Hi, Rose. How are you? Well I am 14 years old, and I want to be an individual witch. I need your help. I do not want my mother to know about this. I told her before and she did not take it well. I need supplies, and books, but I can’t get them because she won’t give money. What do I do?

Young seeker, I am sorry, but what you need to do, at least for now, is respect your mother’s wishes.  I know that’s not the answer you wanted from me, but it is the correct answer for many reasons.

You need to keep in mind that mothers are truly not intent on being control-freak jailers, and actually have their children’s best interests at heart.  Remember that she is acting out of love.  At 14, you could not effectively begin training in the Craft anyway; most teachers will not accept a pupil under the age of 18.  You DO NOT want to begin practicing the Craft without training, most especially not at your age. 

There is a lot more to Wicca than spells and candles; it is a beautiful religion, and all parts are important to the whole.  As I’m sure you’re aware, two basic tenets of Wicca are the Wiccan Rede and the Rule of Three.  The Rede says basically that you may do what you wish as long as it harms no one, including yourself.  The Rule of Three states that whatever you do, good or bad, will come back to you three times over.  Going behind your mother’s back, hiding this from her, is no way to begin a life in a religion of such openness.  Personally, I would not want to know that this action would return to me three-fold, plus I believe that practicing Wicca secretly at this time would harm your relationship with your mother.  So, you see — by the religion’s basic tenets, it is best to wait. 

Stop pushing your mother on this issue.  You may find that, if you keep dialogue open between the two of you, she will become more willing to listen to your opinions.  If you listen carefully to her as well, you may find out what her concerns are.  It is possible that she has confused Wicca with the darker arts; not an unusual belief, I’m sorry to say.  If you are patient, there is a great possibility that, by the time you turn 18, your mother’s concerns will no longer be an issue.

Blessed Be.