Phoenix Rising Coven Code Of Conduct
Below are the Conduct Codes of the Phoenix Rising Coven - other Covens, Groups, etc may have other Codes that they follow.
Wiccans can still be subjected to persecution and prejudices.
It may / can seriously harm someone if persons that were not open minded and accepting were to find out.. It may / can seriously harm someone if persons that were not open minded and accepting were to find out. So it is wise to never automatically assume someone has ‘come out of the broom closet’.
Wiccans do not proselytize, if someone asks about Wicca, then you should be free to tell them
Always show up at rituals clean – both body and mind. Don’t take drugs or drink alcohol. It is advisable to never bring illegal substances to a ritual. We do not use them and they are simply not allowed at any of our rituals. If they are brought, you will be asked to leave and not return.
Find out ahead of time if there is specific attire required. Again, never just assume. It is always a good idea to ask what the appropriate attire is worn at the ritual. Such as if ritual robes are required or not and if there is a standard color within the group (should you belong to a group). The Phoenix Rising Coven does not practice sky clad or even partial sky clad at this time.
Never invite extra people without the host’s permission. If you wish to bring a guest to a ritual, please ask before hand. Usually there is food and drink after the ritual and we wish to make sure there is plenty.
Leave pets at home unless you have the host’s permission to bring them.
Ask if children are welcome prior to bringing them, some rituals / celebrations are simply not appropriate for children. Always ask and find out if your group or Coven allows children at the Circle. Prior to bringing them, ask if children are allowed within the Circle. If they are allowed, remember to pay close attention to them and their actions so there are not interruptions. And always find out what type of ritual it is as well as you may not want your sweet ones within a Circle that is celebrating something that is more intense. If by chance children are not allowed within the Circle, but are allowed to come with you, remember to keep them occupied until your ritual is complete. Also, ask if there is a Maiden figure there that will assist in keeping your sweet ones occupied, and if there is not, make a suggestion one possibly getting one.
Unless otherwise specified, never take pictures of a ritual / celebration; and ask persons permission prior as well.
Unless otherwise specified, try not to socialize during a ritual; pay attention to your surroundings. Loud talking is never appropriate within a Circle. Always try to keep the talking to a minimum and pay attention to what the High Priestess or High Priest is saying so you do not interrupt the flow of the ritual. It is always a good idea to ask what the policy is regarding this when you are in a group prior to rituals. Remember, some Circles do not allow any type of talking.
Please do not smoke, drink or chew gum within the ritual area.
Always participate fully; sing, clap, chant, etc.
If there is a potluck to follow, try to bring something everyone can enjoy. Homemade dishes are always popular.
Try to arrive on time, even if you know that the ritual may follow PST (Pagan Standard Time) - It is always courteous to be on time to a ritual. If you cannot make it at the scheduled time, remember to call.
Please always be courteous and turn off all cell phones, house phone ringers, pagers and I-pods during a ritual.
Try not to bring tools to a ritual unless asked prior.
Do not add your own personal tools to an altar unless asked.
Do not handle items on the altar unless asked.
Enter the Circle with an open mind – remember not everyone does everything the same way.
If you disagree with the way that a Circle is run – keep your negative opinion to yourself – remember that Wicca is an alternative and a ‘you choose your own way religion’ – but remember that no matter the path - there are always other ways of doing things.
If at any time during a ritual, you are at a loss as what to do, (i.e. the directions), either ask or simply follow the other people. If you are unsure as to how to enter a Circle – follow the other participants.
If there are arm movements that you do not know, stay the direction the crowd is and just quietly stand or sit.
Do not enter a Circle before asked; especially if it is already cleansed.
Do not leave a Circle before it is opened; if you need to leave, cut a door and then close it behind you.
Try to help with the set-up before the ritual and the clean up after.Never try to wear jewelry that is inappropriate, such as that which a High Priestess would wear (i.e. Triple Goddess crown or amber jewelry) as you may be asked to do a duty that you are not prepared to do
We always smudge with sage or anoint with oils, (sometimes both), before entering the circle. It is never a wise idea to enter a Circle without being spiritually purified or cleansed. However, if you are allergic to smoke or oils, please let someone know prior so something else can be arranged for you.Remember, there are times when rituals are held in the homes or the yards of some of its members. Common courtesy and common sense of course is required in all circumstances.
*** Other rules may apply to other various groups and/or Covens ***
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