FAQ

Common Questions

Answers to questions from people exploring earth-based practices and deconstructing fear-based teachings.

Is this a religion?

No. Rooted is a digital garden of practices, education, and journaling tools. You choose what resonates.

General

Will I get in trouble for using this?

We can't speak for your community, but everything here is rooted in history, psychology, and embodiment—not dogma.

Safety

Is this cultural appropriation?

We take cultural appropriation seriously. We cite cultural origins in all practices, mark closed practices (like white sage), and encourage you to learn directly from living tradition keepers. See our Cultural Respect page for resources on Indigenous herbalists, BIPOC practitioners, and tradition-specific teachers.

Cultural

Do I have to believe in magic?

No. You can engage purely through nature study, journaling, and nervous system care.

Beliefs

How is my data protected?

Journal entries are stored securely in Cloudflare D1, isolated per-user. You can export or delete all your data anytime from settings.

Privacy

Is this witchcraft?

We don't use that label. Rooted offers grounding practices, seasonal awareness, and self-reflection—many of which are rooted in nature observation, psychology, and reclaiming curiosity. You're welcome to explore without adopting any belief system.

Beliefs

Will I go to hell for this?

That fear is real, and it's valid to feel it. We can't answer theological questions, but we can say: curiosity about nature, self-reflection, and questioning aren't inherently dangerous. Many people explore these practices while holding their faith, questioning it, or leaving it entirely.

Safety

What if my family finds out I'm using this?

Your practice is yours to share—or not. Rooted is designed to be low-key and private. All your journal entries and reflections are password-protected. You can explore at your own pace without explaining anything to anyone until you're ready.

Privacy

Is ancestor veneration safe?

Honoring ancestors doesn't require belief in spirits or the supernatural. Many people simply reflect on family lineage, cultural heritage, or those who came before. It's about remembrance and gratitude, not worship. You decide what feels right for you.

Beliefs

Do I need to believe in anything specific?

No. Rooted doesn't require belief in magic, spirits, deities, or any particular worldview. You can engage with practices as psychology, nature observation, ritual without religion, or simply as creative self-care. Come as you are.

Beliefs

What is deconstruction?

Deconstruction is the process of examining and questioning beliefs you were taught, especially those rooted in fear or control. It's not about losing faith—it's about choosing what you believe based on curiosity, compassion, and personal experience rather than fear.

General

Is Rooted a substitute for therapy?

No. Rooted offers self-reflection tools, journaling prompts, and educational content—but it's not therapy or clinical treatment. If you're working through trauma, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional. We provide crisis resources for immediate support.

Safety

Can I still be Christian and use Rooted?

Many Christians use Rooted. Practices like grounding, journaling, and seasonal rhythms aren't exclusive to any one belief system. You can explore nature-based practices and self-reflection while maintaining your faith. This is about curiosity, not conversion.

Beliefs

How much does Rooted cost?

Rooted offers a free tier with access to all practices, articles, journaling, and seasonal features. Premium membership ($10/month or $80/year) includes unlimited AI prompts, advanced shadow work, and in-depth courses. We also offer pay-what-you-can options for accessibility.

General

Can I delete all my data?

Yes, anytime. Go to Settings > Privacy & Data to export or permanently delete all your journal entries, reflections, and account information. We believe your data belongs to you, and we make it easy to leave without friction.

Privacy

What is shadow work?

Shadow work is the practice of exploring the parts of yourself you've been taught to hide, reject, or fear. It's not therapy—it's compassionate self-reflection. For those raised in fear-based systems, it often means reclaiming intuition, pleasure, worthiness, and connection to your body.

General

Do you sell my data or show ads?

Never. We don't sell user data, track you with third-party cookies, or show ads. Our revenue comes from premium memberships and ethical affiliate partnerships (for recommended books/resources). Your privacy is non-negotiable.

Privacy

What is grounding?

Grounding (also called earthing) is a technique to help you feel present in your body and surroundings. It's used in psychology, meditation, and trauma recovery. Common methods include deep breathing, noticing your senses, or feeling your feet on the floor. It's not spiritual—it's somatic.

General

Is tarot dangerous or demonic?

Tarot is a tool for reflection, not fortune-telling or summoning spirits. Many people use it like journaling prompts—cards spark self-reflection and creative thinking. You can explore tarot as psychology, symbolism, or art without any supernatural belief.

Safety

Who made Rooted?

Rooted was created by someone who deconstructed from evangelicalism and wanted a compassionate, trauma-informed space to explore earth-based practices and seasonal awareness. We're a small team committed to transparency, consent, and helping people unlearn fear.

General