How do I live with a Wiccan spouse?

[Pray4Life]

I am a Catholic convert who is already married to a Wiccan. He has never been actively practicing since before we met. However, while overseas, he has met a pagan group and gone back to practicing.

I am not sure how to live with him when he returns soon. I do not wish to sin, but I don’t know how tolerant I am allowed to be either. If he meditates, reads tarot cards, etc., in my presence, must I leave the room, or may I stay (obviously not joining him in any way – he already knows I disagree with him about Wicca). May I acknowledge his holidays, or even give gifts for the same, or is that too much involvement? Am I allowed to tell our kids about his holidays, though naturally they will not be involved in any practices pertaining to Wicca itself (he has already agreed that I will raise our children Catholic)?

He is a wonderful man and has been fully supportive of my conversion, beliefs, and the raising of our kids in those beliefs. I wish to be the best wife I can be and I fear shunning any aspect of his religious orientation entirely would be harmful at best, but I could really use some guidance in what is acceptable.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

The problem is that, whether he knows it and accepts it or not, your husband’s Wiccan practices can be spiritually dangerous and that spiritual danger can impact both you and any children you may have together. It is your responsibility as a Catholic to protect yourself and your children from spiritual dangers that may be outside your husband’s ability to control.

If you believe that common life can be preserved (particularly if you already have children together), then I can only recommend that you insist that he not practice his religion in your home. Explain to him, as gently as possible, that your intent is not to be intolerant or disrespectful of his conscience, but to protect your home from spiritual forces you believe to be dangerous. If he refuses to cooperate, you may have to seriously consider whether or not common life should be preserved. For more information on marriage issues, I recommend contacting the Pastoral Solutions Institute, a Catholic counseling apostolate.

Recommended reading:

Witchcraft 101 by Michelle Arnold (sidebar)