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People who are new to the pagan community or those who are asked to attend functions as a guest are sometimes shocked or surprised by what they see at pagan events.  The pagan community is similar in many ways to other religious communities and very different in others.  It is best to prepare those who will be attending these functions beforehand so they do not go running for their cars when they encounter something they were not expecting.  Media has done its best to paint pagans as evil, supernatural and even murderous.  It is our job as the members of the pagan community to prepare our guests and newcomers so the fear they bring with them will not sully their experience.

Rituals

            You have been invited to attend a pagan ritual, welcome, we are glad to have you.  Here are some things you need to know to make your experience more meaningful, enjoyable, and less confusing.  First, remember that Pagans are just like any other faith; they have holidays, traditions, ceremonies, rituals, and churches.  Whether you have been invited to a coming of age ceremony, a pagan wedding or a holiday celebration, chances are you will be seeing and feeling things that may seem a bit strange to you.  That is why you are reading this, to prepare you a bit for some of the events you may encounter.

            The first thing that may be different from what you are used to is that most pagan sacred space is not in an established church building like other faiths.  Pagans usually hold their observances in their homes or outdoors.  Make sure you ask whoever invited you what climate to dress for, so you are not over or underdressed, would not want you to be uncomfortable.  Also similar to other faiths pagans hold their observances in a specific order.  Ritual is usually opened by either the Priest or Priestess or Both depending on the group.  Also most groups stand in a circle for their rites.  This is done for a specific reason so make sure you follow the guide of the others in the circle.  

            You may also notice that the people in the ritual may be dressed different.  Some pagans wear garb to ritual, which is similar to what you would see at a renaissance fair or mayday festival, others wear costumes of the deities depicted, but most wear robes or cloaks or both.  Pagans dress in this way to separate themselves from everyday activities.  It is similar to dressing nice to go to church as some other faith’s do for holidays and special services.  You may also see people wearing special jewelry, headpieces, masks or face and body paint.  All these things have special significance to the people wearing them.               

Now that we are past the differences in the dress you may see, let’s go onto what makes a pagan circle a pagan circle.  Most groups have an altar set either on one side of the sacred area or in the middle of where everyone will be standing.  It is important not to touch any of the items on the altar unless permission is given; these are special tools for those performing the ritual and are placed carefully on the altar for the event.  Generally an altar is a flat platform or table covered in cloth and decorated to reflect the event.  You may see animal skins or bones, crystals, bowls, candles, a bell, knives, flowers or anything else significant to the event being celebrated.  This is normal, you will not be asked to handle anything you are uncomfortable handling or participating in any way which makes you uneasy.  If anyone makes you feel uneasy or uncomfortable in any way alert either the person who brought you someone with the group holding the event.  You are a guest and should enjoy your experience.

            During the ritual itself you may see people calling the various directions, the high priest and priestess blessing the entrants and each other with water, smoke or oil.  Do not feel obligated to be anointed if you do not want to be or are allergic or asthmatic.  Your safety and comfort are of the highest concern.  You may also see food and drink passed for sharing.  If you do not consume alcohol please ask if it is alcoholic in nature and if so simply pass it on without taking a drink.  The same goes for food allergies, just simply pass the food to the next person.

            If at any time you feel dizzy or need to sit down during the ritual please stay where you are and sit or alert someone within the group to be removed from the area. Please do NOT just leave, this is not just disruptive and rude, but it may harm the energies raised and cause problems with the circle.  This is by far one of the most important things to remember about attending a pagan circle.

            Also you may be enjoying a feast during or after the ritual is over.  This is a time to relax, talk, eat, drink and be merry.  Feel free to ask questions, discuss what you experienced and make new friends.  Pagans are friendly people and most will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Meetups, study groups, and small informal meetings

            In today’s world of networking websites and chat rooms, many groups have taken to holding informal meetings regularly in public arenas to welcome new people, serve as an informal support group, and to educate the public to pagan practices.  Many sites and bookstores exist to help the seeker find what they are looking for.  When one is found, it can scary to attend the first meeting, not knowing what you are going to find.

            Be aware that most of these groups meet in public areas, such as parks, churches, restaurants, and bookstores.  They do this to help the comfort level of those attending and to allow new people to come and not feel threatened by being held in a private residence where you may not feel comfortable attending.  When attending, be sure to come prepared for the topic at hand or having contacted the facilitator for more information.  Also, be sure to be on time, as most of these groups begin at a certain time and coming in late can be a disruption.

            Most of these groups are run by a local person who has volunteered to run the group and act as the facilitator of the discussion.  They are usually not in a position of high priest/ess but may offer small informal circles.  Most are conversation or discussion based and some use topics or classes to guide the discussions.  Some exist solely as a support group for those not interested in attending a formal group’s circles.  They vary widely but are generally open to the public or members of the online group.

Large outdoor events

            Larger events are held all over the world at different times of the year.  Some are held for pride rallies, some are held annually as a festival and some are held to celebrate a holiday (also called a sabbat), or Earth day.  Although these events may seem larger than life to some, they are just larger groups of likeminded people who have come together to form a community for a day or longer. 

            Most large events have websites and information available to those seeking to attend.  Be sure to look for information on lodging, prices, and duration so there are no surprises once you get onsite.  In addition, most of these groups have contact people or FAQ’s pages that address questions and concerns for people who are new or have an issue that is not covered in the basic festival information. 

Large outdoor events provide a fantastic opportunity to network, meet with other groups, types of people, and learn various things through workshops, speakers, rituals and just by striking up conversations with fellow attendees.  They also provide an opportunity to shop with a wide variety of vendors, craftspeople, and artisans not usually available anywhere else. 

Some outdoor events may be clothing optional, please be aware that when you see this descriptor in an event announcement that you will be seeing naked people of all ages, genders and shapes strolling around casually.  This does not mean that you must do so also, just that you will see others that are naked and you have the ability to do so yourself if you are so inclined. 

            Larger events also usually have suggestions for what to bring listed on their registration sites, if they do not, here is a good list of things to bring with you, even if you are only staying for an afternoon.

·        Sunscreen (very important for outdoor events)

·        Water or Sports drink, or a refillable bottle for hydration (unless restricted to onsite purchase)

·        Food packed in a cooler with ice (unless onsite food is available)

·        Money to shop at the vendors and to pay for admission

·        Basic first aid (bandages, allergy medication, prescriptions, etc)

If camping:

·        Camping gear (tent, tarps, cooking gear, etc)

·        Clothing for a variety of temperatures ( remember it may get chilly at night)

·        Bedding (including a warm blanket or sleeping bag)

·        Towels (at least 2)

·        Toiletries

·        Rain gear

When arriving on site, please remember to be patient, most of the people working these events are unpaid volunteers or are “staff” of the event, but are usually not paid employees.  Be sure to arrive during times specified for check in and registration, arriving too early or too late may mean waiting in your car until they open, and  check on departure times so that you are sure to be packed up and heading out at the proper time.

You may want to pick up any literature that is available at the registration desk and take time to look through it, it takes people time and energy to put together programming and guidebooks, and they are there to make your experience better.  They also provide information within that may not be available elsewhere, so be sure to thumb through it for information before you go looking for someone in a “staff” shirt to ask.

If you do have any problems, concerns or safety/medical issues please make sure you alert or consult a staff member.  They are there for a reason.  Most events have trained medical personnel on site to help with anything from falls to serious problems that require an ambulance.  Also most have security in place to help with any problems that may occur and to help maintain order and uphold the rules to ensure everyone attending is safe and having a good time.  

 Be sure to abide by the regulations set forth by the group holding the event, it may seem silly that you can’t drink alcohol on site or swim after midnight, but that is in place for a reason, usually something beyond the control of the group and you may be asked to leave if you refuse to comply.  Safety is of the highest concern at functions such as these and the rules are there to keep everyone from harm.

The biggest suggestion that can be made is to relax and have fun but be aware that you are sharing the event with many others who are also attempting to relax and have fun.  That is the reason these events are held, for the enjoyment of the community and for the memories and friendships they create.