circle etiquette
This may well be the most important chapter in this book.
No, really. Although there is very little that all Wiccans agree upon, the truth is that the basics of circle etiquette found on these pages are an exception to that rule. Any circle you take part in will almost certainly follow these few rules:
- Whenever you move around the circle, go in a clockwise direction (deosil). The only exception is when you are doing banishing work, in which case you walk counterclockwise (widdershins).
- Once the circle is cast, it should not be broken. Once cast, the circle exists outside of time and space, and is a safe and sacred place. If you need to leave the circle space for any reason, you need to have someone “cut you out” of circle. (This is done by drawing a doorway with an athame or your finger, starting at the ground, going up and over, then down again. To cut someone back into the circle, draw the doorway in reverse.)
- Never touch another Witch’s tools without permission. (Your circle may decide that this is fine, but always ask the first time.)
- It is important to keep focus and concentration; there should be no “chit chat” during the main part of the ritual. (Informal talking is okay during certain situations that require less intense focus, such as some of the craft project sections.)
- Everything that is said in circle stays in circle. It is crucial that the circle remain a safe place, in which all those in attendance feel free to speak what is in their hearts. This means that nothing said in confidence may ever be repeated. This also means that you should never tell anyone outside of circle any specifics of what occurred within, including the names of those who have attended a ritual. Not everyone is “out of the broom closet” and some people would rather not have others know they practice Witchcraft. This is one of the reasons that some Witches use “craft names” instead of real ones.
- When the speaking stick is passed, only the person holding the stick may speak. You will get your turn to talk when the stick comes around the circle. Be respectful of others and give your entire attention to whoever has the stick.
- Show respect for the gods and the elements by standing during quarter calls and invocations, and turning with the rest of the circle to face the appropriate directions. If you do not know what to do, you should just copy everyone else.
- Show respect for the others in the circle. Do not say negative things to others about those with whom you practice. Try not to judge or criticize.
- Come to circle cleansed and prepared to do magickal work. It is proper to bathe before rituals if at all possible. Never wear perfumes or colognes; many people are allergic or find the strong scents distracting. If possible, wear appropriate garb. Garb is any clothing you keep for magickal work—usually robes, fancy dresses, or cloaks. If you do not have garb, at least dress nicely. You wouldn’t go to church in a torn t-shirt and muddy jeans. Don’t show up for circle that way either.
- Never come to circle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This is disrespectful to both the gods and your fellow circle members, and makes it next to impossible to build up energy in any productive way.
- Do not ask personal questions of those participants whom you do not know well. This is the privacy issue again. People will volunteer information (such as where they work) when they are ready.
These are the basics. Your circle may decide to establish rules of its own in addition to these. It is a good idea to make up a basic “ritual etiquette sheet” to give to any guests who have not previously attended rituals. At the very least, it may save someone from making an embarrassing blunder, and it might end up preventing a disaster—like the time that an inexperienced guest just got up and walked out of circle to go to the bathroom, and completely destroyed the energy we were trying to build up. (Poof! All gone.) An etiquette sheet will also make your guests more comfortable, since they will feel that they know what is expected of them.
As it says in the Wiccan Rede: follow this with mind and heart, and merrie ye meet and merrie ye part.