I have been getting a lot of questions recently from local Wiccan girls and guys. The main one being "How did you handle living in a strict Christian home?"
First off: Yes, I did study in secret, but then again, I wouldn't advise that because the consequences will more than likely be brutal. I had to sleep outside in late November for a week to "make sure no demons come into the house". The thing is, I don't believe in demons or the devil or hell.
My best advice if your parents don’t approve of your religious choice: wait till you move out. Of course, I got sick of my guardian’s persecution (My biological mother was Wiccan, rest her soul) and I moved out before I turned 18. The best bet though would be to not tick people you live with off because, unless you have a way to be self sufficient, they can punish you because you still live there. Who wants to live in the Broom Closet anyways?
Next, "So, if I am a Wiccan, I can have pre-marital sex and not go to hell?"
There are so many things wrong with that question! First off, you shouldn’t choose your religion strictly based on of sexuality. Secondly, we don’t believe in a hell, so why worry about it? Sex is sacred. I'm not saying you can’t make love with someone before marriage. That’s OK, if you are at peace with it. It still deserves respect. Just try to keep in mind, "If we accidentally conceived a child, would I want this person to co-parent with me?" If not, then maybe it’s not time for you yet nor is it with the right person. At least, make sex special. And, for Diana's sake, use protection!
The third question I find rather, insulting, to be honest: "How do I put a curse on someone?"
No. No, no, no, a thousand times-no. One of the biggest rules in Wicca: "Harm None Do What Ye Will" Curses harm people. And if you try, you contribute to the reasons people hold stereotypes and have fears about us.
But, my fellow Wiccans, do not lose hope; you will not be in your parents’ house forever. Before you assume they will hate you if they find out you are Wiccan or are considering a Pagan path, do your research and try to explain your beliefs to them. If they don’t listen, it’s on them. Not you, because you tried reasoned communication. If they do not accept it, do not, for Athena’s sake, throw a tantrum, pout for days, and/or silently protest. You can still be a baby Wiccan. Just hold off anything but private ritual work until you are out and on your own.
Do not forget to live by our, let’s call it, code of conduct. The Nine Noble Virtues:
Courage
By facing life's struggles with courage, we constantly extend our capabilities. Without courage, nothing else can be done!
Truth
Blind faith has no place. We must act in this world as we see it and as it really is rather than calmly wait for the next
Honor
We must be true to what we are, and we insist on acting with nobility rather than baseness. Our standards must be banners held high in our hearts.
Fidelity
We stand true to our faith and our values. Loyalty is the basis for all enduring human activity, and we hold it in the highest esteem.
Hospitality
The isolation and loneliness of modern life is not necessary. The willingness to share what one has with ones' fellows, especially travelers, is a vital part of our way of life.
Discipline
We hold to the discipline necessary to fulfill our purpose. We stand willing to exercise the self-control and steadfastness necessary in these difficult times.
Industriousness
Let us dare to be all that we can be! Let us take risks and taste the richness of life. Passivity is for sheep. We refuse to be mere spectators in life.
Self-Reliance
We depend on our own strength and character to achieve our goals. We seek only the freedom necessary to our quest, whatever it may be.
Perseverance
We hold to our path until its completion and are not ashamed to be strong. The cult of the anti-hero will find no support in us, and the gods we follow are not for the weak!
Also, while you approach the threshold of adulthood, remember, memorize, and hold in your heart The Wiccan Rede:
Bide the Wiccan Rede you must, in perfect love and perfect trust.
Live and let live, fairly take and fairly give.
Cast the circle thrice about, to keep all evil spirits out.
To bind the spell every time, let the spell be spoke in rhyme.
Soft of eye and light of touch, speak ye little and listen much.
Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the Witches Rune.
Widdershins go by the waning moon, chanting out the baneful Rune.
When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to her times two.
When the moon rides at her peak, then your heart’s desire do seek.
Heed the North winds mighty gale, Lock the door and drop the sail.
When the wind comes from the South, Love will kiss thee on thy mouth.
When the wind comes from the West, Departed souls will have little rest.
When the wind blows from the East, Expect some new and set a feast.
Nine woods in the cauldron go, Burn them fast and burn them slow.
Elder be thy Lady’s tree, Burn it not or cursed be.
When the wheel begins to turn, Let the Beltane fires fully burn.
When the wheel has turned to Yule, light the log for the Horned Ones' Rule.
Heed ye flower, bush and tree, By the Lady Blessed Be.
Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone for the truth to know.
When ye have need, Hearken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend, Lest ye be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part, Bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the threefold Law you should, Three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is enow, Wear the blue star on your brow.
True in Love ever be, Lest thy love’s false to thee.
In these eight words, the Wiccan Rede fulfill
"An' it harm none, do what thou wilt."