Sanctuary of the Crescent Moon
An Open Learning Coven - Located in Rochester, New York
|
Sanctuary of the Crescent Moon An Open Learning Coven - Located in Rochester, New York
|
|
|
MOON MANNERS:ETIQUETTE FOR GROUP RITUALSIf this is your first Ritual or your seventy-first ritual here are some things to rememberRSVP for all Rituals: Ritual@SOTCM.org or (585) 429-5811 please leave a message This is mandatory so we can have enough materials and know who is coming. Timeline Ritual begins at 7pm. Should complete no later than 10pm - the first 30 minutes are for preparing: make sure you have your spell items, know the chants, and other Ritual needs. When you arrive at Covenstead Place your contribution in the Coffer - Take a receipt Mark your attendance book and check for information in your Box Place snack food or dish to pass on the kitchen table Robes Can be found down in the Classroom First come first served If you have your own Robe, please change in the bathroom or basement/laundryroom If Robes get soiled please let Maddy or Joe know Look over the Ritual Please take a written ritual if you are calling a quarter Please improvise from the script or make notes on them If there are left over written rituals, anyone can take them afterwards Set –up Altars If you are calling a quarter, please personalize the quarter Altar Extra candles are under each Altar You can add or remove items at your convenience If you have questions, talk to any Senior Coven-member Meditation Move down to the Ritual Room promptly at 730pm We will start with meditation and proceed into Ritual Space Demeanor during Ritual Everyone is here to celebrate the Gods and to do Magickal works, remember to be respectful Honored persons The youngest attendee has the honor of: taking out the chalice and tossing the contents for the Gods in the yard after Ritual Elders are to have chairs and may sit as needed Guests should stand behind the Host who brought them
Glossary of common terms 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. (Appropriate footwear outdoors is acceptable.) 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 and into center. (E-S-W-N-C) 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 - 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. There are instruments under the Northern Altar. ENTERING - Sometimes it can take a while for everyone to enter into the circle. 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 mundane 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 - Feel free to bring snacks if you care to – not monitory but encouraged. 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; or make other arrangements. Don't leave dirty dishes for others to take care of. GROUNDING - Draining off excess energy and re-connecting with oneself. One way is sink to the floor, place one's hands on the ground/floor, and visualize the extra energy flowing into the earth. One who doesn't ground after much excitement 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. If you are bring children make
sure they can understand the Ritual, if you are unsure please retain a
babysitter. 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 ask the Gate Keeper do so for you) and consciously exit and re-enter the sacred area. This keeps the energy in the circle intact. MONEY - The Ritual space is provided by Joe & Maddy. We do the copying and preparing for Rituals. We ask that you contribute $5 per-person. Please be adult about paying for your Rituals and don’t make us badger you. If you are having financial difficulties, please let Maddy or Joe know in advance. RITUAL FIRE - The ritual fire is sacred. Please do not throw litter into it or light cigarettes with it. (Note: libations aren't litter.) If you have Ritual items that need to be burned please use the fire for that reason during the working portion of the Ritual. 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 altar, make sure to ask permission before handling it. 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. ROBES - Nice if you have them but not really required; loose, casual clothing or medieval-style garb is also common. Robes are available on a first come first serve basis down in the classroom. SKYCLAD ----- NOT TO BE DONE AT SANCTUARY OF THE CRESCENT MOON ----- Nude, community rituals are not done skyclad. 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 guests 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. 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. Please leave them neat when you depart. Respect the wishes of the host. TOUCHING - Many pagans can be touchy-feely 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 on the giving side of embraces, etc. should be sensitive to the feelings and reactions others. Communication is vital. WATCHES & CELL PHONES - 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, out of sacred space, or on vibrate mode. 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.
For More Information Contact: Offers open Ritual for Sabbats and Esbats - Provide training and education of the craft - Instruct and assist in formation of new covens - Broaden the acceptance of the Pagan Traditions 
|
|
Send mail to
Webmistress@SOTCM.org
with questions or comments about this web site.
|