Ritual etiquitte

Pagan Kids

Your first group Ritual,

and what to expect.

Full moon circles, Esbats, Sabbats etc. generally follow a basic set up of sacred space and order of proceedings. There is considerable variations, depending on the group and purpose, but the outline below should give you some idea of the order of events, and expectations of your conduct. I don't go into the "Why" things are done in this section, see my section Rituals for more information on that.

It all seems like a lot, but it's pretty easy, just follow what everyone else does and use your common sense. Don't be afraid to ask questions prior to the event or after, NO QUESTION IS A DUMB QUESTION!

A word of warning:

Most pagan groups a wonderful groups of loving supportive people, however, as with ALL society, there can be small groups of predators and "Power Trippers" who may themselves do the wrong thing, or encourage you to do so. All persons must obey the laws of the country. No one is allowed force you to do anything you don't want to do. If you feel unsafe at anytime, immediately leave. Equally, if people commit acts that are against the law, leave immediately and notify the authorities.

Basic Outline

Setting up the Sacred Space:

This area is usually chosen and marked out with selected items around the circle perimeter (eg. flowers), or at each cardinal point on the circle boundary. Quarter candles or quarter altars are then set up at those cardinal points.

NOTE: Different Corrospondences are used by different groups. (eg. I set up East = air, North = fire, West = Water, South = Earth, but others have the elements at different cardinal points). Usually they will be clearly marked with corrospondending symbolism (eg, a water quarter will have blue colours and symbolic water items) The main altar is set up (South = Earth for me). A designated doorway is made for the circle. Some circles are cast with a wide assortment of elemental representations and other Corrospondences. (eg, holy water, salt, Incense, flowers, candles, rocks, brooms, sticks, etc.) When an area has been selected and is to be prepared for ritual, only the person or persons designated are allowed within that space. The area will be cleansed and a Sacred Space created for the circle. It is not appropriate to step into or cross over that area. When ready for the ritual to begin, an announcement will be made and you will be directed to the proper entrance of the area.

Proceedure:

1. At the entrance to Circle (doorway). This is in the South East area of the circle, for me, but may vary at other groups gatherings.

2. Wait outside the Circle entrance until summoned to enter. People may line up in order of birth (Youngest to oldest), some other form of respect, or on no particular order.

3. As you enter the circle area, you may be smudged or blessed. Watch others that go before you and follow suit, as long as it is comfortable to you. At this point you will also be welcomed with words such as "Welcome", or asked a question such as "How do you enter here?" (For open circles, the answer is usually, "In Perfect Love and In Perfect Trust." For closed circles, a password is usually chosen and only given to members or those specially invited).

4. When you enter the circle you will turn right and walk sunwise/deosil (or anti-clockwise) within the circle area, completing one whole revolution before continuing around to stop in the position you will be standing in, unless otherwise directed.

5. Wait patiently while others continue to enter. You may wish to centre and ground yourself at this time, if you did not have a chance to do so prior, or just for added relaxation.

A Basic Open Circle schedule of events.

1. A group member as arranged prior (often a High Priest and/or High Priestess) will cast circle. They or other members (again, pre-arranged) will call the Quarters and Elements. The circle will be sealed. Then the God and Goddess will be requested to join.

2. Specific ceremony/ritual follows. Relax, enjoy, share energy, listen, observe and learn. You can watch others and follow with greeting and blessings, such as: So Mote It Be, Blessed Be, chants, songs, etc. Follow along the best you can.

3. A symbolic Great Rite will be done with the High Priest and High Priestess (Or nominated members).

4. Wine or other drink is blessed and offered/passed to all. This is called "Cakes & ale". Usually as the Chalice or drink is passed, a blessing of "May you never thirst" is said, to which you may reply "Blessed be" or "So mote it be". Some groups share a communal cup that all members sip from, others have there own smaller cup to "dip into the well". I prefer the latter, for the sake of germs, and it is easier to offer a little bit back to the earth and/or nature's creatures as an offering.

5. Next the cake, bread or fruit is blessed and again passed to all. Usually as the food is passed a blessing of "May you never hunger" is said. The same is said in reply as for the fluids above. Again a bit is saved and offered back to the earth and/or nature's creatures as an offering.

6. End of Ritual. High Priest and High Priestess bid thanks and farewell to the God and the Goddess, then thanks and farewell of the quarters and elements are said. The circle is then open.

Etiquette Tips:

a. During ritual, remain silent unless the ritual provides for chanting and singing, or you are asked or offered to speak. Circles/Rituals are done in a Sacred Space, so refrain from speaking or conversing within circle. Hold comments, suggestion and so forth until after circle/ritual is finished and circle is again open, unless appropriate.

b. During ritual, feel the energy, add your energy to the group, and help to raise the energy.

c. Once you have entered the circle area, remember to always walk sunwise/deosil (anti - clockwise) unless otherwise specified. This is to keep the main flow of energy in the proper direction for the specified ritual.

NOTE: There are certain times we go Widdershins/against the sun (counter clockwise), known as and if this is in the ritual, you will be directed as such.

d. Should you need to exit the circle, please do so quietly and swiftly in the proper direction. You will enter and exit at the same point in the circle. At the doorway a gatekeeper will open an exit area for you and then will re-close it after you.

e. Most rituals are done while standing, although if you need to sit down, please feel free to do so. You may bring a chair cushion or alike with you into the circle as you enter.

f. You may wish to bring your own chalice to drink from. If you do not desire to drink from the same chalice as others, please use your own or at least make the gesture to drink or pour a drop or two on the earth as an offering/blessing and pass it on. It is considered very bad manners not to partake in Cakes & Ale. (You may also wish to ask exactly what is in the chalice before drinking. Some groups use water, juice, punch, non-alcoholic beverage, wine or other alcohol).

g. The food offerings passed are also something to consider if you have specific allergies. You may need to ask if the cake or breads have nuts in it, etc. Again, you may wish to only take a small piece and give it to Mother Earth as an offering.

h. No smoking in circle.

i. You should check to see if you might bring items into circle such as flower or other offerings, drums, rattles, etc. to join in ritual.

It is common courteously to ask the ritual sponsor's if you may attend, or to announce you will be joining for an open circle. This insures space to accommodate everyone attending. (Private circles are invite only). You may also wish to Ask a ritual sponsor's if there is anything specific you need to know, bring or be aware of for the ritual, such as food to share for potluck, dress code, etc.

j. Most groups do not allow anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol to participate, as it adversely effects the energy of the group. Chanting, drumming and some herbs can altar consciousness. It is suggested that if you are on prescribed medication that can altar your awareness/ consciousness, please inform the person who is leading the ritual. (Do not refrain from taking prescription medication).

k. Do not use cameras within the circle area unless asked to do so by the circle sponsors. Do not take pictures of anyone without their specific consent.

l. There is no place in circle for arguments on how or why things are done. Remember that there are many paths, beliefs, truths and ways. No one path or way is the "right" or "only" way. If you feel something is being done or said you do not agree with, refrain from making comment. If you must, please wait until the ritual is over. You can then ask the sponsor/leader of the ritual why they did or said things you did not agree with. Experiencing new ways and food for thought are always enlightening. We can always "Agree to Disagree"