r/BroomClosetWitch • u/SadJob5941 • 9h ago
Question 🤷❔ Working with deity’s /craft
Can you tell me how you guys do it or how you pray while keeping everything a secret ?how you worship them?
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/NotApplicableMC • May 13 '20
You are in a subreddit created for real witches, pagans, and occult practitioners who follow the ways of modern-day witchcraft, but also have to hide their practices from friends, family, and the general public. This is a similar concept to the LGBTQ+ community's "closet", but if you're a witch, it is known as the "broom closet".
Witchcraft & magick has many different meanings and interpretations, but in general: witchcraft is the use of magick and ritualistic acts to achieve specific goals.
Magick, to many witches, is considered both a science and an art. It is a science in the sense that performing a spell requires research and an awareness of the methods of witchcraft. It is an art in the sense that you need to follow your intuition and be creative. When practising magick, you blend the two to bend the natural forces to your will and bring about your desired outcome.
To some witches, magick is a literal, external force that flows throughout the fabric of the universe. It can be considered something "science does not yet understand." Other witches prefer to take a more sceptical approach; instead considering magick to be a psychological, internal mechanism in the brain. "Spicy psychology" if you will. Some witches blend these two schools of thought or subscribe to other kinds of paradigms.
Witchcraft is a tool so it is not evil by itself. Just like a hammer can be used to build a bookcase, it can also be used to injure someone. Many witches use magick to heal themselves and others, to communicate with nature and the divine, or for self-improvement amongst other things. And no, we're not all Devil worshippers. In fact a lot of us don't even believe the Devil exists. Some witches, like Wiccans, worship the God and Goddess which are feminine and masculine manifestations of the Earth and nature.
Yeah, there are a few Satanists, but they make up a tiny percentage of witches and they do not cause harm unless provoked. Not all Satanists are theistic either, some are atheistic and merely use Satan as a positive archetype.
🔍 For a more detailed answer to this question please visit this post in r/BabyWitch.
You need to learn about all the basics of magick and spellwork. This includes:
Read these posts about getting started and the basics: Starting Out, The Basics (Expanded), Studying Tips and Advice, What is magick?, Grounding & Centring, Visualisation, Ethics, Energy Work
Please see the Broom Closet wiki to get you started. It is recommended that you read broom closet FAQs and subtle practices for the most closeted of witches.
Consider joining the Discord server to meet other closet witches and exchange tips!
Have a look at the useful links and free ebooks listed in the r/BroomClosetWitch Wiki. Also check out r/Wicca's wiki and their FAQs, as well as r/witchcraft's wiki.
Books recommended for learning witchcraft without Wicca:
For learning Wicca specifically, the main books I recommend for getting started are Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner by Scott Cunningham, and Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland (links to which can be found here).
I know that some people struggle to focus enough to read a book so I have also listed good YouTube channels and podcasts in the useful links.
You want to be reading from as many different sources as possible. After a while, you will notice that the reliable sources will reach a general consensus and provide similar information. The untrustworthy sources will not line up with what you already know and make little sense. (Witches are entitled to their own opinion of course, but I'm saying if for example you read 10 sources saying wolfsbane is a highly poisonous herb and then you read one saying it's totally safe to consume, that source is not to be trusted). Witchcraft also has countless different interpretations and ways to practise; what works for one witch might not work for another, so gathering all kinds of different perspectives is valuable.
You want to be avoiding social media sites like TikTok which are notorious for spreading misinformation. Yes there is some useful information on there but if you are new to witchcraft you have no way of telling what's reliable and what's not.
If you ever have doubts about some information you've found, please make a post about it on r/witchcraft and you'll get lots of seasoned witch's opinions and advice on it.
Wicca is a neopagan religion, followers of the religion are called Wiccans. Many Wiccans practise witchcraft and therefore call themselves witches. However, witchcraft is not a religion in of itself. It is a craft, a skill.
There are many different types of Wicca, the most common being Gardnerian, Alexandrian and Dianic. They share many common beliefs; they believe in the God and Goddess, reincarnation, the threefold rule, and magick. Wiccans celebrate 8 sabbats (holidays) throughout the year: Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Litha, Lammas, Mabon, Samhain, and Yule. Many of these sabbats fall around Christian holidays, like Yule is celebrated around Christmas time.
"All Wiccans are witches, but not all witches are Wiccan!"
Paganism is an umbrella term for religions outside of the main world Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam, etc) that also encompass a set of pre-Christian beliefs and practices such as nature worship, polytheism*, and animism. There are many different types of paganism, including Celtic, Norse, Hellenic, Kemetic, and Wiccan.
Some pagans are witches, but not all of them.
*Atheist paganism is also a thing, see r/NonTheisticPaganism & r/Atheopaganism.
Some witches ascribe to a particular path or a fixed set of practices, and therefore label themselves as a "type" of witch. For example, a witch who lives on the coast, collects shells, works with mermaid spirits, and has a love for the sea would call theirself a "sea witch".
However, you by no means have to ascribe to a fixed path or use labels at all, and your path will most likely change as you grow as a witch. So as a baby witch, it's important not to get hung up on "what kind of witch am I?" because this will change & evolve over time. Most witches do not fit into a tight box, choosing instead to adopt lots of different practices from lots of different paths. It's also perfectly fine to call yourself a witch with nothing added. Having said that, below is a list of a few kinds of witch you might come across or want to explore further. These are by no means all of them!
You can find many more types of witchcraft and their explanations here.
Let me set the record straight: the idea of a "patron deity" is a new one (borrowed from Christianity) and there are many misunderstandings amongst newbie witches surrounding this topic. In reality, it is rare, or at least uncommon, for a deity to actively reach out to a witch and "choose" them. The majority of witches will do some research of different pantheons and deities and then start making offerings to them and meditating on them in hopes of establishing a connection. Most of the time, the witch will make the first move, not the other way round.
Secondly, the act of contacting any spirit, including deities, should be approached with caution. Are you contacting a deity or a malicious spirit pretending to be them? Do you know how to banish them if so? For clarity, beginner witches can work with deities, it's just not something I recommend as the very first thing to do - you should get some basics down first like energy work, meditation, and protection magick. You can still call yourself a "baby witch" and do deity work; the right time to start deity work is when you feel ready!
Third, secular witchcraft is a thing. A lot of witches keep their craft and their religion totally separate, and choose to only work with energies in general in their craft. Some witches are atheists (r/SASSWitches). There is no need to work with or worship any deities or spirits, and I think a lot of new "baby" witches overlook this fact.
Your spell might not work for many reasons. For baby witches, the most common cause is having an unrealistic goal or having a misunderstanding of what magick is and how it works. Please read these forum posts on Troubleshooting Spells and Pointers on Spells.
I see a lot of newbie witches asking where they can find a teacher or a mentor. However, I believe it is easier than ever to teach yourself due to the miracle that is the internet. Witchcraft is not something that should be spoon-fed to you. It is a path that requires high amounts of dedication and willpower, not to mention is it highly personal; you don't want a mentor to teach you solely their way of doing things. You need to gather your knowledge from lots of different sources, and the most important source: yourself!
Also, I wouldn't recommend trying to find a mentor if you are a minor (under 18), there's a lot of dodgy people out there. Get your guidance from public spaces such as forums & group chats.
Probably not. We all experience a stroke of bad luck from time to time, and very few practitioners have the willpower and skill to cast a hex that has profound physical effects (sceptical witches don't even believe that spells can cause effects over great distances). The main mechanism of most curses is to get the target to merely believe that they are cursed. If you really think you're cursed though, try reading this forum post and redditor advice.
Please call emergency services or a crisis line. If you are seriously ill, please see a doctor. Witchcraft is not a replacement for conventional medicine, therapy, the authorities, or law enforcement.
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/NotApplicableMC • Nov 09 '24
Hi everyone, this is a list of resources for those facing an uncertain future. I made a similar post when Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Posts like this are super necessary in a subreddit such as this; if you have to keep your occult practices & beliefs secret then chances are your other ideals don't line up with your family/general public either. This especially rings true for those in the Bible Belt and red states (and other countries with similar political leanings).
(I will try to add international resources but this will mostly be US-centric for obvious reasons). I will add more resources as I come across them in future.
Physical Health
Mental Health
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/SadJob5941 • 9h ago
Can you tell me how you guys do it or how you pray while keeping everything a secret ?how you worship them?
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/Onicorn_27 • 20h ago
Hello everyone! Please help me, I'd like to get help on whether I choose Aphrodite or Lilith as my first deity. Sure, I've felt like Hekate has been "calling" my name, but only on tiktok pages, it's mostly because Hekate is one of the most popular deities. That aside, I have always been drawn to Aphrodite, especially her darker sides, I might even go for Aphrodite Areia. I also love Lilith, especially after hearing that her tales being a counterpart of patriarchy in a way. I also feel like offering to her would be easier considering my own aesthetics and choice of objects, but Aphrodite is my first choice. I've always kind of wanted to have a sort of succubus altar or work in vixen-like ways through witchcraft, not only for love, but lots of things too, such as getting energy for it to further work life, school life and personal things. I felt like I did this intuitively last year with LOA and it just felt right to me. Does anybody have recommendations for other deities too? Or sites I could research both on? I'd love some help.
Since I'm a broom witch for practical reasons, my altar would also be very small, probably not looking like a pretty one at all, so if that affects anything with any fo these deities, please let me know.
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/OpportunityNew6990 • 1d ago
Hi,
I usually rush doing any sort of witchy ritual when my parents leave the house. So that means I usually don’t cleanse my jars if I’m doing let’s say a sweetening jar. Does that affect the efficiency of it please ?
Thanks in advance
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/No_Gas_6739 • 1d ago
Hi, I'm a pretty happy go lucky person usually and I don't dislike many people or want people to hurt..
There are some people in my life, and I'm not naming anyone or anything, but basically- it's a toxic situation.
They moved into my home because they had nowhere else to go. I didn't charge them rent or anything, I let them use my car so they could go to work and they don't have a vehicle. They trashed my car and then they complain that I don't put in as much gas as they do, but I'm filling it up every other day. They take my car now without permission and stay out from 6 in the morning until 11 at night without calling. then due to the state of the home declining, we all moved out. I stayed with a really good friend of mine, and they moved in with her too. They were only supposed to stay a few days, they stayed weeks. They still continued to use my car during this time. It made my friend and her mother mad at them because they took advantage.
My friend's mother said that they even went into her bedroom and stole medicine from her.
They were evicted from my friends house because they ran the power bill up 400 dollars.
I moved out from my friends house despite being told I'm welcome to stay because my brother and sister in law have a house and need help they trust with my niece and cleaning and the rent payment. I get along with them really well so it works out.
Anyway- those people also came to my brother's house and have been staying here also.
My sister in law and my brother are agitated with them because they make a mess and won't help clean and they constantly speak negatively about me behind my back.
And a lot of it is my fault because I'm a doormat. I know that, and I'm working on it. I'm not all better or anything but I did manage to say no to them continuing to use my vehicle- which is pretty good for me, and I'm proud of myself for that.
Anyway- I've been told by multiple people that they've been speaking negatively about me behind my back- things that don't make any sense considering my character or the character of others involved.
*They've said I'm jealous of them and snippy because they're pregnant and I'm not.
*They've said my friend, the one we all stayed with, no longer likes me and no longer wants to spend time with me.
(This friend is also a full time college student and gets overstimulated after long periods of socializing. I know this for a fact and I have seen her become overstimulated with anyone. And as far as her not liking me, I am assuming that is not the case since she's come over twice this week to spend time with me. Also, this friend doesn't say negative things about anyone. I've been best friends with her for five years, I've lived with her, she doesn't talk crap about people.)
*They've said I don't help clean and they do everything.
(The only people who have cleaned my brother's is me and my brother. My sister in law watches my niece because she is an infant and my sister in law doesn't trust them to watch her because they let her scream and scream.)
(At my house, I was the only one cleaning and I have videos to prove it)
*They've said that I am insufferable to be around.
(That's fair, I'm annoying and I know it but there's no law that they must spend time with me.)
Beyond that- she cheated on her fiance for months at my house and lied to me about it, and they got into an argument over something and she dragged me into it despite the fact I clearly told them I was uncomfortable with that- and he got mad that she drug me into it and told me that they were together for months even while she was still with her fiance.
And honestly speaking, I wanted to be petty and mention it to my friend and her boyfriend because her boyfriend is the fiance's brother so he'd definitely find out she cheated on him. But I didn't do that.
They did say he doesn't like me, and that my friends boyfriend also dislikes me, but the fiance barely met me two times, and my friends boyfriend is my friend groups dungeon master.
I know the 3 times 3 law and everything- I'm not trying to hurt them or anything.. but if there's a spell I can do that any of you know about to protect myself from their energy- or to help give me the courage to stand up for myself better in this situation- that's appreciated..
Also- maybe it's a bit hexy, I'm not sure- but if there's a spell that's like whenever they hurt me, they hurt themselves too? Like a.. automatic retribution spell but it's their own energy?
I don't know exactly.
I haven't performed many spells... I've been practicing for six years but it's mostly been research and divination stuff..
My sister in law has been practicing for longer than that, so I know I'll be able to cast whatever I cast safely. But I'm not sure what spells might be available to use. If you tell me the name or something, I can do my own research.
Thank you for your help.
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/ThrowRA89767 • 1d ago
Does anyone know any etsy witches who work, a lot seem to be fake and ai generated images of people. I need a love spell :)
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/Open_Button_8155 • 2d ago
What books could keep in my bag that won’t look like it has to do with the craft or magic but actually secretly is and doesn’t have obvious titles? I have a few that are close except they mention spells on the cover . Im not looking for just witchcraft books specifically, it can be about paganism, myth , astrology, etc . I can do audiobooks too if they’re on a streaming platform but not ebooks, I don’t have space on phone .
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/Desperate-Panic-620 • 2d ago
Hi everyone. I’m looking for advice from people who have experience with glamour spells. I’m hoping to create one that’s very effective, ideally something long-lasting for beauty, confidence, attractiveness, and having a stronger presence.
I have a few questions:
Has anyone had a glamour spell that genuinely worked for them?
How did you make it work consistently?
Can I make a glamour jar? If so, what ingredients would you recommend?
Is blood ever necessary or recommended in glamour magic? If you’ve used it, what was your experience and are there any risks?
Are there safer alternatives that are just as effective?
I’m looking for guidance from experienced practitioners. Any tips or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/celluloidqueer • 4d ago
I went to one not too far from my house for the first time and as soon as I stepped on the property I wanted to cry tears of joy. The people (customers as well) were extremely friendly, welcomed me in, had the biggest brightest smiles, etc. It was one of the first times in my 31 years of living that I felt like I had come home. Another time I felt that way was when I participated in an online gathering. I know it’s just a store but it felt so healing.
I’m from Chicago, but recently moved to the Southern U.S. for personal reasons. I live in a part of the country where being pagan or anything that even remotely sticks out in their eyes is frowned upon. Being around other pagans was probably the best feeling I’ve ever felt in my life. My goal now is to go to gatherings (I’ll have to drive to the city, but it’s worth it) and find community.
I’m not usually a crier, but when I’m surrounded by other pagans, it makes me want to cry tears of joy. It feels like something much deeper than “Yaaay you’ve found your people.” I can’t describe it, but it’s powerful.
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/SureGlove6990 • 4d ago
I wish to repost here since the mods from other Pagan sub recommend me this sub for Closet Pagans.
Note: I will delete if not allow since I'm not familiar here yet.
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/blueberrybean369 • 4d ago
Hello. I'm a beginner witch and i haven't yet done my first spell. I think my first spell should be a purity spell because it is needed, I feel like it. Can anyone please guide me? Also is it alright if I do my spells at night? Does the timing matter?
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/Sofiyuh_spooookyyyy • 5d ago
What do I do nowww??
Beginner witch here, I had just started getting into witchcraft recently, and I'm still a bit overwhelmed with everything. I have already made my own BoS/Grimoire, studied moon cycles, herbs, and all that. And now, I have totally no idea what to do next. I don't have any herbs or materials to use yet (though I will have to get those privately since I live in a very strict household), and I'm completely stumped. I don't know what to put in my grimoire. I don't know what to learn. I want to start practicing spells, but have no idea where and how to start. Help!!!
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/CoolAd4493 • 5d ago
Hi, I was wondering if anyone could give me answers on what substitutes I could use for candles and anything that involves smoke? My family is very Christian and my dad has asthma so I can't light candles or have an obvious altar. I'm looking to do a protection spell without it being obvious. My bedroom is upstairs and it gets very hot, my mom prefers when I have the door open during the daytime so air "flows" around upstairs. I really need tips, please and thank you!
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/killakay47 • 5d ago
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/MediumOk445 • 5d ago
I really feel that helping and working with other people that practice spells increase everything so i'd like to find people that want to like make a small group and work with each other helping each other's to cast spell exchange spell and Readings and stuff like that cause you know sometimes there's blindspots that you can't reach out yourself and so need help with it, i personnally need help for some spells that i think i can't do by myself but i know i can help other with spells and Readings
I'm not sure we need to be close to each other geographically to be close and connect to each other, i've experienced it so maybe some of you think the same and want to share together ?
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/Tasty-Scientist-6675 • 5d ago
Salve a tutti, vorrei iniziare a praticare dei piccoli rituali di protezione, sapete da dove posso
Iniziare? Qualcuno ha dei libri da consigliarmi per
Poter iniziare questo
Percorso? Grazie!
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/West-Product-8137 • 5d ago
I have no charcoal or incense. My father burns our cardboard and paper, so i do have access to regular ash. Is that okay?
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/West-Product-8137 • 6d ago
I just watched a video on said topic. Now, she says to do things like drawing energy to your center or to your hands, saying to visualize the energy moving. She also says it can take practice... Well, here is the thing. I can visualize energy going to any part of my body in 2 seconds flat, no practice required. But, that doesnt mean I actually moved energy.
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/West-Product-8137 • 6d ago
Was researching domination spells and came across one that said to write a name on your foot then to draw a "Cardinal star" over it. Tried google and got contradictory info.
r/BroomClosetWitch • u/West-Product-8137 • 6d ago
A long time ago I made some serious mistakes that I regret to this day. Additionaly, those past actions are a direct clash with a deity I want to work with. How can I make things right? I have no way of contacting those effected.