Closed practices are spiritual or cultural traditions that are reserved exclusively for members of specific communities or individuals who have been formally
initiated through mentorship, lineage, or other traditional means. These practices are deeply woven into the fabric of cultures, holding significant
meaning, history, and spiritual power that deserve to be respected and protected.

Closed practices are spiritual or cultural traditions that require specific permissions, initiations, or training to participate in. These rules are not arbitrary—they are essential to preserving the integrity of the practice, respecting its origins, and honoring the spirits or guides involved. Just as Reiki and Munay-Ki follow structured steps, closed practices demand reverence, patience, and proper training.

Attempting to bypass these requirements is not only disrespectful but can also lead to unintended repercussions, both spiritually and energetically. It’s important to understand that these traditions are not about flashiness or instant gratification—they’re about deep connection, understanding, and respect. While the allure of these practices may be strong, true growth comes from honoring the process, not evading it.

For those interested in closed practices, it’s best to seek guidance from qualified practitioners and approach with humility and a willingness to learn.

Closed practices refer to spiritual, religious, or cultural traditions that are restricted to specific groups, often by ancestry, initiation, or cultural lineage. These practices are not open to everyone and are deeply tied to the identity, history, and sacred knowledge of the communities that hold them.

Respecting closed practices is essential for honoring the spiritual, cultural, and historical significance they carry. Misusing or appropriating these practices can cause harm—not only to the communities involved but also energetically to the individuals who engage with them without proper respect or understanding.

Why Are Certain Practices Closed?

Closed practices are often sacred traditions passed down through generations. Their exclusivity is rooted in:

1. Cultural Identity: These practices form an integral part of a community’s identity and heritage.
2. Ancestral Connection: Many closed practices require a lineage or ancestral link to access their spiritual power.
3. Ritual Integrity: Certain rituals and ceremonies can only be performed correctly by those who have undergone specific training or initiation.
4. Protection of Knowledge: Restricting access helps safeguard sacred knowledge from misuse, distortion, or commodification.

Examples of Closed Practices

Here are some commonly recognized closed practices:

1. Hoodoo: A spiritual tradition rooted in African American culture, combining African, Native American, and Christian influences. It is deeply tied to the history of enslaved Africans in the Americas and requires ancestral lineage to practice authentically.
2. Voodoo (Vodou): A closed practice originating from West African traditions, blended with Catholicism and practiced in Haiti and other parts of the diaspora. Initiation and community involvement are required for authentic participation.
3. Ifá and Santería: Yoruba-based spiritual systems that require initiation and cultural belonging to access their teachings and rituals.
4. Indigenous Ceremonies: Many Native American, First Nations, and other Indigenous practices, such as sweat lodges, vision quests, and sacred dances, are closed to non-Indigenous individuals.
5. Shamanism in Specific Cultures: While the term “shamanism” is used broadly, many Indigenous shamanic traditions are closed and require cultural or tribal membership.
6. Brujería: Rooted in Latin American and Caribbean cultures, this tradition often requires familial or cultural ties to be practiced authentically.
7. Q’ero Andean Spirituality: The sacred ceremonies of the Q’ero people in Peru, including working with Pachamama (Mother Earth) and Apus (mountain spirits), are closed practices requiring community ties.
   

The Importance of Respecting Closed Practices

Respecting closed practices is not only an ethical obligation but also a spiritual one. Misappropriation or misuse can:

• Harm Communities: Cultural appropriation can distort sacred practices, leading to the loss of meaning and respect for the traditions.
• Disrupt Energetic Balance: Engaging in closed practices without proper initiation or understanding can disrupt the energy flow and cause harm to the practitioner.
• Undermine Ancestral Wisdom: Sacred knowledge is passed down within communities for a reason, and taking it out of context can diminish its spiritual power.
  

Energetic Consequences of Disrespect

Disrespecting closed practices can result in energetic misalignment, including:

1. Spiritual Backlash: Misusing sacred rituals or symbols may invite negative energy or spiritual consequences.
2. Energetic Disharmony: Engaging in practices without the proper foundation can create imbalances in your energy field.
3. Blocked Growth: Spiritual progress may be hindered by the karmic implications of disrespecting sacred boundaries.
   

How Closed Practices Differ from Open Practices

The main difference between closed and open practices is accessibility:
• Closed Practices: Require ancestral ties, initiation, or community involvement. Examples include Hoodoo, Voodoo, and Ifá.
• Open Practices: Available to anyone interested in learning or participating, such as meditation, yoga, and Wicca.

How to Engage with Respect

If you’re drawn to a practice that may be closed, here’s how to approach it with respect:

1. Do Your Research: Learn about the practice’s history, significance, and cultural context.
2. Acknowledge Boundaries: Accept that some practices are not meant for you and honor those boundaries.
3. Support Authentic Practitioners: Engage with teachers or practitioners from the community who can share knowledge respectfully.
4. Focus on Open Practices: Explore spiritual paths and practices that are inclusive and accessible.
5. Listen and Learn: If a member of a closed practice shares knowledge, approach it with gratitude and humility.
   

The Power of Closed Practices

The power of closed practices lies in their deep connection to ancestry, community, and the sacred. They:

• Preserve Cultural Identity: Strengthen the cultural and spiritual heritage of their communities.
• Harness Ancestral Energy: Draw on the wisdom and power of generations past.
• Offer Transformative Healing: Provide profound healing and insight to those initiated into their mysteries.
  

How to Know If a Practice Is Closed

Determining whether a practice is closed requires research and humility. Look for:

• Cultural Context: Practices tied to specific ethnic or cultural groups are often closed.
• Ancestral Requirements: If lineage or community membership is required, it is likely a closed practice.
• Initiation Processes: Closed practices often require formal initiation or mentorship.
  

The Benefits of Respecting Closed Practices

Respecting closed practices fosters mutual understanding, spiritual integrity, and energetic alignment. It allows communities to preserve their sacred traditions while encouraging individuals to explore inclusive spiritual paths.

Conclusion

Closed practices are sacred traditions that deserve respect and acknowledgment. By honoring their boundaries, you contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and ensure your spiritual journey remains authentic and energetically aligned.

At LAB Shaman, we emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting spiritual boundaries. Explore our offerings to find open practices and tools that align with your journey, while honoring the diversity of spiritual traditions.

Why Are Practices Closed?

Closed practices are protected for a variety of reasons:

Cultural Significance: These practices are often integral to the identity and heritage of a community.

Spiritual Integrity: Certain rituals and teachings carry energies that require proper knowledge and respect to handle safely.

Preservation of Tradition: Ensuring these practices remain unchanged by external influence helps maintain their authenticity and sacred nature.

The Importance of Respect and Understanding

Engaging in a closed practice without proper initiation or permission can be deeply disrespectful to the culture and community that holds it dear. It can also lead to negative consequences, such as spiritual dissonance or interactions with deceptive energies. Respecting the boundaries set by these communities is a sign of love, humility, and a genuine commitment to learning.

How to Approach Closed Practices

Educate Yourself: Learn about these practices from authentic sources without trying to participate in or mimic them.

Respect Boundaries: Acknowledge that not all spiritual knowledge is meant to be accessed by everyone.

Support Practitioners: If you are interested in learning more, consider supporting legitimate members of the practice through workshops, readings, or products that share their cultural stories without appropriating them.

Examples of Closed Practices

Hoodoo: A deeply rooted practice in African American culture that requires direct lineage or mentorship.

Voodoo: A complex spiritual system tied to Haitian and African traditions, necessitating formal initiation.

Munay-Ki: Sacred Andean rites that require initiation by a trained practitioner to access their energies.

Reiki: Although often taught broadly, full access to Reiki's healing potential requires attunement from a Reiki Master.

Certain Languages: Certain languages are only taught to a specific set of people.

What It Takes to Participate in a Closed Practice

Engaging in a closed practice involves commitment and respect:

Initiation: Most closed practices require an initiation process, where a mentor or community formally welcomes you.

Dedication: Active participation often requires dedication to learning, growing, and embodying the teachings over time.

Respect: Following the rules, traditions, and guidance set by the practice's guardians is non-negotiable for maintaining its sanctity.

Why You Shouldn’t Practice Without Permission

Approaching closed practices without guidance or respect not only dishonors their cultural significance but may also open you up to energies that can be misleading or harmful. Authentic spiritual experiences cannot be accessed without genuine commitment, humility, and the blessing of those who hold the practice.

A Loving Approach to Spiritual Exploration

Respecting closed practices reflects an understanding that spirituality is vast and diverse, with some paths reserved for those chosen or initiated. Embrace the practices that are open and accessible to you, and support closed practices by showing respect and admiration from a distance.

Approaching all spiritual traditions with love and respect enriches our collective understanding and honors the deep cultural roots of those who protect and practice them. Let us remember that true spiritual growth comes not from what we take, but from what we cherish and uphold in others.