad idea to educate them. To do that,

opportunity. They will want to know you are safe, so be
honest and open with them.

you’ll need to figure out first what it is you actually
believe – because if you don’t know, how can you share

Even if they allow you to become Wiccan or Pagan, your

it other people? Make a list of the things you believe in,
so you can share it with them. This may include your

parents may still have rules they expect you to follow, and
that’s okay too. Perhaps they don’t mind you doing

thoughts on reincarnation, sin, your personal interpretation
of the Harm None rule, or ideas on how Wicca or Paganism can

magic, but they don’t want you burning candles in your
room. That’s fine – find an acceptable substitute for

empower you and make you grow as a human being. If you can
sit down and have a mature and rational discussion with them

candles. Maybe they’re okay with you learning about Wicca,
but they’re concerned about you joining a coven while

– and that means no throwing stuff and shouting “YOU
Just don’t understand!” – then you may have a better

you’re still underage. That’s a legitimate worry. No
sneaking out to meet with the local coven! Find ways to

chance of convincing them that it’s okay.

study and learn on your own, and when you’re an adult you
can find a group then. Another option might be to form a

Remember, they are concerned for your safety, and so it’s
important that you answer their questions truthfully.

study group of some sort with other people your own age, if
your parents don’t object.

There’s a great book called "When Someone You Love Is
Wiccan", which I would recommend sharing with your parents

Remember, the key here is honesty and integrity. You may not

or other family members who might have questions.

like your parents’ rules, but you do have to follow them.
Lying will get you nowhere, and will present Wicca and

In some cases, parents may strongly object to their
child’s practicing Wicca or Paganism. This is usually

Paganism in a negative light. Remember it’s their job as
parents to be worried about you. It’s your job as the

because of the teachings of their religious beliefs – and
as parents, that is their right. They are entitled to tell

child to be respectful and honest with them.