Public Rituals

[Nocturna]

Hi All,

I’ve always practiced alone, but I’m getting to the point where I’d like to get a better taste for how other people do things. I know that there’s at least one group that holds public rituals in my area, and I would really like to attend one. Thing is, I’m a little worried about doing something ignorant. :o Would anyone mind sharing their experiences with public rituals, particularly your first? Etiquette tips would be greatly appreciated!

[Iris]

I don't think there are that many rules. Most groups understand that there is a mix of different 'paths' present at any gathering, so there aren't usually strict rules. Unless the group follows a specific tradition, in which case it's different of course.

I have a rule for situations where I'm not sure how to act, which is to just stay quiet and mostly observe. If you're not sure how to do something, watch what everyone else does :)

As long as you are respectful, and don't do anything that's obviously outrageous, you probably won't run into any problems. But if you're still worried, isn't there someone from the group you could contact beforehand, to put your mind at rest a little?

[EvieLee]

Yeah, just stick to common sense and courtesy like removing all jewelry and shoes, turn of the mobile, don't go barging into the gathering if you're late, etc.

Most public gatherings I've been to are very accomodating to everyone and don't tend to stick to one path so as not to exclude anyone. But you can always get in touch with the organiser and ask specific questions.

[Windsmith]

Like the others said, the group probably has a contact you can call or email to ask for any dos and don'ts you should know about beforehand. These will likely be the big ones, like that they have a no-scent policy (no perfume, hairspray, etc.), work skyclad (definitely something good to know in advance), or don't want kids under a certain age. Smaller details about what specifically will be done in the ritual, might not be covered until you get there. It depends on the group. One of the Wiccan groups in my area has one ritual element they do the exact same way every time, so that might be explained in an initial call. My group, on the other hand, never does anything the same way twice, so we wouldn't be able to tell you much of anything beforehand. We do, however, go to great lengths right before the ritual - after the circling up but before the circle casting - where the priestesses walk everyone through what's going to happen when and what people are expected to do during the various parts (heck, even my handfasting had this section). And we always leave time for questions, so if anything else is unclear, people can ask. That's a main point, really: never be afraid to ask questions of the people running a ritual.

[Fiamma]

Yeah, just stick to common sense and courtesy like removing all jewelry and shoes, turn of the mobile, don't go barging into the gathering if you're late, etc.

Most public gatherings I've been to are very accomodating to everyone and don't tend to stick to one path so as not to exclude anyone. But you can always get in touch with the organiser and ask specific questions.


it's common sense and courtesy to remove all jewelery and shoes for ritual?


Is this for some specific tradition? I've never heard of this anywhere.

[Fiamma]

Hi All,

I’ve always practiced alone, but I’m getting to the point where I’d like to get a better taste for how other people do things. I know that there’s at least one group that holds public rituals in my area, and I would really like to attend one. Thing is, I’m a little worried about doing something ignorant. :o Would anyone mind sharing their experiences with public rituals, particularly your first? Etiquette tips would be greatly appreciated!


definitely ask in advance.

thigns vary so much from group to group. Some will fill you in on everyhting beforehand, some won't.

In my grove, we always have a pre-ritual briefing where we explain what is expected of people and what is unaccepatble. We are also very specific to point out that we do things diffferently from your stereotypical wicca-flavored neopagan rituals. We don't cast circles, we don't call quarters. If you need to leave and come back in the middle of ritual, we just ask that it be done so without making a commotion, there is no circle to break. Just some examples. But we're also a lot more meticulous than some other groups I've seen. I've been to rituals where nothign's been said until after the circle was cast, and then they just went into it with lots of people just standing there confused.

so definitely, ask ahead, or as soon as you get there if you can't ask ahead of time.

[Nox_Mortus]

Ask ahead, it probably wont be terribly strict since pretty much any group that does open circles is eclectic (the ritual workings for most traditions, at least in Wicca are oathbound, so you have to be an initiate or a dedicant to attend) and they will probably be reasonably lenient with new people. But do ask ahead about wither they work skyclad and what their dress and scent policies are)

and yeah I've never heard of the jewelry thing being common sense, some groups allow it, some don't and some only allow certain jewelry for certain people, its pretty much the same with shoes, especially if you are working outdoors.

Also, if you arent practicing skyclad make sure you wear something loose fitting. Especially if the group likes to dance a lot.

[Silverfire Darkmoon]

If they're properly organized, their Summoner should go around to new people and explain their exact methods of ritual to them, so they know what to do and when.
Have fun! I was really apprehensive when I first started coming out to the Wiccan Church of Canada and now I'm in training to one day be a Priest :P

[EvieLee]

it's common sense and courtesy to remove all jewelery and shoes for ritual?


Is this for some specific tradition? I've never heard of this anywhere.

Hrm, I don't know, maybe I just assumed. I've only worked with two different groups and both prefered it if you removed any "unconsecrated" jewelry beforehand and left the watches off too.

*shrugs* It's just a habit now. lol.

[Nocturna]

Thanks to all of you for the replies!

[Lolair]

There are a lot of articles out there on public ritual etiquette and first-time ritual etiquette and some humourous ones too. Here's on that's copied to a lot of websites: Attending Your First Pagan Ritual (http://www.soulrebels.com/beth/etiquette.html)

But generally those who hold public rituals expect that there will be newbies - usually everyone's pretty friendly and will help you out if you get confused or lost. Don't worry if you don't know how to draw a fire element invoking pentagram or sing a chant, just watch learn and participate as best you can and ask questions afterwards about the things you didn't understand.

Circle Etiquette (Humour)

Never summon Anything you can't banish.
Never put asafoetida on the rocks in the sweat lodge.
Do not attempt to walk more than 10 paces while wearing all of your ritual jewelry, dream bags and crystals at the same time.
When proposing to initiate someone, do not mention the Great Rite, leer, and say, "Hey, your trad or mine?"
Never laugh at someone who is skyclad. They can see you, too.
Never, ever set the Witch on fire.
Looking at nifty pictures is not a valid path to mastering the ancient grimoires. Please read thoroughly and carefully from beginning to end so that your madness and gibberings will at least make some sense.
A good grasp of ritual and ritual techniques are essential! In the event of a random impaling, or other accidental death amongst the participants, (see next rule) a quick thinker can improvise to ensure successful completion of the Rite. Make them another sacrifice, Demons like those.
Watch where you wave the sharp pointy items.
Avoid walking through disembodied spirits.
Carry an all purpose translators dictionary in case the ritual leader begins talking in some strange and unknown language.
Avoid joining your life force to anything with glowing red eyes.
If asked to sign a contract or pact and you are experiencing doubts or reservations, sign your neighbors name. Malevolent entities rarely ask for photo ID.
Blood is thicker than water. Soak ritual garments an extra 30-45 minutes.
While drunken weaving may be mistaken for ecstatic dancing, slurring the names of Deities is generally considered bad form.

[Jenett]

I just PMd Nocturna (as I'm in Minnesota too, and may have some more specific info, depending on location.)

But in general:

1) Questions within reason should be okay.

Do expect that they can give you a short version of appropriate clothing and what to expect about ritual that you need to know in advance. Don't expect a 3 hour treatise of all of their reasons for why they do things a certain way.

2) My favorite phrasing for clothing is: "Don't wear anything that attracts more attention than the ritual or the people running it." Jeans are sometimes not ideal if you're doing some kinds of meditation or breath work. Comfortable is good. Seasonal colors are great for public Sabbats. (So in May, in Minnesota, greens are very appropriate.)

Jewelry and accoutrements are a little more complicated: reasonable groups won't get hugely upset if you accidentally wear something that 'means' something - but they may assume you know more than you do, or don't need as much help if you have one or more visual markers that suggest you have training/experience.

Common markers around here include amber, jet, or amber and jet jewelry, wearing horned crowns or other circlets (some groups also reserve things like feather crowns or masks for the people with ritual roles.)

Many groups use specific cord colors to represent particular degree status - these are the single cords (like you'd use for a drawstring skirt), and usual relevant colors are green, white, red, and black, but there are variations. Other kinds of belts, etc. are likely fine.

3) Be thoughtful about what you bring.

Athames (or other blades) are generally discouraged at public rituals except for the people hosting it, both because of safety issues and public relations issues. Bringing something for potluck afterwards is common (and bringing something other than chips is best: bread and cheese generally disappear, but deli salads, non-alcoholic drinks (juice, cider, or water in particular), or something with protein are particularly good choices.)

Be practical: think about any medications or personal needs you might have (since public ritual can sometimes involve allergy triggers, potentially affect blood sugar, etc.)

[Nitefalle]

Aside from the etiquette, I think this should also be said:

Don't be disappointed if you don't like it. Public rituals can be very general and eclectic-seeming because they need to apply to such a broad group of people from all paths and all walks. If it seems as if it has been dumbed down, it probably has so that beginners can enjoy, as well. If it seems a little bland or the energy seems a little scattered, that can just be a side effect of group ritual and is not necessarily an indication of that particular group or tradition. Please don't let it turn you off to public rituals in general. There are so many variables to a public ritual (venue, number of people, type of people, your expectations of what a public ritual should be, etc.) that changing just one can make or break it. If you don't like this one, it doesn't mean you won't love the next one.

[Ivy Artemisia]

The following is a document that I distribute to all of our students. The source is included. I hope it helps! :)

Circle Etiquette
Source of Information: http://users.drak.net/Lilitu/etiquett.htm


Remember as you enter a circle, it is a religious/sacred space. Behave in a respectful manner, especially if you enter a circle which is not necessarily of your tradition. Honour the paths of each and every circle participant.

Speak to the High Priest or High Priestess well before the ritual if you have any doubts or questions. Let them know if you have any special needs (such as non-alcoholic "wine", seating due to illness or infirmity and so on.)

A ritual bath with intent to purify (or a shower) should be taken before entering a Circle/ritual.

Do not enter a Circle under the influence of drugs or alcohol as this will affect your ability to focus your energy and power during the working. The exception to this may be in a ritual where the sacrament is a drug or alcoholic beverage with a particular goal in mind. However, this is generally imbibed during the ritual. Remember you are not obligated to take a drug or alcohol but please find out if it is a necessary part of ritual before it begins. You can choose to participate or not.

If you are feeling negative, such as depressed, angry, jealous, resentful or any other emotion that may affect the ritual, speak to the HP or HPS beforehand. Ask for healing, a back rub, a massage or whatever may assist you in preparing for ritual.

Do not break the circle once it has been cast. If you need to leave for an important reason, you should cut a doorway or ask the HP or HPS to do this for you. The doorway should be closed if and when you return.

Do not go along to any Circle that you have not been invited to unless it has been advertised as a public event.

Because a ritual is a serious religious Rite, considerable power and energy may be raised. Please follow the ritual as instructed by the HP and/or HPS. Stay focussed on the working and ensure that all of your personal energy and power is directed toward the goal.

When moving around the circle, always follow the direction in which the circle has been cast. This is generally deosil. (In the southern hemisphere, counter-clockwise; in the northern hemisphere, clockwise.)

Shoes and watches should be removed before entering the Circle. (The exception to this may be outdoor rituals in inclement weather as decided by the HP or HPS.)

Set aside some clothing, if generally worn by you in ritual, that will act as your ritual clothing. This may be a robe or cloak, or other clothing only used for ritual purposes. Keep it clean and purified for each ritual.

While in Circle, do not touch any ritual objects, other than your own, without permission. They will easily absorb energy and the owner will probably not appreciate this.

[Fiamma]

The author could add to this list

don't assume that a circle will be cast or that quarters will be called if it's not a specifically Wiccan ritual.

If there is no cast circle or quarters called, don't get upset. Don't take it upon yourself to cast a circle (I know of enough instances of this happening that I feel it needs to be mentioned.)

A few of those things, like asking for a backrub???? That's....I think that's a little out of line unless you know the person.

I also think that it's unreasonable to expect that shoes and jewlery must be removed unless outside, unless it's specific to a certain tradition- in which case, they should say so. I've only ever encountered shoe removal in rituals with one particular group- and that wasn't required, just suggested for comfort.



The following is a document that I distribute to all of our students. The source is included. I hope it helps! :)

Circle Etiquette
Source of Information: http://users.drak.net/Lilitu/etiquett.htm


Remember as you enter a circle, it is a religious/sacred space. Behave in a respectful manner, especially if you enter a circle which is not necessarily of your tradition. Honour the paths of each and every circle participant.

Speak to the High Priest or High Priestess well before the ritual if you have any doubts or questions. Let them know if you have any special needs (such as non-alcoholic "wine", seating due to illness or infirmity and so on.)

A ritual bath with intent to purify (or a shower) should be taken before entering a Circle/ritual.

Do not enter a Circle under the influence of drugs or alcohol as this will affect your ability to focus your energy and power during the working. The exception to this may be in a ritual where the sacrament is a drug or alcoholic beverage with a particular goal in mind. However, this is generally imbibed during the ritual. Remember you are not obligated to take a drug or alcohol but please find out if it is a necessary part of ritual before it begins. You can choose to participate or not.

If you are feeling negative, such as depressed, angry, jealous, resentful or any other emotion that may affect the ritual, speak to the HP or HPS beforehand. Ask for healing, a back rub, a massage or whatever may assist you in preparing for ritual.

Do not break the circle once it has been cast. If you need to leave for an important reason, you should cut a doorway or ask the HP or HPS to do this for you. The doorway should be closed if and when you return.

Do not go along to any Circle that you have not been invited to unless it has been advertised as a public event.

Because a ritual is a serious religious Rite, considerable power and energy may be raised. Please follow the ritual as instructed by the HP and/or HPS. Stay focussed on the working and ensure that all of your personal energy and power is directed toward the goal.

When moving around the circle, always follow the direction in which the circle has been cast. This is generally deosil. (In the southern hemisphere, counter-clockwise; in the northern hemisphere, clockwise.)

Shoes and watches should be removed before entering the Circle. (The exception to this may be outdoor rituals in inclement weather as decided by the HP or HPS.)

Set aside some clothing, if generally worn by you in ritual, that will act as your ritual clothing. This may be a robe or cloak, or other clothing only used for ritual purposes. Keep it clean and purified for each ritual.

While in Circle, do not touch any ritual objects, other than your own, without permission. They will easily absorb energy and the owner will probably not appreciate this.

[Windsmith]

Speak to the High Priest or High Priestess well before the ritual if you have any doubts or questions. Let them know if you have any special needs (such as non-alcoholic "wine", seating due to illness or infirmity and so on.)...

Do not break the circle once it has been cast. If you need to leave for an important reason, you should cut a doorway or ask the HP or HPS to do this for you. The doorway should be closed if and when you return....

Well, I disagree with some of these, but I think it's great that you have something like this at all. A lot more Pagans, both newcomers and old-timers, could stand to have some sort of "etiquette checklist" at hand!

One thing I would mention is that, of course, not all traditions have High Priests and High Priestesses, and even in traditions that do, they might not be the people to go to for the things you mention here. At most public rituals I've been to, there's been someone at the entrance to the ritual space greeting people and giving them the lay of the land. In our tradition, we call them Graces. They are the designated question-answerers, which frees the ritual priestesses to focus on preparing for and leading the ritual. So if the HP or HPS makes themselves available to assist with some of the things you talk about here, then by all means approach them. However, if someone else has identified themselves as the person herding the cats for the day, approach them with your questions and concerned - don't bypass them and ask the HP/HPS just because they seem "more important" or "better informed" or just "in charge around here."

[Ivy Artemisia]

I agree with many of the points listed here. We practice Wicca, so most of the document pertains to us, but it wouldn't all pertain to other groups. I think I might make note of that and add some of your suggestions.

Personally, I thought about the "asking for a backrub" thing was kinda laughable. Like a cheesy come on line. "Hey baby... I think my root chakra's blocked... can you give me a massage?"

[SweetIsTheTruth]

It is best to watch what you wear to a public ritual, although this applies more to the planners of the ritual than attendees. Here's a little story to demonstrate why.

This friend of mine, who is a 3rd degree in 3 different traditions, and has hived off numerous covens over the years, was having a purification ritual. All of her rituals are conducted in her backyard, which made this ritual public in the sense of location, if not public in the way of "anyone can attend." The dress required for all in the circle was white robes. Not long after the circle began, the police showed up. It turned out one of the neighbors on this quiet street in the deep south, thought a KKK rally was happening in their neighborhood!

[Meadhbh]

You might want to look at this site:http://www.soulrebels.com/beth/etiquette.html

[Vigdisdotter]

Would anyone mind sharing their experiences with public rituals, particularly your first? Etiquette tips would be greatly appreciated!

Ritual etiquette is pretty much the same as anything else :) don't chatter during the ritual, don't badmouth any of the participants (even if they really ARE idiots). Thank the person who put it on. If it's a potluck affair then makes sure to bring something with an ingredient card to share.

Also public ritual isn't really the best way to judge hat others do. In my experience there is a marked difference between public group ritual and private ones. A GOOD public ritual (IMNSHO) is one that raises little or NO energy. The reason for this is because you never know who will attend or what they can handle. And while I think blowing minds is marvellous entertainment, it's best avoided at public rituals :P

The other thing about public ritual is that people tend to let it all hang out, energetically speaking, which can be annoying for those who are sensitive to such things. So I would advise making sure you have good shields. Save the dropping of shields for those you really trust.....or are at least comfortable with.

[fay]

I would agree with a lot of the suggestions here, do contact the organisors of the ritual beforehand and check that you know when and where to meet and any specific requirements. For example, a lot of the rituals that I attend have a feast afterwards and we ask that people bring something to share. Some rituals for a specific purpose may ask you to bring an item e.g. a feather, a stone etc. Don't be afraid to ask questions, you will feel more at ease if you are more sure of yourself.

I haven't heard of the removing jewellery rule before, maybe it is because I am not Wiccan. Personally I have never removed jewellery for a ritual.