1. There Is No One, True Way

While most Pagans believe that everyone should be free to worship their concept of the Divine, most organised religions do not. Many of the most predominant organised religions have as part of their mandate a need to convert, or proselytise. Paganism does not. Most people, when you start talking to them about religion, automatically assume that you're trying to convert, and right away there's a problem. Mankind is notably resistant to being told what we "should" believe.

Your enthusiasm for your spirituality might communicate itself in such a fashion. Be careful to let them know that you don't expect them to automatically be as drawn to your path as you are. Make sure that you point out your respect for their personal path of choice as well. If you display respect for their path, hopefully they'll display respect for yours.

2. Family Peace

Many families react strongly to learning they have a Pagan in their midst. Most of the time it has to do with a sudden lack of knowledge or context. If you feel it's time to acquaint your nearest and dearest with your spiritual beliefs, then make sure you do it in a non-confrontational manner, and at a mutually neutral time, and in a series of stages. The last place you want to bring up your beliefs is around the Christmas dinner table, or while the family's putting on their coats to go to Easter mass.

You might begin by casually discussing other faiths in other countries, or mythology. If there are news stories that involve Paganism in some way, you might discuss those with your family as well. Later, you might discuss the origins of various holidays. Eventually, once they've been provided with some sort of context, you might tell them about your personal beliefs. Having a text of some kind that they can read on their own afterwards is a good idea. For example, Scott Cunningham's The Truth About Witchcraft Today is a wonderful, short book on the basics of Wicca, which can be applied to Paganism in general much of the time as well. If the word "witchcraft" is too touchy, make sure you have a "basics of" book for whatever your path of choice is to offer them. You might print out some of the excellent basic FAQs on Paganism from The Witches' Voice, as well. Once they've had time to read them and think about the path, sit down with them again and let them know you'd be happy to talk about it with them, and attempt to answer any questions they might have.

If you're under your province or state's age of legal adulthood, then your parents legally have the right to bring you up following the religious path of their choice. You might want to read and research, but keep active practice to a minimum until you're of legal age. If you're of legal age but living with someone who is utterly opposed to Paganism, you have a problem that can be dealt with in a variety of ways. One way is to carry on quietly with your beliefs, respecting theirs as well, and allowing them the space to practice as they wish. Live and let live, after all, and as a Pagan you likely believe that there is no one true way. If your practice continues to disturb them, you have a personal issue that will have to be settled between yourselves that might involve one or both of you relocating.

Coming out of the broom closet isn't easy. There might be casualties. Think hard before you do it. Some bridges can never be reconstructed once they're burned, even if you weren't the one who burned them.

3. Is Your Knowledge Base Broad Enough?

Once you've told people you're Pagan, the questions will come flying thick and fast. Accusations and arguments will surface as well, often from people you least expect to challenge you. Think about every possible way someone could challenge you, and make sure you have answers for them. Be honest, and say, "I don't know that yet; I'll get back to you," if someone asks you a question that you have no answer for. Don't try to make an answer up. Nothing's stopping you from thinking it over and offering an opinion, though, so long as you identify it as your opinion. Be calm, and stay alert. After all, your friends liked you before they knew you were Pagan, right? Your entire character hasn't changed just because you've told them you're drawn to a spiritual path that they're unfamiliar with. Your parents haven't failed in some way because you've chosen a spiritual path that isn't the one they raised you on, however sketchily. In fact, you've given your spirituality careful thought, which is more than a lot of people do.