Ritual Ettiquette

This page has been posted to assist those who have never attended public ritual before so they know what to expect. If you think there's something that could be added, please Contact Us and let us know! We know that there are so many different experiences that folks have had, and so much wisdom to impart.

Remember, it's okay to *not* participate in ritual, and it's okay to watch, since it *is* public, but we ask that you not interfere with anyone else's experience. If you choose to stand and observe, choose to stand in silence and respect.

Ritual Ettiquette - or How NOT to be a Turkey Sandwich

• There are as many different flavors and varieties of Paganism as there are stars in the sky, please allow those presenting the ritual to present in their chosen style without interruption. You are in circle as their guest. If you don't agree with something, that's okay, and if you want to change the words around, create a different image in your mind, etc; that's okay. We just ask that you keep it to yourself during ritual.


• If you need to leave circle for any reason, please ask to have a door cut for you. (The best person to ask is the person that greeted you when you walked into circle). The circle is an energetic barrier between sacred and mundane space, please do not break the boundaries by walking in and out without permission. Vice versa for if you need to return to circle, or enter circle late.


• What happens in circle stays in circle. Sometimes people have emotional and revealing moments in circle. This is good, we want to encourage folks to feel safe to express themselves, so please hold space for them by not spreading that energy around by gossiping.


• Be respectful of the personal boundaries of others. If someone does not want to hug you or hold your hand, that is their choice. Please do not respond by taking it personally, and please do not force the matter. Everyone has different boundaries and levels of comfort.


• Remember that public rituals are fairly scripted and they run like a presentation. While there will be participatory activities, you will probably not be called upon to play "ritual parts," and the priestesses will be explaining what they are doing for those who might not be aware. Please give space and allow for this.


• Don't be a Turkey Sandwich! This means, be nice, treat others like you would like to be treated, try your best to bring a good attitude to circle with you. Enjoy! Mirth and reverence is important.


• If you have special physical needs, please feel free to care for yourself. If you need to sit in a chair rather than stand or dance, that's just fine. If you need to sit closer to the people speaking so you can hear or see better, that's fine. Please ask. We are happy to accomodate folks of different abilities.


• Please do not touch the ritual tools of others, or the items on the altar unless you are asked to, or if you ask the owner of the item first. Often these items go through a special consecration process and are tuned energetically to their owner.


• Please do not preach to other people. All paths lead up the same mountain and everyone appreciates the right to believe what they want, and take the path that works best for them. You are a guest no matter what you believe, please be polite.


• It's really a nice thing to thank your ritual presenters.

How do you enter the Circle?

You might be asked this when you enter the circle. At many rituals, the common thing to say is "In perfect love and perfect trust." One thing I learned from a fantastic open ritual group in Denver, Hearthstone Church, is to ask that you enter with a "willing heart and an open mind." I believe that it's really impossible to feel complete love and trust in a group of strangers. If you can, that's fabulous, but no one is expected to do so.

What to expect in Ritual

• Cleansing/Purifying Sacred Space: Part of this process will be done before participants are asked to enter. You will probably be asked to pause at the entry way for a short cleansing and purifying ceremony.


• Casting Circle: Casting may be done as a group, or by a presenter with his/her athame. This creates a semi-permeable membrane that creates a "world within a world," a safe space to practice, a space that is a place that is not a place.


• Calling the Elements and deity. This practice calls upon certain energies for assistance with the magical rite that will take place. These energies include the elements Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit; and the divine energies of a chosen Goddess, God, or both. Invocations often involve saying some phrases in which everyone stands and faces those directions and say "Hail and Welcome" afterward.


• Calling Ancestors, Descendents and the Fey. This is a Reclaiming practice which honors the ancestors and descendents of not only people, but animals and of the land.


• Ritual Intent: The intent of the ritual will probably be stated by the presenters. You may interpret this intent for yourself as you will.


• Main body of the ritual: This could include a meditation, magical working, raising energy or a dance. It will be related to the stated intent of the ritual.


• Cakes and Ale, or feasting: Food and drink may be passed around, usually with the words "May you never hunger," or "May you never thirst." This is a common celebratory act of most spiritual paths.


• Bidding the elements and deity farewell:The elements and deities that were called at the beginning of ritual will be thanked and released with love. You will probably hear folks saying, "Hail and Farewell" after each energy is released.


• Closing of circle:
The barrier will be opened so that the mundane part of the event can be resumed.

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