|
Seven Hills NSW Photo
Peter Rae
The Pagan Awareness Network Public Full Moon
Ritual was started
by David Garland in March 1997, shortly before PAN was officially
formed. The event has been running continuously every Full Moon since
then.
Whether you're new to Paganism and would
like to get an idea of
how a circle casting works, or a long time Pagan wanting to work in a
friendly environment with others, these circles are a perfect place to
meet others, get involved with your local community, learn and
generally have a good time.
Where?
PAN has several regular rituals running
around the country, Click the names below for details on your local
circle.
If you are interested in finding out what is
required to run a PAN Inc Full Moon Circle in your local area please
contact us
here
Why?
Why do we do this? The circles are all about
promoting greater
understanding in the community about what Witches do in their circles.
By championing these circles, PAN helps to show both the local and
abroad community what Paganism is all about. These circles also provide
a safe and friendly networking environment for those wishing to make
contact with other like minded people in the Pagan community.
How?
How do we manage to
do this each month? PAN's full moon circles are covered by the
association’s public liability insurance as one of its public events (see the subcommittee
page for other events and groups covered). The Full Moon
Circles are self funding in every other aspect. Tools for the circles
including lanterns and food come from the donations at each circle.
Without the incorporated association and its insurance, as well as the
participants support, PAN's public circles would cease.
Seven Hills NSW Photo
Peter Rae
What?
What goes on at the circles? It varies from
month to month, but
rest assured that you will never be asked to do anything you don't want
to. Participation is purely optional and you may respectfully watch
from outside the circle if you do not wish to join in. If you do decide
to join us, expect a magickal night. Our circles, although reasonably
tradition non-specific, include basic circle casting, meditation, group
energy work and the all important sharing of food and drink.
Who?
Who can come? Anyone! We only ask that you
respect others and enter with an open mind.
Learn?
Once you have been along to a few Full Moons
you might want to
consider the training that PAN provides to people who wish to learn to
host a public full moon circle themselves (only currently available in Sydney).
All levels of expertise are welcome from the
most nervous beginner
to the experienced practitioner. The training is free to members and $5
to non-members (to cover printing costs for the notes.)
The workshop focuses on the particulars of
the basic ritual
that PAN uses, the logistics and legalities of running a public ritual,
the guidelines for creating special rituals for PAN (so they are not
all the same) as well as circle casting, energy and ritual skills.
Participants can come back at a later date and
do a practical walkthrough of the ritual and receive the OK to host circles.
Participants who do so may then choose to join the subcommitee and help become part of the amazing team that
run the circles on a regular basis.
The workshop is designed to help participants master the basics of public ritual hosting. Ritual hosts are then free to bring
their own traditions, skills and flair to any rituals they present, showcasing the unique diversity of our community. The workshops are run over one whole day on
a Saturday (or Sunday by request).
The workshop is announced at the end
of each month's circle and are run depending on numbers.
It is not all hard work, there is heaps
of support and there is
a lot you can learn even if you do not wish to join the subcommittee.
Members of the subcommittee also get to network with lots of different
groups, covens and groves around Sydney that volunteer to present
rituals on the hill, assisting them with the practical stuff and
providing support.
This is a great way to learn new skills and
get involved in the
local community. If you think that you could spare some time and want
to do something positive with it contact the Full Moon Subcommittee via
email HERE
to express your interest or to ask questions.
Want to know more?
Read
the Full Moon FAQ here.
|
