When people begin exploring spirituality, they often encounter the terms open practices and closed practices. Knowing the difference is essential because spirituality is not just a set of personal beliefs—it is also deeply tied to culture, history, and community identity. A closed spiritual practice is one that cannot simply be picked up by anyone who is curious. Instead, these practices are protected, often requiring initiation, lineage, or cultural membership to participate fully and respectfully.
The idea of closed practices exists to preserve sacred traditions and protect communities from misrepresentation, dilution, or misuse. Some rituals, ceremonies, and teachings carry profound cultural importance and are not meant to be performed outside of the community that created them. Just as you wouldn’t walk into someone’s home and take their heirlooms without permission, the same respect should be applied to spiritual traditions.
Unfortunately, misunderstanding or ignoring these boundaries has led to many cases of cultural appropriation. People often adopt practices they find “interesting” or “exotic” without recognizing that these traditions have deep roots in lived experiences, struggles, and identities. To avoid this, it’s important to know which practices are considered closed and why.
Why Some Practices Are Closed
Spiritual traditions are closed for several reasons, including:
- Cultural Preservation: Many communities have faced colonization, oppression, or erasure. Closing their practices is a way to protect them from being taken out of context or exploited.
- Initiation and Training: Some traditions require years of study, mentorship, or ritual initiation before one is permitted to learn or participate in certain practices.
- Sacred Responsibility: Rituals often carry responsibilities, such as caring for spirits, ancestors, or sacred objects, which cannot be taken lightly.
- Community Identity: Practices often define cultural or ethnic identity. Outsiders engaging in them without belonging to that culture may be seen as overstepping boundaries.
- Spiritual Safety: Many traditions believe misuse of sacred rituals or symbols can cause spiritual harm to both the practitioner and the community.
Examples of Closed Spiritual Practices
Below is a more detailed look at specific traditions that are generally regarded as closed. This list of closed spiritual practices is not exhaustive, but it highlights practices commonly discussed in spiritual communities.
| Practice / Tradition | Why It’s Considered Closed |
|---|---|
| Hoodoo, Vodou / Voodou | These African diaspora religions are deeply rooted in ancestral traditions. They require initiation and mentorship by a recognized priest or priestess. Outsiders practicing without guidance can misrepresent or disrespect the culture. |
| Santería (Regla de Ocha, Lucumí) | Santería is tied to Yoruba beliefs blended with Catholicism. It involves initiation rituals, ceremonies, and oaths. Only those invited and guided through formal steps can participate fully. |
| Brujería (Certain Lineages) | While the word “brujería” simply means witchcraft in Spanish, specific cultural traditions of brujería are lineage-based and closed. Not all forms are accessible to outsiders. |
| Gardnerian & Alexandrian Wicca | These Wiccan traditions require initiation through a recognized coven. They are oath-bound, meaning certain teachings and rituals are kept secret from non-initiates. |
| Native American Traditions | Indigenous spiritual systems often involve sacred objects (like pipes, feathers, or sage) and ceremonies (such as sweat lodges or Sun Dance). Many of these are not open to non-Indigenous people without invitation. |
| Maori / Polynesian Practices | Rituals tied to Polynesian cultures are closed because they belong to specific tribes and are deeply connected to ancestry, land, and community identity. |
| Romani Spiritual Practices | Romani magic and spirituality are protected within Romani culture. Outsiders attempting to replicate these practices often distort them or reduce them to stereotypes. |
| Certain Druid Orders | Modern druid organizations, such as the OBOD (Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids), may require membership and formal initiation. While general druidic spirituality can be explored openly, deeper teachings are often closed. |
| Semi-Closed Traditions | Some faiths are open in general practice but closed in specific areas. For example, Judaism is open to converts, but Kabbalah is usually restricted to learned practitioners. Hinduism is widely practiced, but certain rituals and temples are reserved for initiated members. Shintō is practiced openly in Japan, but some shrine practices are reserved for local or hereditary priests. |
What Makes a Practice “Semi-Closed”?
Semi-closed practices fall into a middle ground. Outsiders may be able to learn or convert, but certain aspects remain restricted. For example:
- Judaism: Anyone can convert, but this process is rigorous and often requires years of study. Mystical teachings like Kabbalah are usually only accessible to mature, experienced Jews.
- Certain Buddhist Lineages: While Buddhism is widely open, some esoteric schools require initiations before advanced teachings are shared.
- Hinduism: Hinduism is diverse and largely open, but some temples and rituals remain closed to outsiders, even converts.
- Shintō: While foreigners can visit shrines, certain roles and ceremonies are only available to hereditary priests and Japanese practitioners.
Why Respecting Closed Practices Matters
Respecting closed practices is more than just a matter of politeness—it is about honoring the survival and resilience of cultures. Many of the traditions that are closed today survived colonization, forced assimilation, and religious persecution. When outsiders take rituals out of context, it can:
- Strip the practice of its original meaning
- Turn sacred rituals into trends or commodities
- Cause offense or harm to the communities protecting them
- Perpetuate stereotypes or misinformation
Think of it like entering someone else’s sacred family ceremony. Without the history, relationships, and commitments behind it, the act loses meaning and can even be offensive. Respect, in this case, means appreciating from a distance and supporting communities in ways they find appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I learn about closed practices without participating?
Yes. Many communities welcome outsiders to learn about their history and culture as long as it does not involve practicing sacred rituals. Reading books, attending lectures, and supporting cultural initiatives are respectful ways to engage.
2. What if I feel spiritually drawn to a closed practice?
Feeling drawn to something is natural, but it does not mean you are entitled to it. Instead, reflect on why it resonates with you and explore open alternatives that offer similar practices without crossing boundaries.
3. Are all Indigenous practices closed?
No, not all. Some Indigenous communities openly share specific rituals, songs, or teachings, but others remain private. The best approach is to listen to community leaders and follow their guidance.
4. How can I avoid cultural appropriation in spirituality?
Stick to open practices, support communities directly (for example, by buying from Indigenous artisans rather than mass-produced “spiritual” items), and educate yourself about cultural boundaries.
5. What are some open practices I can explore?
Examples include meditation, yoga (with cultural respect), mindfulness, general energy work, tarot, astrology, herbalism, and secular witchcraft. These are widely accessible and don’t require belonging to a specific closed group.
Conclusion
Spirituality is meant to connect us with something greater than ourselves, but it should never come at the cost of disrespecting someone else’s heritage. A list of closed spiritual practices is useful because it helps seekers recognize boundaries and avoid mistakes. Closed practices exist to protect sacred traditions, preserve culture, and ensure that teachings remain meaningful within the communities that hold them. By understanding these boundaries, you can engage in spirituality in a way that is both respectful and fulfilling.
If you are seeking spiritual growth, remember there are countless open practices available that are just as powerful and transformative. By honoring closed practices while embracing open ones, you create a path that is not only authentic to yourself but also respectful to the cultures around you.
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