Closed Practices: What You Cannot Do

By NICOLE LAU

Introduction: Sacred Boundaries in Spiritual Practice

Not all spiritual practices are open to everyone. Some traditions are closed—meaning they are restricted to specific cultural groups, require formal initiation, or are protected by lineage requirements that cannot be bypassed through self-study or good intentions.

Understanding and respecting closed practices is essential for ethical spiritual exploration. This isn't about gatekeeping or spiritual elitism—it's about honoring the sovereignty of cultures and traditions that have been historically oppressed, colonized, and exploited.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of closed practices across various traditions, explains why these boundaries exist, and offers guidance on how to navigate spiritual exploration with respect and integrity.

What Makes a Practice "Closed"?

A practice is generally considered closed when one or more of the following applies:

1. Cultural or Ethnic Requirement

• The practice is specific to a particular cultural or ethnic group
• It's tied to ancestral lineage or heritage
• Outsiders practicing it constitutes cultural appropriation
• The originating community explicitly states it's not for outsiders

2. Initiation Requirement

• The practice requires formal initiation by authorized practitioners
• There are specific rites of passage or ceremonies required
• Self-initiation is not recognized as legitimate
• Lineage and transmission are essential

3. Sacred Knowledge Protection

• The practice involves sacred knowledge not meant to be publicly shared
• There are oaths of secrecy or confidentiality
• Publishing or sharing certain information violates sacred trust
• The knowledge is considered dangerous without proper training

4. Historical Context of Oppression

• The practice comes from a colonized or oppressed culture
• Practitioners were historically persecuted for these practices
• The dominant culture now appropriating what it once criminalized
• Power dynamics make outsider participation exploitative

Indigenous American Practices: Widely Closed

Indigenous American spiritual practices are among the most frequently appropriated and most firmly closed traditions.

What You Cannot Do

1. Smudging with White Sage

• Why It's Closed: Smudging is a specific ceremonial practice from various Indigenous nations, not a generic "cleansing" technique
• The Problem: White sage is sacred and being over-harvested due to commercial demand from non-Indigenous practitioners
• What to Do Instead: Use smoke cleansing with herbs from your own tradition (rosemary, mugwort, garden sage, lavender) and call it "smoke cleansing," not "smudging"

2. Vision Quests

• Why It's Closed: Vision quests are sacred ceremonies with specific protocols, preparation, and cultural context
• The Problem: Self-directed "vision quests" by non-Indigenous people trivialize sacred practices and can be spiritually and physically dangerous
• What to Do Instead: Explore meditation retreats, wilderness solo experiences, or vision work within your own tradition

3. Sweat Lodges

• Why It's Closed: Sweat lodge ceremonies (Inipi) are sacred rituals with specific protocols and spiritual significance
• The Problem: Non-Indigenous people running sweat lodges have caused deaths due to improper practice; it's cultural appropriation and potentially dangerous
• What to Do Instead: Sauna experiences, steam baths, or purification rituals from your own tradition

4. Using Peyote or Other Sacred Medicines

• Why It's Closed: Peyote is a sacrament in the Native American Church, legally protected for Indigenous use only
• The Problem: Non-Indigenous use is both illegal and appropriative; these medicines are sacred, not recreational
• What to Do Instead: If you're interested in plant medicine, research legal, ethical options within appropriate contexts (ayahuasca with legitimate shamans, legal psychedelic therapy, etc.)

5. Claiming to Be a "Shaman"

• Why It's Problematic: "Shaman" is a specific term from Siberian Tungusic peoples; using it generically erases cultural specificity
• The Problem: Non-Indigenous people claiming to be shamans often appropriate practices from multiple cultures without proper training or authorization
• What to Do Instead: Use accurate terms: witch, practitioner, healer, or specify your actual tradition

6. Dreamcatchers and Sacred Symbols

• Why It's Closed: Dreamcatchers are sacred Ojibwe objects with specific spiritual meaning
• The Problem: Mass-produced dreamcatchers as decoration trivialize sacred objects and profit from Indigenous culture
• What to Do Instead: If you want protective objects, use symbols from your own tradition or create original designs

Important Note on Indigenous Practices

Some Indigenous practitioners do offer teachings to non-Indigenous people. However:

• This must be their choice, not your assumption
• Proper compensation and respect are essential
• You're a guest in their tradition, not an authority
• Some practices remain closed even to respectful students
• Be wary of "plastic medicine men" who exploit Indigenous imagery for profit

African and African Diaspora Traditions: Initiation Required

What You Cannot Do

1. Vodou (Haitian Vodou)

• Why It's Closed: Vodou is an initiatory religion requiring formal ceremonies and lineage
• Initiation Required: You must be initiated by a legitimate houngan (priest) or mambo (priestess)
• What You Cannot Do: Self-initiate, practice Vodou rituals without initiation, or claim to be a Vodou practitioner without proper training
• Cultural Context: Vodou has been demonized and misrepresented; respectful engagement requires deep commitment and proper entry

2. Santería/Lucumí

• Why It's Closed: Santería is a Yoruba-derived initiatory tradition with specific hierarchies and requirements
• Initiation Required: Multiple levels of initiation (receiving elekes, warriors, eventually kariocha/making saint)
• What You Cannot Do: Practice without initiation, claim orisha without proper ceremonies, or self-initiate
• Lineage Matters: Legitimate practice requires connection to established lineages (iles/houses)

3. Palo Mayombe

• Why It's Closed: Palo is a Congo-derived tradition that is particularly closed and protected
• Initiation Required: Rayamiento (initiation) by a legitimate Tata or Yayi
• What You Cannot Do: Absolutely no self-practice; this tradition is firmly closed to outsiders without proper initiation
• Danger Warning: Palo involves powerful spiritual forces; practicing without proper training is considered extremely dangerous

4. Ifá Divination

• Why It's Closed: Ifá is a complex Yoruba divination system requiring years of training and initiation
• Initiation Required: Becoming a babalawo (Ifá priest) requires extensive initiation and study
• What You Cannot Do: Practice Ifá divination without proper training, claim to read Ifá without initiation
• What You Can Do: Some practitioners offer Ifá readings to the public; receiving a reading is different from practicing

5. Hoodoo/Rootwork (Complicated)

• Why It's Complicated: Hoodoo is African-American folk magic, and there's debate about whether it's closed
• Perspectives Vary: Some practitioners welcome respectful learners of any background; others maintain it should remain within the Black community
• What You Should Do: If you're not Black, approach with extreme humility, learn from Black practitioners, compensate them properly, and respect if you're told it's not for you
• What You Cannot Do: Profit from Hoodoo as a non-Black person, claim expertise, or ignore its roots in slavery and resistance

Hindu and South Asian Practices: Context and Respect Required

What You Cannot Do (or Should Approach Very Carefully)

1. Wearing Bindis or Religious Markers as Fashion

• Why It's Problematic: Bindis and other markers have religious and cultural significance
• The Problem: Wearing them as fashion accessories while Hindu people face discrimination for the same practice
• What to Do Instead: If you're genuinely practicing Hinduism with proper understanding, context matters; if it's just aesthetic, don't

2. Appropriating Deities Without Understanding

• Why It's Problematic: Hindu deities like Kali, Ganesh, or Lakshmi have complex theological contexts
• The Problem: Using deity images as decoration, getting tattoos without understanding, or cherry-picking deities without engaging the tradition
• What to Do Instead: If you're genuinely called to Hindu practice, study properly, find legitimate teachers, and engage the full tradition respectfully

3. Yoga as Purely Physical Exercise

• Why It's Complicated: Yoga is a spiritual practice rooted in Hindu philosophy, not just exercise
• The Problem: Stripping yoga of its spiritual context while profiting from it; "beer yoga" and similar trivializations
• What to Do Instead: Acknowledge yoga's spiritual roots, learn about its philosophy, and practice with respect for its origins

4. Misusing Sanskrit and Mantras

• Why It's Problematic: Sanskrit is a sacred language; mantras have specific meanings and uses
• The Problem: Using Sanskrit words incorrectly, treating mantras as generic "positive vibes," or getting tattoos with mistranslations
• What to Do Instead: If you use Sanskrit or mantras, learn proper pronunciation, meaning, and context

What You Can Do

• Study Hindu philosophy and practice with legitimate teachers
• Practice yoga with awareness of its spiritual roots
• Engage respectfully with Hindu traditions if genuinely called
• Support Hindu communities and listen to their perspectives on appropriation

Buddhist Practices: Mostly Open, But Context Matters

Generally Open

Buddhism is generally a proselytizing religion that welcomes converts and practitioners from any background.

But Be Aware

• Tibetan Buddhism: Some practices require empowerment (wang) from qualified lamas
• Zen Transmission: Some Zen lineages emphasize formal transmission from teacher to student
• Tantric Practices: Advanced tantric practices require initiation and preparation
• Cultural Respect: Distinguish between Buddhist practice and Asian cultural appropriation

What You Cannot Do

• Claim to be a lama, rinpoche, or other title without legitimate recognition
• Practice advanced tantra without proper empowerment
• Appropriate Tibetan culture while ignoring Tibet's political situation
• Treat Buddhism as a self-help philosophy while ignoring its ethical and philosophical depth

European and Western Esoteric Traditions: Varied

Generally Open

• Wicca (Some Traditions): Eclectic Wicca is open; traditional lineaged Wicca requires initiation
• Ceremonial Magic: Most Western esoteric traditions are open to study, though some orders require initiation
• Druidry: Modern Druidry is generally open, though some orders have initiatory structures
• Hellenic Polytheism: Reconstructed Greek practice is generally open
• Norse Paganism: Generally open, but be aware of white supremacist appropriation in some circles

Closed or Initiatory

• Traditional Wicca: Gardnerian, Alexandrian, and other traditional Wiccan lineages require initiation
• Golden Dawn and Related Orders: Require formal initiation and progression through degrees
• Freemasonry: Initiatory fraternal order with specific requirements
• Some Traditional Witchcraft Lines: Certain family or regional traditions are closed

Why These Boundaries Exist

1. Protection of Sacred Knowledge

• Some knowledge is considered dangerous without proper preparation
• Sacred teachings require context and guidance
• Spiritual practices can have psychological and spiritual risks

2. Cultural Sovereignty

• Colonized cultures have the right to protect their spiritual practices
• After centuries of persecution, they get to decide who accesses their traditions
• Cultural survival depends on maintaining boundaries

3. Lineage and Transmission

• Some traditions believe spiritual power is transmitted through lineage
• Initiation creates energetic and spiritual connections
• Self-initiation is seen as spiritually ineffective or illegitimate

4. Respect and Reciprocity

• Proper entry into a tradition involves relationship, commitment, and reciprocity
• Taking without giving back is exploitative
• Boundaries ensure practitioners are genuinely committed, not spiritual tourists

How to Navigate Closed Practices Respectfully

1. Do Your Research

• Before adopting any practice, research its origins and requirements
• Look for statements from the originating community about openness or closure
• Don't assume everything is available to you

2. Listen to the Source Community

• If practitioners from a tradition say it's closed, believe them
• Don't argue or try to find loopholes
• Respect their authority over their own traditions

3. Seek Proper Teachers and Initiation

• If you're genuinely called to a closed tradition, seek legitimate entry
• Be prepared for years of study and commitment
• Respect if you're told it's not available to you
• Compensate teachers appropriately

4. Explore Your Own Roots

• Many people appropriate because they feel disconnected from their own heritage
• Research your ancestral traditions
• European folk magic, Christian mysticism, and other traditions may be available to you

5. Practice Cultural Humility

• Recognize that you don't have a right to every spiritual practice
• Accept that some doors are not open to you
• This isn't oppression—it's boundaries

What to Do If You've Been Practicing Closed Traditions

If you realize you've been appropriating closed practices:

1. Stop: Discontinue the appropriative practice immediately
2. Learn: Educate yourself about why it's closed and the harm of appropriation
3. Apologize: If you've taught or promoted the practice, acknowledge the mistake publicly
4. Make Amends: Support the communities whose practices you've taken from
5. Find Alternatives: Explore open practices or seek legitimate entry if genuinely called

Open Practices You Can Explore

There are many rich spiritual traditions available to sincere seekers:

• Eclectic witchcraft and paganism
• Ceremonial magic and Hermeticism
• Chaos magic
• Many forms of Buddhism
• Christian mysticism and contemplative practice
• Hellenic, Norse, and other reconstructed polytheisms (with research)
• Your own ancestral traditions (with research)
• Modern syncretic practices created with respect and acknowledgment

The Difference Between Closed and Gatekeeping

It's important to distinguish between:

• Legitimate Closure: Traditions protected by originating communities for valid cultural, spiritual, or historical reasons
• Gatekeeping: Individuals claiming authority they don't have to exclude others from open practices

Not every claim of "that's closed" is legitimate. But when the originating community consistently states a practice is closed, that should be respected.

Conclusion: Respect, Boundaries, and Spiritual Integrity

Respecting closed practices isn't about limiting your spiritual exploration—it's about conducting that exploration with integrity, humility, and respect for the communities who have preserved these traditions, often at great cost.

You can build a rich, powerful spiritual practice without appropriating closed traditions. You can honor and appreciate other cultures without taking what isn't yours. You can be inspired by diverse practices while respecting their boundaries.

The spiritual path includes not just seeking power and knowledge, but developing the wisdom to know what is and isn't yours to take.

Some doors are closed. That's okay. There are many open doors waiting for you.

NICOLE LAU is a researcher and writer specializing in Western esotericism, Jungian psychology, and comparative mysticism. She is the author of the Western Esoteric Classics series and New Age Spirituality series.