Be prepared.
- Unless you have been instructed otherwise, wear something comfortable and easy to move around in.
- Before bringing children make sure that the ritual is age appropriate.
- Some rituals include the action of libation (sometimes called “cakes and ale”) where you eat and drink. If you have allergies or food sensitivities, you may want to bring water and some crackers for your libation.
- Sometimes there is a fee for a ritual to help cover the costs of space and supplies. Please contribute (in cash) if you can.
- Check with the presenters to see if there is a potluck feast after the ritual. If so, bring something substantial (and preferably homemade) to share
Be open-minded.
- Most rituals take place within sacred space. Often a circle is cast to facilitate movement within the worlds.
- You will see and experience things that are different in every ritual, depending on the particular path and purpose of the rite.
- There may be singing, chanting, dancing, recitation or other activities to attain the intended purpose of the ritual.
- There is sometimes hugging, hand holding or other physical contact involved. It’s okay to decline this if you’re not comfortable with it.
- Remember that all rituals are different. What happened in one ritual may not be the same for another.
Participate!
- A ritual “working” is called that for a reason. Everyone should give their energy and movement to the process otherwise you are draining the ritual of power. It’s a team effort, not a presentation.
- Focus on what is going on in the ritual and how it connects you to the divine.
Be considerate.
- Turn off your cell phone and be present.
- Don’t take photos without permission.
- Don’t carry on conversations or ask questions until the appropriate time.
- Offer to help clean up at the end if you can
- Ask for permission before touching items on the altar or someone’s personal ritual tools or jewelry.
Learn.
- Often there is an orientation before a public ritual to let you know what to expect. Once the ritual is over, ask questions if you have them.
- Sometimes you can ask for a “ritual buddy” to stand next to you in case you have urgent questions or become uncomfortable. Most rituals will have a guardian or other person to help in the event you need to leave or have a problem.
- Watch other participants to help you understand how to act and respond
And always, be sure to give feedback to the ritual presenters on how it went for you. We’re learning, too!