NWC Article: General Guidelines for Pagan Community Circles

In many areas across the country, Pagan open circles are held on a regular basis. These community circles provide a place for worship and celebration for local Pagans and for those who have an interest in Paganism. Some of these community circles may be open to all - others may require an invitation or a vouch from someone who is already involved in the local Pagan community.

Since Pagan events tend to attract a diverse group of people who have different ages, ethnic backgrounds, experiences, sexual preferences, etc., the following guidelines may be helpful to all attending community events. As a long-time Pagan and an initiated Wiccan High Priestess, I consider these guidelines to be the generally accepted good manners of the greater Pagan community. It is my hope that newcomers, guests, and those already involved in the Pagan community will find what I present here useful.

First and foremost: Pagan circles are considered neutral ground, and those who attend Pagan circles should come with an open mind and a peaceful spirit. Leave your disputes with others and any bad vibes at home. Anyone that is disruptive may be asked to leave by those in charge of the event or by a local Elder of the community.

BEFORE THE RITUAL:
Although not all Pagan traditions practice ritual bathing, it is highly recommended as a means of preparation before attending a circle. So, if you have time, a relaxing ritual bath may be taken before arriving. Use a little salt or bath salts in the water, or a fragrant herbal bath sachet. You may also want to use a self-blessing rite from a Pagan book.

Also, if you are disabled and need assistance, please let those conducting the ceremony know before it begins.

BASIC INFORMATION:
A small monetary donation may be asked to cover the costs for conducting community circles, especially for those held in a rented space. Usually this donation is from $3-$5, and may be on a sliding scale. In most communities, any money over the amount needed for hall rental and general expenses is kept in a slush fund for future expenses. In the greater Pagan community, it is rare that any money collected for community circle expenses goes into anyone's personal pocket - indeed, most Pagans generally frown upon this. This is not to say that workshops and conventions are not designed to be moneymakers, however.

At most Pagan events, there is a potluck after the ritual. Therefore, everyone attending should bring a potluck dish of generous proportions for the feast held after the Circle. If you are unable to bring something, an additional donation of cash is usually appropriate.

The event coordinators or other Elders of the community are usually available to you to answer your questions and assist you - please do not be afraid to ask.

CONDUCT GUIDELINES:
Please observe the rules of the hall and those of the event coordinators. Often there are 'No Smoking' and/or 'No Alcohol Permitted' rules in rented buildings. Do not, under any circumstances, bring illegal substances to a Pagan event! Also, nudity is not appropriate at community events held in a public space. Keep in mind that minors may be in attendance. If you are in doubt as to what the rules are, ask the event coordinators.

At most Pagan events, no photography is allowed without the expressed permission of those being photographed. At others, photography is completely prohibited. Some public circles invite the media to attend, who are expected to adhere to whatever rules they are given. In any case, at all times please respect the privacy of those who do not wish to be identified as Pagan. Many use a "Pagan" name or their first name only – you may wish to consider doing this yourself. Suffice to say that not everyone can afford to be 'out of the broom closet'.

Please do not touch any garment, jewelry, Tarot cards, Altar equipment, drums, rattles, or personal Tools without the owner's permission. These items are often considered very special and may be consecrated for specific purposes.

Many Pagans physically express friendship by hugging or kissing in a loving, caring way. However, if someone is touching you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, please do not hesitate to make that person aware of your feelings. If the person bothering you doesn’t stop, don‘t be afraid to ask someone in charge of the event for help. If they are busy, get help from an Elder of the community or someone else. Also, do not assume that you can freely hug or otherwise touch someone who is not a personal friend of yours. Please be considerate of other people’s personal space!

FINDING A GROUP:
If you meet people who have a group that you are interested in joining, pay attention to how they behave at the public events – use your basic intuition and common sense. Take time to get to know them, and ask discretely of others about their reputation in the community, etc.

If you are looking for a working group or coven, please note that most serious covens traditionally refrain from converting or recruiting. If a group or individual is pressuring you to join their 'coven', ask yourself why someone would be so eager to have you join without knowing you very well? In a similar vein, it is a real turn off to most everyone to be cornered by someone who boasts about their occult credentials such as degrees of initiation, magical powers, etc. Again, ask yourself why this person is trying to impress you?

THE CIRCLE:
A Circle is Sacred Space. Your attitude, conduct, and energy should reflect both the joyousness and the solemnity of the celebration. Ritual requires a clear mind - if you are intoxicated or otherwise disruptive at any time, you do not belong in Circle and may be asked to leave by the event coordinators and/or those in charge of the ritual.

While in Circle, by participating and focusing your energy, you contribute to the Circle. However, if you are not one of the people who planned the ritual, please do not take it upon yourself to change what is happening at any given time, since you could seriously disrupt the flow and energy of the ceremony.

If you choose not to take an active part in the Circle - and spectators are welcome - please try to stay back from the immediate ritual area if you can. Everyone who participates needs to be aware that there may be some observers at open community events such as people interested in learning what we do, or parents of minors. These individuals are there as guests. When observers are present, the event coordinators may ask someone to remain outside Circle to answer any questions.

Once the Circle is cast, it is customary that no one leaves until the rite is ended, except for urgent need. If you feel that you may need to use the bathroom within an hour, it would be wise to do so before Circle. Should you need to leave, quietly let the Priest or Priestess conducting the ritual know, and they will authorize opening a ritual doorway to let you out. Then find a place away from the ritual space to make yourself comfortable until the ritual is ended.

Once the rite begins, focus. Inappropriate talking, joking, laughing, etc. are considered disruptive and break the continuity of the ceremony. However, it is to be hoped that if anything funny happens in ritual, we will all laugh, for the God and Goddess love laughter! When in doubt, follow the lead of those conducting the Circle.

Sometimes a Circle can result in an intense experience. It is easy to get a natural high if energy is raised in Circle. Remember to get adequate food and sleep prior to attending. If you find yourself becoming over-emotional or easily disturbed, check your physical condition and ask for help in grounding if you need it.

Sometimes something said or done in Circle may upset or surprise you. Please keep in mind that the groups in the Pagan community express a wide spectrum of styles of worship, customs and philosophies. We all try to do our best to present ritual celebrations that are appropriate for the Pagan public. However, we also try not to censor what is presented by the groups or individuals conducting the Circles. Most personal conflicts and issues which can arise in the course of a ritual are best dealt with after the ritual is over so as not to disrupt the flow. However, you always have the option of asking to be let out of the Circle.

If you have any questions or concerns about the ritual, ask the celebrants (those conducting the ceremony) questions afterwards. If they are not available immediately after the Circle, ask them a bit later - perhaps during the feast. If you are still unable to talk to the celebrants, ask one of the event coordinators or other Elders present. They will answer to the best of their abilities, and will assist you in speaking to the celebrants directly if they are unable to answer specific questions. Your feedback is important; please do not hesitate to communicate.

AFTER RITUAL:
There is always plenty to do after ritual, and your help is welcomed. You will often find the community Elders busy with setting up for the feast or later helping with general clean up. Following their example and offering to assist is a great way to meet people. Besides, the more helping hands present, the less work there is! Helping with general clean-up after the event is especially appreciated. Pagans try to leave the hall cleaner than it was when we got there.

REFERENCES:
1. Sagana's "Some Basic Craft Etiquette," published in the general Craft Community in 1987.
2. "Harvest Home" flyer from South Bay Circles, September 1987.
3. Guidelines for Members and Guests of Kingstone Covens by Kalisha Zahr
4. Miss Manners Official Guide to Etiquette & All Around Appropriate Behavior at Pagan Gatherings - Author Unknown.

If you have other suggestions for this article or comments, or you've used it in a publication please write to me at the following address:

N.W.C. (Attention: Kalisha Zahr)
P. O. Box 162046
Sacramento, CA 95816.

(GuidelinesPagan: last revised 11/03)

Please note: This article may be reprinted without further permission, provided it is printed intact, complete with this notice and my copyright, and a copy of the publication it appears in is sent to the author at the address given above. Any changes in the text, however, must be approved in advance by the author.