Witchcraft in the Broom Closet

Witchcraft had been steadily gaining popularity for years, from fashion trends and social media, to pagan pride parades and published novels in bookstores about ‘Magic for Beginners’. But despite this progress, the controversy or stereotypes have not disappeared. There are still people who do not understand the nuances of the craft, believe it is nothing but devil worship, and refuse to shake the idea that anyone who does practice is evil, or going to Hell or some other such purgatory. We know that these ideas are false from years of witch hunts led by fear and the patriarchal demonization of women, but it is not easy to convince the masses of this. Otherwise, this wouldn’t even need to be said. Even the people I know who are generally accepting of my path still struggle to comprehend what exactly it is that I do, never mind if they saw me collecting sea bones from the beach or trying to describe my relationship with mermaids. For others, due to family religion, job restrictions, or other factors, it is nearly impossible to live your witchy life in the open. For those witch’s living ‘in the broom closet’, the only way for you to practice your craft is to do what those before you have done for centuries, practice in secret. Luckily, there are many ways to practice witchcraft in the broom closet that will keep you close to your spirituality without putting you in danger. 

Short term tips:

Decor in a box-

I know many closeted witches who have successfully used the boxed altar method. You can use something as simple as a shoe box, or invest in a locked box if you know you have snoopers. Besides being super easy to pack away when not in use, the benefits of an altar box is that you can travel with it knowing that all of your supplies are with you.

Practice outside /Away from Home-

Going off of the previous tip, when you’re in the broom closet, your house, dorm work, or work space can feel more like confinement than a place to comfortably practice your craft. While I love my home altar, there’s nothing quite like a ritual outside. The downsides vary depending on the will of the elements, but you wind up building a better relationship with your local spirits, and a close connection to the earth, which is at the center for a lot of witches, myself included. Not to mention, practicing outside gives you the option to utilize the natural world around you in your spell work, and provides some excellent, subtle souvenirs to take home.

Use natural objects for room decor-

While I am an avid collector of statues, nothing makes my room feel more like a sea witch paradise than lots of shells. The best part about this? Shells are not exclusive to sea witches, but to all ocean lovers, meaning it’s not unusual to see one on a desk or shelf as opposed to an Aphrodite or mermaid statue. This is still true if your practice doesn’t center around the ocean. Plants in rooms have always been a design choice, and even crystals have become a modern trend not necessarily associated with witchcraft. But even fancy crystals can be swapped for quartz rocks with beautiful sparkle and magical intent. 

Understated Jewelry-

This method is great because you can curate it to your personal style. When it comes to jewelry, I normally opt for the understated as opposed to the big statement pieces. Hidden witchcraft in your jewelry can look like the phases of the moon on a ring worn on your pointer finger to direct energy, a string of evil eye beads on a bracelet, or the very popular silver teardrop or hoops earrings to represent the water element. Jewelry is a great way to embrace broom closet witchcraft because you can show the world one thing with your look, but the significance of those pieces is unique to you.

Kitchen witchcraft-

Another great way to show the world one thing while doing another is through kitchen witchcraft. Even if you’re don’t like to cook, this witchcraft can refer to anything kitchen related, including small blessings over your food, or the intent in the meals you pick out. I use kitchen witchcraft mostly in baking. My strawberry bread is a staple for every Beltane, and in the fall I swap the strawberries for pomegranate seeds. I also use kitchen witchcraft when making my morning tea, stirring in intention and little spells with my spoon that go unnoticed even if I’m in a busy cafe. 

Long term tips:

Community-

While solo witchcraft has its advantages, we are still people, and a bit of community with like minded individuals is good for the soul and the progression of our craft. For now these people may only be available online, but it’s worth looking into online summits, witchy retreats, and other events where you can get away for a day, a week, a weekend, and vibe with other witchy folk. 

Move out/ switch jobs-

This tip is last because it may not be currently possible for you, and that’s okay. However, if you are in an environment that makes you feel unwelcome or unsafe, the best thing you can do is to start making plans to get out. One of the biggest lessons we learn as witches is to embrace the things we cannot control, but that does not mean you have to give up and accept hiding who you are for the rest of your life. Go back to the previous tip and join a witchcraft community. Chances are there is someone else out there who has been or is also practicing their witchcraft in the broom closet, and can help you step out of it.

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