or Rules to Live By for a Happy Gathering

This is not meant to be a set of hard and fast rules but rather a list of things to be kept in mind when attending a gathering. I believe it is important for us to remember that gatherings are meant to be a time for us to come together as community to worship and share "fellowship". By keeping a few points of etiquette in mind, we can make sure that all enjoy the time together.

When setting up your campsite, do your best to leave established pathways clear.       Fires should be built only if allowed by the landowners/ coordinators and then only in a safe, designated area. (Be sure to ask before building a fire or digging a firepit!)       Fires need to be tended at ALL Times. Please do not leave a fire unattended even for a few moments.       Keep a water jug close to hand.       Please be aware of those around you and act accordingly.       For example, if there are small children near by, you may want to consider the language you use. Many parents would prefer that curse words not be used around their young ones.       Please do not "blast" your music. Others may not enjoy your music as much as you do.       If the majority of the folks in your camp are ready to go to bed, please keep you voices down.       Conversely, if you are the only one who is ready for quiet time, don't expect everyone else to be quiet!       Many campsites set up group altars. Please respect this.       Do not sit empty drink cans or cups on the altar.       Never touch magickal tools (wands, amulets, chalices, etc.) without permission.       Please police your campsite. Leave it cleaner than when you arrived.       Pick up any trash that is around. Take your trash bags to the designated spot for disposal.       You may want to consider taking your recyclables home with you if there are no recycle bins put out.       Do not throw cigarette/cigar butts or other trash onto the ground or into the fires. Some folks have found that using the cellophane wrapper from their cigarettes to keep the butts in works well.       If you are invited to visit in a campsite, please do not assume this gives you license to go into their cooler or other food supply.       Please don't enter a tent/camper without permission!       Be sure to get permission Prior To the gathering to bring any animals to the gathering. If permission is denied, please do not bring them. If you are told not to there is most likely a very good reason.       If the property owners have allowed you to bring your pet or familiar, be sure to keep the animal on a leash or crated At ALL Times.       Remember that it is your responsibility to make sure your animal is fed and has plenty of water.       It is also a good idea to clean up after your animal.

As a general rule, do not take open containers of drink (especially alcohol) or cigarettes/cigars to ritual.       If you've been drinking alcohol or have used drugs, be sure to check with the Priestess or Priest before attending ritual.       Many rituals are very intense in nature and alcohol or drugs can exaggerate the intensity.       If you feel you need to leave ritual once it has started, please ask the Priestess or a Quarter person to cut you a door.       If you are not attending ritual but are close by, please remember a sacred event is taking place.       Please keep the noise down; this includes drumming that is not a part of the ritual.       Please do not criticize the ritual or those who participate in the ritual.       If you have a problem with some part of the ritual or did not understand part of it, please take the Priestess or Priest aside and discuss it privately.       If you've never attended a ritual, try to find someone who can give you an idea of what to expect.       There are always Elders and other folks who have attended ritual before who are available to answer your questions.       Remember to check with someone involved with the ritual before bringing swords or other weapons into the Circle.

Be responsible.       Remember to bring enough food and drink for the weekend. Don't assume others will provide for you.       Bring appropriate clothing/bedding for the weekend. Remember to bring wet and cold weather gear even in the Spring or Summer. The weather can change without much notice.       If you drink, drink responsibly. Be aware of the fact that alcohol will sometimes affect you differently in a magickal situation than it would normally.       If you do plan to "really cut loose", please have a "baby sitter" (someone who will be responsible for you) lined up beforehand.       If your children are with you, make sure they are cared for. Do not assume that other gathering attendees will be willing to watch your children. Make sure they are aware of the location of the Kitchen, the First Aid station and Registration. Please make sure they know where you (or another responsible adult) are at all times.       Be willing to do your share of the community work. Only by everyone pitching in can we make sure the gathering will run smoothly.       Help keep the site clean.       Clean up after yourself at the showers and latrine. Remember you are not the only person using these facilities.       Clean up after yourself after meals.       Please pick up any stray trash or cigarette butts you find lying on the ground.       If you attend the Drum Circle (or any other fire) please do not leave your empties (beer, wine, soda, and water) behind. Pick them up and dispose of them properly when you leave the area.       Please do not leave stray bits of clothing around the Fire when you leave.       Be careful with your blades and staves.       Don't wave them around in a crowd. Yes, this includes your athames!       Remember No means NO.       If you suggest a romp and the person says no, accept that. Do not try to persuade them.       If you offer someone wine, mead or beer and he or she says No, leave it at that.       If you invite someone to join in a ritual and they decline, leave it at that.       Conversely, if you are invited to play or offered a drink and you don't mean No, then don't say No. If you really mean: "Not now, but maybe later" say "Not now, but maybe later." Say what you mean and mean what you say.

compiled and written by Hearthkeeper with contributions by SerpentStone Members

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