Nault Tribe

Basic Guidelines for Most Rituals

Who may attend?
Members may invite guests, if permission is given by the hosts or the High Priestess. If you aren’t sure if the situation will allow guests, please obtain permission BEFORE inviting others. Always ask if children are permitted to attend. Some rituals are not “child-friendly” due to the nature of the ritual, or the lifestyle choices of the participants.

Timing and Pagan Standard Time (“PST”):
While “PST” seems to have become the “norm”, it happens to be extremely rude to hold up a ritual, or to walk in during ritual and disrupt the Sacred time. If there is some unforeseen emergency that is going to make you late, let someone know and it may be possible to have the group wait for you. Some groups will lock doors and/or gates and not allow access after a certain time and you will miss the ritual event. If you wish to attend a ritual, please use common sense and manners and you will be welcomed back every time!

The Broom Closet:
While many people have become far less secretive about their membership in pagan groups, it is NEVER EVER permissible to blow someone’s cover. Do not ever “out” anyone; do not call a friend or acquaintance by their pagan name or their affiliation with their pagan group when in a mundane situation. Please be aware that some people have serious reasons to be sensitive about being known as pagans. Don’t mention that someone was at a ritual or is a pagan without their permission; this is just like “outing” a gay person, and could be just as devastating. Many of us cannot afford to be open about our religious preferences; never give out this or other personal information about another without their O.K.. Remember the 12-step saying, “Who you see here, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here.”

Ritual Tools/Altar Items/Ritual Garb; etc.:
For many pagans their ritual tools are very special items which, in some cases, may never have been touched by any other person. Especially sacred is a Book of Shadows, which is not ever touched by anyone who does not own it (except in the case of a Coven Book Of Shadows which is used by members of the same coven). If you see anything interesting lying around or on the altar, make sure to ask permission before handling it. Never touch or take something without the owner’s permission. Tarot cards , drums and other musical instruments may be ritual tools. Again, don’t handle other people’s items without permission. Do not assume because you have not been told not to do such a thing, that the person, whose items you have taken it upon yourself to examine, is not upset. Many Pagans find it just as impolite to have to tell someone not to do something, as it is for the person examining the item to do so without permission. Ritual clothing may also be just as sacred to some. If someone’s cloak, robe, or other wear is lying out, do not pick it up and try it on for size!

Ritual Attire:
Ask ahead of time if there are certain items or colors that should, or should not be worn during any particular ritual. Some groups only allow certain degree levels or persons of clergy to wear a color or carry a particular tool. Never assume a group will be practicing “Skyclad” or not. Always ask before disrobing, or if the ritual is skyclad and you are not comfortable with it, you may wish to stay home. And remember: You are presenting yourself to the Goddess and God, please be clean and wear your “Sunday Best”.

Leaving the Circle:
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. If you are leaving because you do not like some aspect of the ritual, You should have understood the ritual beforehand and not come if you were not comfortable with some aspect of it. If one must use the bathroom remember again that when you are going to participate, it’s best to make a bathroom run just before starting.

Children:
While many rituals are perfectly appropriate for children to attend, some are not. It is good for a child to learn ritual behavior and practices, and with proper guidance, it can be a very rewarding experience for all involved. However, disruptive children should be dealt with immediately and quietly. If the parent does not appear to notice the disruptive behavior, the High Priestess or High Priest may ask the parent to remove the child from the circle. Never allow a child to get up and walk around the circle, or in and out of the circle at leisure. If your child is an infant and starts crying to be fed or changed, ask for a door to be cut so you may attend to the child’s needs as quietly as possible. The High Priestess would much rather pause Her duties for a moment to assist you, rather than have an issue disrupting the entire ritual event for an extended time. If you know that your child does not follow instructions well, and cannot maintain proper decorum for an extended time, please leave your child elsewhere. You may be asked to not attend any other functions if your child is a continual disruption.

Watches and Cell Phones:
Neither of these items are appropriate inside a circle. Once inside a sacred circle you have entered a time that has no time, and a space that has no space. Checking a watch is very rude. If you are on a tight schedule, find out before hand when it is expected to be finished. If your schedule is too tight to manage it, please stay home. If you are “on call” for your job and absolutely MUST have your cell phone on you during ritual, please make sure that it is set to “vibrate” rather than any ringtone at all. If it is an emergency call, ask for a doorway to be cut before answering or returning your call. Also, please advise the High Priestess ahead of time that you will be wearing your phone for your job. If she is aware of it, you may be seated near a special doorway in case the phone goes off. Never text message anyone during ritual!

High Priestess and High Priest:
In most traditions, the High Priestess is the embodiment and representation of the Goddess, and the High Priest is the embodiment and representation of the God. The High Priestess should be greeted first, the High Priest secondly. Know that the High Priestess sets the tone and rules for each ritual. Please be observant and polite and you are sure to be invited to return.

Feasts, Foods, and Potlucks:
Following many rituals, there is feasting of some sort. Please ask to see what you should bring and bring it. Do not ever assume that there will be plenty to feed just you. If everyone had that same idea there would be no food at all. Even if you are told that everything is covered, bring something that can be shared such as drinks, chips, crackers, cheese trays, veggie trays, etc. If you have certain dietary restrictions or preferences, be sure to bring something that you can eat, and bring enough to share. Never assume that there will be plenty of vegan or sugar-free dishes just because it is a group of pagans!

Gifts and Donations:
Every single ritual will incur costs to the hosts or High Priestess. Supplies must be purchased, such as incense, candles, oils, smudge, tools, cakes & ales, etc. It is always appropriate to bring a gift of any such item, or a small (or large) monetary donation to help cover incidental costs. The more elaborate the ritual, the more cost is incurred by the host and High Priestess.

Photos/Videos/Voice Recorders:
It is never appropriate to film, record, or take photos of any aspect of the ritual without express permission from the High Priestess and ALL attendees. Written permission should be obtained and waivers signed BEFORE taking any photos. This includes camera phones, which shouldn’t be in circle anyway.

Final Note:
Never assume that something doesn’t apply to you. You may be the best friend of the High Priestess outside the circle or the sibling of the High Priest or other such familiarity. This does not excuse you from proper etiquette. If anything, this gives you the extra responsibility of setting a proper example for guests and members who may not be on such close terms with the coven or group. You still have to mind your phone, your children and your manners as well as bring food for feasts and offer some sort of gift or donation.