RITUAL Dos and Don’ts

For people going to their first group Ritual:

1. Stand and turn towards each quarter respectfully when they are being called and thanked.
The same for when the God and Goddess are called.

2. Try not to talk during the Ritual, especially during any meditation or magical work. If you must talk, whisper and keep it short. Usually when the simple feast starts you are free to chat.

3. Come prepared. If you are asked to bring something for the Rite, please bring it. If possible read over the Rite so you are familiar with it, read over the chants so they flow easy from you. (a lot of people don’t let you read the Rite before hand so this may not be possible)

4. Dress appropriately. Understandably Weather and environment plays a lot on what we wear but try not to wear beat up old clothes.  Proper respect should always be given to the Gods and what does it say to them that you came looking like you just crawled out of bed. Some Ritual require formal robes, if unsure you should inquire.

5. When the Ritual drink (Simple feast) is passed around - if you don’t want to drink it, you can do several things
1. Lift it up in a respectful manner in a sort of salute to the Gods
2. Lift it to your mouth and mock drink.
3. Pour a little on the ground in a respectful manner for the Gods.
4. Any of the above combined.
Please do not drink from a community drink if you are ill with anything that could be passed.

6. “Pagan Standard Time” is an excuse for bad manners. Be on time! If you are going to be late and you can call BEFORE the Ritual scheduled start time, you should do so, if not you should wait till after the Ritual is over. If you do show up half way through a Rite, wait quietly and respectfully off to the side. The people leading the Rite may or may not choose to open a door and let you in, that is their choice. They know best if adding you late will disturb the Ritual or not. Respect their decision.

7. Do not enter a circle drunk or all drugged up. It is disrespectfully to the Gods/Goddesses and to everyone in the circle.

8. Do not smoke in circle, even when you are outside unless it has been ok’d by those leading the Rite. Many will be very upset over it and consider it very disrespectful. If it is ok’d, be respectful of others and step away so not to infringe on their space. (Better yet, just don’t smoke, most Rituals are under an hour)

9. Children - Parents should always confirm first if the Ritual is child appropriate. If it is a child appropriate Ritual, please try to insure your child doesn’t disturb others. Most people do not appreciate children running haphazardly and at some Rituals it can be very dangerous (candles, swords etc.)

10. When someone says “All Hail” or “Blessed be” etc. , you should repeat it

11. If you are confused or don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask the people who led/are leading the Rite before or after it is done (Not during!) . If they are someone worth working/sharing Rite with again, they won’t mind the questions and will take the time to explain.

12. Take the time to learn a little before you go to a new Ritual. Find out what style the Ritual will be done in (IE> Wiccan, Ceremonial Magician, Voodoo etc.) and be sure it is something you are comfortable with. It is an awful feeling to be stuck in a circle and wishing you could be elsewhere. Out of respect for yourself, the people leading the Rite and everyone else there, take the time to educate yourself.

13. Don’t bring negative feelings and emotions into circle with you. If you don’t want to be there, then don’t go.  Your negativity can affect everybody in the circle and possibly ruin the Rituals for others

14. If you have volunteered to do a part in the Ritual and are given a certain piece to read, don’t just change it without permission from those leading the rite, they have gone to the trouble of writing it and formatting it, they don’t need it changed. If you don’t like what was written then respectfully decline to do it.