MOON MANNERS: ETIQUETTE
FOR GROUP RITUALS
            and glossary of common terms by Kylinn
  
  ALCOHOL, DRUGS -  There are many different views about these substances. As a
general rule, don't use them either before or during the ritual, save them for
after. In any case never bring anything illegal with you; this is to protect
you and the community as well. If you are sponsoring the ritual please
remember to have a non-alcoholic alternative for children, recovering
alcoholics, and any other non-drinkers in the ritual. It is not cute to
secretly spike the cider or punch - do not do it.  

  BAREFOOT - Not necessarily always required in circle, but polite. This is
because in some traditions one goes unshod in respect of sacred space; and
besides being respectful of others' beliefs, you're less likely to
accidentally hurt someone by stepping on their toes if you're not wearing
shoes either. (This only applies to indoor rituals.)

  BROOM CLOSET - Please be aware that some people have serious reasons to be
sensitive about being known as pagans.  Never mention that someone was at a
ritual or is a pagan w/o their permission; this is just like outing a gay
person, and can be just as devastating. Many of us cannot afford to be open
about our religious preferences; never let out this or other personal
information about another without their ok.  Remember the 12-step saying, "Who
you see here, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here."

  CLOCKWISE/DEOSIL - Unless specifically instructed otherwise, always move
around the circle in a clockwise direction (E-S-W-N-E) Even if this has only
symbolic meaning for you it is quite serious for others, who may be upset if
you move counterclockwise (widdershins).

  CONFIDENTIALITY - See also "broom closet".  The ritual is a private religious
event and unless you are specifically told that the ritual is "open" all
information pertaining thereto should be held in confidence.  This especially
includes the place, and people involved.  DON'T leave a written invitation
where others can see it.  DON'T give such details to friends, family or
others; even if the one you speak to is cool, someone they mention it to may
not be.  Remember the old WW II adage, "Loose lips sink ships".

  DRUMS - and other musical instruments may be ritual tools (or just very
special) so don't handle other people's drums, rattles, etc. without their
permission.  (See "ritual tools".)

  ENTERING - Sometimes it can take a while for everyone to process through all
the gates (qv).  This extra entrance time should be taken as a gift to more
fully center and prepare oneself. Remember that the ritual is supposed to be
outside of time - chill out and take the time to just be where you are. 
Please do not distract others by talking, etc. during the procession.  

  FOOD - We usually have a potluck (mostly snacks and quick stuff) after the
ritual.  If you can contribute something, it is appreciated; if you can't, it
is understood.  Please remember to take your pots and cooking utensils with
you when you leave; don't leave dirty dishes for others to take care of.
  
  GATES  - We usually have 2-7 "gates" leading into the ritual area. The gates
may involve invoking one or more of the elements (air/fire, etc.) or some
other aspect (spring, summer) and having those passing listen to a brief
speech, and/or touching or being sprinkled with something representing the
element or thing being invoked, and/or answering a ritual challenge.  
  The gates have a twofold purpose: 1. mystically, to cleanse you before you
enter the sacred space; and 2. psychologically,  to let you take a few minutes
to mentally prepare to enter into the sacred and to separate the ritual from
everyday life.

  GROUNDING - Draining off excess energy and re-connecting with oneself.  One
way is sink to the floor, place one's hands on the ground, and visualize the
extra energy flowing into the earth. One who doesn't ground after much
excitement (like SPM) may have difficulty "coming down to Earth" and getting
to sleep later, and may even feel "hyper" for days.  One should usually be
energized by a good ritual, but not be bouncing off the walls afterward! 

  GUESTS -   If you wish to bring a guest to a community ritual, you should
first get the permission of the people putting the ritual on.  Please make
sure your guest understands about confidentiality.
x  Guests who are nonpagans or new pagans have special needs.  Make sure that
you talk to them well before the ritual about what they'll be seeing there. 
Explain the theme of the ritual, make sure they understand what will be
expected of them, and take some time to verbally walk them through a ritual. 
And remember, once you and they are at the ritual, stay close to your guests
and make sure they're ok.  Introduce them around.  Lend them a drum or a
rattle if they're uncomfortable dancing.  Talk to them afterwards and let them
discuss the experience with you.  Oh, yes, and teach them about grounding if
they don't already know how; they'll probably need it.

  HOMOPHOBIA - Fear/hatred of gay people.  Homophobia (like other kinds of
intolerance) should not be brought into the ritual circle.

  HP/HPS - High Priest/High Priestess.

  HO!    - Affirmative (yes, right on, great, a-men; lit.: "you said it!")

  LEAVING - If you have to leave the ritual area before the end, whether to go
to the bathroom or for another reason, please make sure you cut a gate in the
circle (or get someone to do so for you) and consciously exit and re-enter the
sacred area. This keeps the energy in the circle intact.

  MONEY  - We pay when we rent space, and if we send written notices that costs
money for reproduction and mailing, so please kick in a couple of dollars to
help with the costs if you can.

  RITUAL FIRE - The ritual fire is sacred. Please do not throw litter into it
or light cigarettes with it. (Note: libations aren't litter.) 

  RITUAL TOOLS - For many pagans their ritual tools are very special items
which, in some cases, may never have been touched by any other person.  If you
see anything interesting lying around or on the alter, make sure to ask
permission before handling it.  

  ROBES - Nice if you have them but not really required; loose, casual clothing
or medieval-style garb is also common.

  SACRED SPACE - Ritual is sacred space for celebrations, love, and trust; it
is not a big party.  Please refrain from conversations and smoking during the
ritual.

  SKYCLAD - Nude; community rituals are not usually done skyclad. If some
people decide to strip in a summer ritual, you may join them or not, depending
on how comfortable you feel - the choice is yours. Remember that among pagans
nudity is not an invitation to have sex; do not mistake the one for the other.

  SPECIAL NEEDS - If you or your guest have any special needs such as dietary
restrictions or physical limitations, please inform the person in charge
before the ritual, so that accommodations can be made.

  SPM - Spontaneous Pagan Mayhem; ie, drumming and dancing.  SPM has come to be
the form of energy-raising in our open rituals. (Organizers, be warned -
people expect their SPM fix.)

  SPONTANEITY - Spontaneity can be a great thing.  However, the people who put
their energy into planning the ritual appreciate it if we relax and enjoy the
energy flow as they have envisioned it.  If you didn't plan it, please do not
change what is happening. (Chants, etc.)

  SWEATLODGES - Sweatlodges are communal sacred space; do not use them as a
place to have sex. Please leave them neat when you depart.

  TOUCHING - Many pagans can be touchy-feelly in a loving, caring sort of way. 
This can be immensely comforting; however, each of us has a different level of
comfort with the extent of touching. If you are uncomfortable with how someone
else is touching you please don't hesitate to communicate your feelings. 
Conversely, those who on the giving side of embraces, etc. should be sensitive
to the feelings and reactions others.  Communication is vital.

  WATCHES - Frowned upon in ritual by some because the circle is supposed to be
outside of regular time and space.  (And, of course, it's rude to keep
checking the time.)  Best to leave these in pockets.

  WELCOMING - We are all responsible for the image of this community.  If you
see someone you don't know, please make an effort to welcome them.