This really grieves me to have to write something like this, but it comes down to a discussion I had with Lady Starfire about Circle Etiquette. I've heard so many complaints lately that I couldn't resist bringing this subject up to her.
I thought it was a local thing because of the recent complaints where I live. But she sure disabused me of that real quick! I've been in the Craft a long time and this may sound stupid but I honestly thought that everyone knew how to act in a circle any circle, even if they were just starting out.
People, people please! There are many paths out there and many ways of doing circles. Have you ever thought that one way is not the onlly way of comporting yourself in a circle. Think about it theres Norse, Dianic, Egyptian, Celtic, Medcine Wheel and walking circles excetra. Everyone has a different way of conducting a circle, some solemly, some joyously, some with pomp and circumstance, some with lively joking and even straight all business. Even going occasionally to a friends Church for something special in their life, you don't see people disrupting a religious service, unless it's a crying baby and that can't be helped.
The point I'm trying to make is that when your invited to participate in a circle any religious circle ask what the standard is for that circle. Think about it, when a circle been closed whether you see the energy glow or not, you just don't go walking in or out of that circle without making an opening and closing it behind you!
You don't start yapping your mouths and making comments unless it's the norm for that particular group. You also don't start critiquing how they do things during the circle, because there way is obiously different than yours. And if you do, it only shows how rude, inconsiderate and ill mannered you are.
When you've been invited to a circle and your late you wait for someone inside the circle to let you in!! In some cases you aren't allowed in after the circle's closed! Just the same if your out communing with nature and you come across a circle in progress that you weren't invited to you quietly leave and don't disrupt their ceremony.
Here's a few suggestions for circle etiquette:
1. "Keep mouth shut," until you observe and find out how they handle themselves in a circle.
2. Wait to be let in.
3. Watch, learn, experience a new way.
4. When invited bring a small gift, it can be anything , a single flower, cake, or some incense.
5. When you come across any private religious ceremoney (uninvited) leave immediately, because you would want the same consideration when doing yours.
Unfortunately if your actions are considered rude and disruptive you could be censured in many ways publicly, privately, silently and quite frankly next time you might not be invited to come back!
I'm sure others like myself have experienced a time or two situations and I'd really like to see in print other people's suggestions on etiquette and how they took care of it.
But I'd like to make this last statement: "Remember all ways are beautiful whether you understand each other or not, just plain common curtsies during a religious ceremony (any religious ceremony) is really appreciated. No matter what religion you practice!"
