Open Circle Etiquette
Wicca has always been a religion of poetry, not theology.
However, here is a tongue-in-cheek guide of common sense and courtesy.
"In ritual, we 'suspend disbelief' as in a play. Casting the Circle is an enacted meditation."
Arrive on time. Once the Circle cast, crashing into it produces a distracting array of sparks and blue light.
When invited to attend a private ritual, it is not OK to bring along an uninvited person.
Bring your own cup. This simplifies the sharing of the Cakes and Ale.
An athame (ceremonial knife) is optional. You can use your two first fingers to direct your personal power. The resulting little burn marks will quickly fade.
A Circle is a sacred religious event. Everyone participates. This is not a spectator sport.
Dress in either robes or comfortable clothes. Your body should be clean and your mind clear. Barefeet bring you closer to the Earth. Save skyclad for private occasions. A clown costume is hardly ever appropriate. Do not bring your dog.
A Circle is a time of reverence, not a social hour.
Enter the Circle and proceed clockwise as far as possible. When you stop, ground and center yourself. Lower your head and focus your thoughts inward for a while.
Turn off your beeper and cell phone.
Do not take pictures.
Do not touch other people's altar tools or open their books without first asking permission.
You are in the Goddess' and the God's presence in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust. Enjoy, be reverent and joyful, and be full of hope and wonder at all there can be.
The best protection, when learning, is a sense of humor.
You will likely be told who to watch and how to make yourself comfortable.
There is usually open flame at a Circle. Be aware lest you set yourself on fire. If someone else sets themself on fire, it is not part of the ritual. Put them out.
A chant may be used to raise power. When the chanting is done, everyone touches the ground to drain off excess energy.
During Cakes and Ale, do not eat everything you are given. There might be a libation dish into which you are expected to return a small offering back to the Goddess and the God.
Stay till the Circle is opened. Do not crash out early.
Afterwards, ask questions about the meaning of what you saw and did.
Later, do not tell outsiders who else was at the Circle. Do not greet publicly someone you see again with reference to the Circle gathering. Respect their privacy. Persecution really does happen.
"Magick is the projection of natural energies to produce needed effects." --Scott Cunningham
"The Circle is cast, and we are between the worlds, beyond the bounds of time, where night and day, birth and death, joy and sorrow, meet as one." --Starhawk
The Wiccan Rede: "An ye harm none, do what ye will."
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