Well, I finally did it.  I didn't want to and I wasn't going to.  I told my husband about my beliefs.  It came out because I found out some things about him that weren't good and some things needed to be laid on the table.  So, we had to have one of those "totally honest" moments with each other.  He had hurt me very badly and I needed to know to what extent, so, my deal was, "if you tell me your truth--your REAL truth--I'll tell you mine."  Of course, because I'm a big boob, I told him mine first, that I had been into my own personal form of witchcraft for a few months now, which sort of freaked him out.  Then he told me his truth as best he could, which I'm still trying to weigh and balance in my head (and which is personal, so I can't pass it on here).  We are both Muslim so it is a very big thing when one "denies" anything about the religion.  I explained that my own personal belief doesn't wander too far from my Islamic belief, except that I have more in common with the natural world than most Muslims do, and I'm really tired of the "If God wills" and "I swear by God"s that come from extreme hypocrisy (and quite frequently, I might add).  So, he agreed to not disrespect me anymore, (and he didn't say "if God wills"!) and I was made to promise not to harm anyone with my witchcraft (lol).  I explained that that is a HUGE thing in the craft, that we DON'T harm anyone (an it harm none, do what ye will...), and gave him a brief overview of "what it is I do".  He wasn't sure what to make of it, but I explained that if he can't accept me this way, then it might be time to remove myself from this situation, which can be stressful enough as it is.  I have put up with a lot in my marriage, so if he can't put up with my belief, then that's it.  He agreed as long as I don't try to "put hexes" on anyone...
I do, however, feel like quite a large load has been lifted, because I'm not really hiding anymore.  I wouldn't tell anyone outside anyway, so he was my big hurdle.  He loves me, and doesn't want me to go, so that's it.  He is willing to accept me, and that is the most important thing.  However, we still have a long way to go in our marriage.  It's a new leaf, but it is by no means an easy one...

Strength to you.  I am glad your husband is understanding.  It is a very hard thing to be in a marriage with disrespect for eachothers beliefs etc.  I also very much hope the other things are sorted for you as well.

It can be a very hard thing for people to understand the beliefs we all share.  Especially when all they really know is hexes etc, the bad side of things.  So good for you in being able to put him at ease and help him to understand.

Blessings to you.

That was a very brave thing to do Seamonster, and I admire you greatly.  I am glad that your husband took things as well as he did, as I know that many Islamic traditions have negative views about magic and women practicing it.  But then, there is a huge tradition of alchemy and supernatural sciences in Islamic history, so you have a lot to work with.

I hope that you and your husband are able to work your way through this conflict.

many blessings.

Bravo!!!! I think that it is a great thing that he "understands and accepts" your path, i  live with severe critiscism and I don't let it stop me, our path is our path, and we walk it in our own footsteps not someone else's, ....Blessed Be, Lavendar-Ice

Hello seamonster,

This is a wonderful opportunity for you both to grow...both spiritually and emotionally...take your time, be patient with each other, and most of all, keep the communication lines open. There should never be "secrets" between people who are married. It causes much discord and unhappiness. Best wishes to you both!

Blessings Bright and Dark,

Thank you all, very much.  This has been the most healing 24 hours I have ever had with my husband!

YAY!!!  Glad everything worked out for you Seamonster!!

It's sad that you had to come out this way, but good that you now have one less secret to share. It is good that your husband is willing to understand you and your beliefs. I can imagine it was healing to "lay the cards on the table and to know what is what with both of you. My good thoughts are with you both. Blessed be!

Thank you, merlynherne.  It has been an interesting time this last few weeks.  My husband, although he doesn't approve, doesn't say much.  Once in a while he'll ask a question about some "odd" thing I'm doing and when I give him the answer (usually a witchy one...hee, hee), he simply rolls his eyes and says, "oh, that!"  One day he tried to give me a lecture on the "ethics of witchcraft according to Islam and other book religions", and boy, I gave him an earful about the ethics of whether or not one is allowed to try to alter another's thoughts and silent beliefs.   After I threatened to "go back underground", he laid off and let it be.  I don't think it'll come up again.   (soapbox)

I'm glad things are going pretty well for you Seamonster.  My husband was quite shocked when he found out that I follow the Ancient Ways, and quite frankly, after 28 years of a fairly tumultuous marriage I think he was actually afraid I was working on turning him into a newt.  Well, that was some seven years ago and he is still in excellent health (in human form   ).  The funny thing is that every so often he has to take these qrueling certification tests that stress him out.  Before one of these tests he was particularly freaked and I gave him a little jade turtle I had empowered for mental clarity, focus and luck.  He kept it in his pocket, passed with flying colors, and to this day takes this turtle with him whenever he feels stressed.  Eventually, your husband will also come to find out you can be a big help to him if he trusts you and treats you well!  Good luck, dear.  Remember, you are not alone.

I really admire your bravery and honesty... I'm sure it takes a tonne of guts!
I hope everything falls as it should in your household, and that both you and your hubby settle into a healthier relationship

with good thoughts,
Kathartica

That's wonderful that it's worked out for you. And that you're husband respects you're belief. May you're marriage be blessed!