Manners

These are what I consider to be "Basic Manners" whether you are Pagan or non-Pagan.

These pertain mostly to attending a public ritual or gathering and are guidelines to the 'DO's and DON'T's.

1. While many people have become far less secretive about their membership in a Pagan group, it is never, EVER, permissible to expose someone as a Pagan or Witch. Do not ever call a friend or acquaintence by their Pagan name or mention their membership in a mundane situation. While some folks do not mind their "craft" name being used in the mundane world...others do. I personally am known to more by my 'craft' name than my 'real' name.
   
   
2. Never assume that you are invited to a ritual or a nonpublic gathering just because your friend is invited. Have your friend call the group doing the event and ASK! (or call yourself). It's rude to just show up.
   
   
3. When participating in a ritual led by a group of which you are not a member, ask ahead of time what will be done. Should there be something in the explanation, or in the set-up of the ritual area which bothers you, remain quiet and do not participate. Remember that every religion is different and DO NOT start a debate on this.
   
   
4. Ask the person(s) officiating at a ritual before you place anything in the ritual area; clothing or tools which might be considered unusual; or add private energy workings to the ritual being done. It's best to ask these questions BEFORE the ritual day.
   
   
5. The High Priestess is the Goddess among us, no matter who the HPS happens to be. It is expected and proper to greet the HPS first. The High Priest is the God among us, no matter who the HP happens to be. It is expected and proper to greet the HP secondly.
   
   
6. Never just walk out of a cast ritual circle. Ask someone in the group sponsoring the ritual to cut you a door if you really and truly absolutely have to leave.
   
   
7. You should understand the ritual beforehand and be comfortable with it. If you are unfamiliar with the tradition, ask BEFORE about the ritual.
   
   
8. Sometimes when children are going to participate, it's best to make a 'bathroom run' just before starting.
   
   
9. Don't make comments on the ritual, its leaders or whats happening in the circle. If you must, inform your friends (after the ritual) but DO NOT belittle another's beliefs.
   
   
10. Whether you are new to Paganism or not, it is ALWAYS proper to thank your hosts.
    
    
11. Vegetarians, Carnivores, Diabetics, and any others with strong food preferences or allergies: no one minds your asking quietly and politely which dishes have meat, sugar, spices, hot pepper, etc. in them. When planning a meal for any Pagan groups, I would suggest that at least some of the dishes be vegetarian, sugar-free, relatively non-spicey etc. ALWAYS provide an alternative to alcholic beverages.
    
    
12. Whether you drink, take drugs or indulge in other similar behavior is completely your own business. The majority of serious Pagan groups absolutely DO NOT allow anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol to participate in ritual. Do not be offended if you are turned away for this reason.
    
    
13. Rituals and gatherings should be planned so that those with physical problems are not barred totally from participation. Be aware that many more people than you might think are mobility disabled. One thought is to provide a chair for the person(s) concerned. Group rituals should take place in an accessable area and some thought should be given to designating a place for those not taking part to stand or sit.
    
    
14. ALWAYS ask what you can bring: food items, soft drinks, plasticware, paper plates, candles, trash bags, etc.
    
    
15. Do not allow yourself to get the idea that your Path is the ONLY one for everybody!!!! NEVER belittle another's Way...we each choose what feels right for us.