Circle Etiquette

CIRCLE ETIQUETTE

The essence of Paganism and Wicca is diversity, but one consequence of this is the fact that we can not always assume that everyone shares the same ideas about what is acceptable behavior in a ritual space. Basically, one need only extend the same courtesy to others as you would want. Beyond that, there are a few unwritten rules that should always be considered and followed. These are:
1. Keep in mind that a ritual is a serious religious service, and one in which considerable power may be raised. Participants should behave reverently and be careful, and although ritual is a serious thing, it need not be solemn, in the sense that humor should be used purposely and with intent towards furthering the ritual. Gratuitous funny remarks can be disruptive and are considered disrespectful.
2. Ritual space is sacred and holy ground. Treat this space as such, whether it be in a formal temple, circle, grove, private home, garage, or outside beneath the stars.
3. Within Ritual Space each participant should be treated with respect, whether they be your brothers and sisters, those of another faith, public enemies, or those whom with you have lesser complaints or disagreements with. During ritual one should always dwell in perfect love and perfect trust.
4. The participants in a ritual are on holy ground and should never threaten another's life or well being. Swords, daggers, athames and such are never used for any other reason than for the ritual itself. They are to be used only when indicated and at no other time during the ritual. Good care should be taken to ensure the well-being and health of all.
5. A ritual is not a spectator sport. Those who don't wish to participate should go far enough away so that their conversations, etc. will not disturb those participating. Those who are participating should not indulge in any activities that might distract other participants from the ritual. Be careful to guard thy tongues, for to talk, chatter, whisper, laugh or exclaim during a ritual would ruin the effect for both yourself and for others. Social life can be confined to before and after the ritual.
6. Those who are stoned or drunk and unable to control the baser animal passions and the wild actions that may arise because of this condition should refrain from participating in a ritual, so as to prevent ruination of the ritual or distracting the others. It is better if each person is fully conscious of what is going on and can remember the events which are for their own benefit spiritually. And as such, smoking, drinking, the use of drugs, eating etc. should not occur during the ritual, as it can be distracting to others as well as interfere with the incense and mood of the ritual.
7. Those conducting a ritual will be considerate to the other participants if they take the time to properly prepare and memorize their parts. This will help make the ritual more effective for all.
8. Even those rituals which appear to be informal have been planned carefully. Follow the cues of those who are leading the rite on when and how to join in chanting, drumming, dancing, etc. so that you will be able to contribute towards the build-up of energies, rather than dispersing it.
9. If a person is late to a ritual, no matter what the reason, their late arrival is inconsiderate of the others who have arrived on time. And, if a ceremony is in process, this late arrival disrupts the whole magickal mood that has been built up with the work and concentration on the part of the participants. If one arrives late to a ritual that is already in progress, one should be fully prepared to wait the ritual out, outside of the circle, far enough away as to not provide any distractions.
10. Once the circle has been cast, enter or leave it only in emergency. Bouncing in and out of a circle may disperse the energy, and will certainly distract the other participants. If you must leave, be considerate enough to "cut" and "close" when exiting the circle.
11. Ritual tools are personal and powerful. Don't handle them without specific permission of their owner. As well, don't ever play with them or treat them disrespectfully...these are sacred and holy objects....treat them as such.
12. Theft is to be treated seriously as this means interference with the will of another or the group as a whole. It is best if the victim of theft should report it to the rest of the group, as if they do not do so, they are contributing to future events of the same sort.
13. Any person causing breakage or damage to ritual tools or equipment or housing or materials should consider themselves responsible for its replacement, no matter what the cost.
14. The ritual space should always be left clean after the ritual. Help give a hand to make this so.
15. Ask beforehand if there is some contribution you can make towards the ritual. Helping out benefits you as well as all others. Making a contribution aids in building up the group mind and draws us all closer together. After all, within the circle all of us are really striving for the same goal.