Another topic I want to discuss is spiritual gatekeeping, because it is something I see far too often, especially within spiritual and religious communities.

I firmly believe that no one, whether they call themselves a Priest, Priestess, High Priestess, spiritual advisor, teacher, or simply a practitioner, has the right to dictate what another person can or cannot believe in or practice. And this applies to everyone, not just those who hold spiritual titles or positions of authority.

Spirituality is deeply personal.

People are drawn to religious and spiritual paths for many different reasons. Some feel a calling they cannot explain. Others discover a tradition that resonates with something deep within them. Some are searching for a greater understanding of themselves, a connection to their ancestors, a sense of community, or a relationship with something greater than themselves. Whether that higher power is called God, the Divine, the Universe, or something else entirely, the desire for spiritual connection is a profoundly human experience.

Whether someone chooses Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Wicca, Voodoo, Ásatrú, Satanism, or any other religious or spiritual tradition, I do not believe it is anyone else’s place to tell them that they are inherently unworthy of walking that path simply because of who they are.

Some people are called to their spirituality. Others consciously choose it. Neither experience is necessarily more valid than the other.

Now, let me make something very clear: Respecting someone’s spiritual freedom does not mean disregarding the sacred traditions, cultural histories, initiatory requirements, or established protocols of a religion. There is a difference between approaching a tradition with genuine reverence and believing you are automatically entitled to every aspect of it. Some religious roles, ceremonies, and teachings require initiation, training, or recognition from the community. Those boundaries deserve respect.

But there is also a tremendous difference between protecting the integrity of a tradition and appointing yourself the spiritual authority over who is allowed to seek it.

That is where I take issue with gatekeeping.

If someone approaches a spiritual or religious tradition with humility, sincerity, respect, and a genuine willingness to learn, why should they be met with hostility rather than guidance? Why are we so quick to tell people where they do not belong instead of helping them understand the responsibilities that come with the path they wish to explore?

And frankly, if you are going to call yourself a spiritual leader, Priest, Priestess, or teacher, I believe you have an even greater responsibility to lead with wisdom, compassion, and humility rather than arrogance and superiority.

Being knowledgeable about a tradition does not give you ownership over another person’s spiritual journey. Holding a title does not make you the ultimate authority over someone else’s relationship with the Divine.

Spiritual leadership should be about education, guidance, and service, not control, intimidation, or feeding one’s ego.

You can honor cultural boundaries without humiliating someone who wants to learn. You can correct misinformation without being cruel. You can explain why certain practices require initiation without declaring that someone has no right to explore a religion.

There is nothing wrong with saying, “This is something you need to learn more about before participating.” There is something deeply troubling about saying, “You do not belong here, and you never will,” simply because of someone’s identity or background.

At its heart, spirituality should encourage us to grow, to question, to learn, to become better human beings, and to deepen our understanding of the world around us.

I believe that a person’s spiritual path is ultimately between them and the Divine, however they understand it.

You do not have to agree with someone’s spiritual choices. You do not have to practice alongside them. But you also do not get to appoint yourself the gatekeeper of their soul.

A little less spiritual superiority and a little more humility would go a long way.