Space issues

[Nyx]

I currently share an apartment with 5 other people. Space is quite limited (obviously) and I happen to be the only pagan in the group. Anyone have any advice on how I can safely and discreetly conduct rituals without invading my roommates' space?
(locking the door to my room is out of the question, as I share it with another person)


~~Nyx~~

[Myst]

Find a private spot somewhere else - a forest, a park, or a Pagan friend's home, if you can :)

[Kyrnnid Tyhn]

that's a good idea to find an outside location but if you are in the city it might pose a problem. parks don't always provide enough privacy. i had the same problem several years ago in college. i would say try to find a place in the country if possible. the friend idea might work for you. i ended up going to a friends pond that was well behind his house and tree lined. well off the road. he was not pagan but he was aware of my beliefs and had no problem with me using his place. good luck.

[Jewlz]

Wow! I was just browsing around and saw your user name was Nyx! We have a dog called Nyx, it means "White haired one" doesnt it? (Our dogs white) just thought Id say!
Yeah, I have some of the same problems. My family disaprove of my Paganism and I dont like to rub it in their face, so I feel uneasy doing rituals etc where theyre not welcome. A place outside is nice because it conects you with the earth more, I feel, but your stuff has to be portable and sturdy.
Oh the yurning for the simple life, eh? Good luck in your dicision making! Jewlz

[Nyx]

hmm, outside may work. There are several parks near by. I am worried about passers by however. For those who have been in similar situtations, did you find unwelcome guests to be a problem?

[Rick]

...just be subtle. You don't have to be wearing flowing, black ritual robes (or be sky-clad, for that matter), or using elaborate wands, etc. Most people will leave you alone, especially if you seem to be behaving in a reverent manner. Also, when in a public place (like a park), being as brief as possible is a good idea.

Reminds me of a Vernal Equinox celebration we had in a state park several years back... a local Baptist church youth group that was visiting the park that evening threw rocks at us (at the urging of their youth minister, no less!) We had to pay for the use of the pavilion, & got stoned for our effort.... Odin's Beard, what a world...

[phoenixsong]

I know what you mean about space problems. I can lock the door to my room though I only have about 2 square feet space for ritual (v. awkward.)
You could try doing rituals in your head, or something like that. Alternatively, ask your housemates if they mind you doing ritual. They might agree to keep out of your way, even one night a week/month.

[Nyx]

Thanks for the ideas. I'm going to try working in a quiet (hopefully!) area outside. I have a small ritual planned for Mabon, so, a park would be the perfect place to go to.
We'll see what happens. ;)



~~Nyx~~

[Twilight Garden]

I was once hospitalized, and managed to perform my rituals. It's probably a small space, but it's also probably private. The bathroom. In the hosital, I locked the bathroom door and abracadabra... Privacy. No rules I've read say you have to work out loud or in a huge space. Not when your alone. Even so...

Could be used, just for the time being, as you seek out the great places others here described to utilize regularly. I know it sounds silly, but it works. Not to mention all the cleansing and purifying energies in there. hee hee :D

[Nyx]

I have considered using the bathroom! I think it's a wonderful idea, as long as I don't set off any fire alarms. :)

[She-Nyx]

You have a fire alarm in your bathroom? It seem like an unlikely place to have one

[Nyx]

Well, yes and no. There is a sprinkler in there, set off by heat. We have one in every room, inculding bathrooms, closets, and balconeys. I do think that a sprinkler above a shower is a bit silly, but I didn't design the building. ;)


~~Nyx~~

[Armitage]

If you live in an apt. building in the city there's always the roof. Would be a spectacular view of the moon on clear nights....Just watch where you're going. ^_^

[NightFire]

while I was in the Army, I had similar problems, somtimes having 5 other people sharing the room with me. I talked with them, and we worked out a schedule so I could perform my rituals in the room. Often times my roommates where there, they just stayed doing their own thing and let me finish what I was doing. I also kept an altar set up all the time, and it was never disturbed.

PHOENIX KISSES!!!
COYOTE SLOBBERS!!!
MOON HUGS!!!!
NIGHT SNUGGLES!!!
FIRE LICKS!!!!

hehe