WOTC Extra – CIRCLE ETIQUETTE AND PROPER CONDUCT

Circle etiquette is pretty elementary, and usually justplain common sense and consideration. Unfortunately, some people leave that atthe door when they come to circle, or so it would seem. So here are a few do’sand don’ts:

DO bring something to every circle you are invited to,such as a dish for feast, or some wine, or soda. Or ask the hostess what shewould like you to bring.

DO stay and help clean up afterwards! Your host or hostessare not your servants, and they were kind enough to invite you into their home,be kind enough not to leave it messy. Pick up, and wash if necessary, dishes,or glassware you have used. If you borrowed a robe or a tool (such as a chaliceor athame) make sure it gets properly put away where it belongs.

Show proper respect for other people’s belongings,especially their altars and tools. Touch nothing without permission. Somepeople are very sensitive about someone handling their tools.

DON’T be late! (I know we all seem to run on what we call“Pagan Time” but, if you are running late and it’s unavoidable, at least callto let them know you are late and just how late you think you will be. Manytimes we have waited rituals for people who had decided at the last minute theyweren’t going to attend. If you do find that you can’t come and you hadcommitted to coming, the courtesy of a phone call is always appreciated.

DON’T bring guests without permission! This is especiallyimportant if you are having a “closed circle” not open to the uninitiatedpublic. If you know that it is an “open circle”, it is still wise to let yourhost/hostess know that you are planning on bringing someone with you.

DON’T put anything on the altar unless you ask first!Most of us will hold our ritual tools during the ritual or place them on aspecial table or a place beside, under or other than the altar. This varies,however, with each group and may vary depending on the location of the ritual(such as out-of-doors where you may use a rock or a tree stump for an altar).The altar usually should have those tools and supplies that will be used by thehigh priestess/high priest during the ritual. You also do not want the altar tobe cluttered and accident prone (such as knocking candles over trying to reachfor a tool). Often times we will put the cakes and ale, extra tools, extrasupplies under the altar (such as, if it is a free standing table) to be out ofsight and out of the way until they are needed.

DO make sure you say “Thank You” to your hosts!