A Brief discussion of Witches Ritual Etiquette
for Members and Guests of
The Temple of Nine Wells - ATC Salem, Massachusetts
Many people who attend our rites may not be familiar with our ways and the ways
of the Craft, therefore we offer here a brief discussion of Circle etiquette, in
other words, proper behavior in a Witches magick circle. Although The Temple of
Nine Wells is an eclectic multi traditional congregation offering open rituals
and does not function like a coven, we do observe basic ritual practices which
are considered standard within Wicca. One of the most fundamental of ritual
practices is the casting of a circle in ritual to create sacred space. The magick
circle becomes our Temple, our place to meditate, to alter our consciousness, a
hallowed place in which to invoke the Goddess and God, to commune with each
other and our own high selves and to work magick. Once the magick circle is cast
it is not to be broken until it is ritually released. Breaking the circle shows
lack of respect for what we do here at the Temple of Nine Wells and poor Witches'
etiquette.
Even though in order to accommodate a large amount of people, we cast our circle
of energy and light to the walls, once the circle has been cast, when someone walks
in or out of this room, up or down the stairs, or leaves the circle to use the
restroom, the circle of energy and light that has been cast is broken and this
breech creates a disruption to the continuity and feeling of the ritual and to
the magick in which we are all participating.
Though we very much have appreciated those members of the Temple of Nine Wells
Community who have arrived early, have used the restroom if necessary, and have
been prepared for ritual to begin at the posted time, we have repeatedly had to
delay starting our rituals on time to prevent the disruption of our circle by
the few late-arriving individuals who would break the cast circle with their late
entrances and also people who walk out during our ceremonies. Now we are asking
for your understanding and cooperation as we begin a new approach to protecting
the integrity of our circle in order to provide for a ritual that starts on time
and continues with the least amount of disruptions possible.
First, we will no longer be able to wait for late arrivals. Once the ritual has
begun a warder will stand watch downstairs to explain that the circle has been
cast and latecomers will not be allowed to enter. This will emphasize the need
for all attendees to arrive early enough to use the restroom and be prepared to
start the ritual at the posted time. Second, once the ritual has started, if you
must disrupt the circle and use the restroom, know that once you leave the ritual
space, you will need to wait inside the restroom area until the ritual has
concluded and the circle has been released in order to avoid the breaking the
circle again with your return.
You are all most welcome to share these Witchcraft rituals with us but if any of
you feel that you may need to leave the circle before we have concluded our rites,
we ask you, as a courtesy to all in attendance, to leave before we start.
Stay if ye will, go if ye must, Blessed Be!
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