|
Pagan Awareness Network Full Moon FAQ
1. What actually happens in the circle?
2. What do I need to bring?
3. How much does it cost?
4. What should I wear?
5. Can I bring my athame?
6. Can I just watch?
7. Can I take photographs
8. I'm a member of the media and I want to come along. Can I?
9. Can I bring my kids into the circle?
10. What time should I arrive?
11. It looks like rain. Is the circle still on?
12. Can I host or help host a circle?
13. What else do I need to know?
1. What actually happens in the circle?
We use a fairly generic circle structure which you'll find similar to those described in almost any book you pick up on Witchcraft, Paganism or Wicca. The ritual itself may change from month to month to incorporate different seasonal aspects or to showcase a particular tradition or practice but the basic structure should be familiar to most practicing Pagans.
A rough outline is as follows:
- People start to arrive. The host will be there to welcome participants and to offer simple roles to those who wish a more active part in the ritual.
- The host will gather everyone and go through a quick run down of the ritual and talk about any other pertinent information.
- Participants will enter the ritual area.
- The area will be ritually cleansed
- The Circle will be cast.
- The Quarters will be called.
- The Goddess and God are welcomed.
- A ritual working will be performed. This may take the form of chanting, dancing, group spell work or meditation.
- Cakes and Ale are blessed and shared.
- The Quarters are farewelled.
- The Goddess and the God are farewelled.
- The Circle is opened.
- Announcements are made.
- Everyone socialises for a bit and asks any questions they may have.
- Pack up and leave for home.
Below are copies of the foundation rituals each regional host learns before they join the Full Moon sub-committee. They are used as a starting point for each ritual host to expand upon or adapt and will give you an idea of what to expect.
2. What do I need to bring?
Only yourself. Some people like to bring something to share during cakes and ale or volunteer to help with quarters. These contributions are always welcome.
3. How much does it cost?
Nothing. We have a donations basket for people to throw in a few coins to contribute towards the circle: buying cookies, juice, candles, lantern oil and so on. This is by no means compulsory.
4. What should I wear?
In Winter, we strongly recommend you dress warmly, as we will be outdoors. Most people keep their shoes on as there is sometimes spiky weeds or sticks. In warm weather we can be troubled by mosquitoes, so if you are particularly bothered by them you may like to use insect repellent. You will generally see a mixture of street clothes and fancy robes at any gathering so wear what ever you feel most comfortable in. Bear in mind it is a public place so no nudity please.
5. Can I bring my athame?
It can be a serious legal problem if you do so we'd rather you didn't.
6. Can I just watch?
Certainly. There a lots of good spots to sit where you won't be in the way. Please bring something to sit on in damp weather, and keep noise to a minimum.
7. Can I take photographs?
Generally speaking not until you obtain the permission of the people you are photographing. Before you start taking photos, please see the person leading the ritual and they will help you out.
8. I'm a member of the media and I want to come along. Can I?
As it is a public ritual you are most welcome to come, but we do ask that you contact us first. We do have a media officer who can help you out with your enquiries and notify the ritual host of your visit. We ask that you do not video, photograph or record any of the participants without first obtaining their permission to do so.
9. Can I bring my kids into the Circle?
The normal circle is fairly kid friendly so there will usually be no problems with kids in the Circle. However on occasion there may be a special ritual that may not be, if you are in doubt please check with the ritual leader beforehand.
10. What time should I arrive?
The ritual itself starts at 8:30pm but the host of the ritual will generally be there between one hour and half an hour early. Please be around fifteen minutes early if you can as it gives people time to socialise and enables us to start on time. As the ritual often falls on a week night we want make sure we don't keep people up too late.
11. It looks like rain. Is the Circle still on?
Yes. The Circle has been rained on before, and it went ahead under umbrellas. The ritual host will always be there no matter the weather, to lead the Circle for anyone who comes.
12. Can I host or help host a circle?
We love it when people want to get involved. Introduce yourself to the host and they will tell you all about the training program we have for people who want to learn how to host the Full Moons. Alternatively you may want to just help out on the odd occassion with quarter calls or other parts, that's great too. Just let us know and we will find you lots of things to do.
13. What else do I need to know?
That's about it! Introduce yourself when you arrive, even if only to the host who will make you feel welcome. Any questions or problems should be raised with the host. If you have any dietary requirements or allergies that may be a problem please ask the hosts and they will tell you what is in the cakes and ale or other items. Feel free to bring alternatives with you, they will be cheerfully incorporated. Alcohol and illegal drugs are not allowed on the Hill and if you are drunk or obviously out of it you may be asked to sit outside the circle. Please listen carefully to the pre-ritual prep as that is where all the important information for each ritual is outlined. Have fun!
|
