A question for Wiccan's and Pagan's ?

Question

There will be a meeting near me of Wiccan's, Pagan's and those who practice earth based belief systems, and I am invited to attend. What are some of the usual happenings I might expect to see at a meeting like this?

It is a full moon celebration (monthly) meet-up. They've told me a about it a little, but just curious as to how these meetings go in general.

I wondered about those damn apostrophes... lol

Answer 1

gah... bunch of idiots that can't answer the question properly...

You will probably see people wearing robes of various different colors, though most will wear black (which absorbs all light and thus represents the meaning of all colors). Some will simply wear street clothes, dresses, etc. Most covens don't go skyclad (naked to represent the way they were born, with nothing to hide) because most people aren't comfortable with it.

You will probably also see some chanting, maybe even some dancing and singing. There will likely be incense of some sort (don't worry, it won't make you high or anything. It will likely be something along the lines of sandalwood) and lit candles.

Its also traditional to have cakes and wine. Though usually they aren't actually cakes and wine. It can be cookies, pie, or any other food under the sun, and something like apple or orange juice.

There will be an altar set up in the center, usually with a bowl, or cauldron, of some sort. There will likely be a pentagram somewhere near, or on, the altar.

Really, other than that, every ritual celebration will differ intensely but you will never be expected to take part in any part of the ritual unless you feel comfortable in doing so. If you only want to watch, then just watch.

Above all, ask questions. No one will stop you.

Oh, and a small word of advice, some people don't like it when you break the circle for any reason. What this means is a circle is created in some way on the ground. Whether by joined hands, or by salt, or by a drawing in the ground, etc, there will likely be a circle.

I suggest that you ask what those that are performing the circle would think if you had to break the circle for any reason (like leaving to go to the bathroom).

Some covens would be insulted by breaking the circle, but most would not. Asking if its ok would help you make sure you don't inadvertantly upset anyone.

If you don't wish to be part of the circle, then you don't have to.

... thats all I can think of.

Answer 2

Nandina is right. The organizers should be able to clue you in before you go if you want to know.

The majority of groups I've been to do their rituals with people standing in a circle facing inwards. After that, just about anything goes. Most eclectic Pagan groups I've been involved with use a semi-Wiccan format where the following events occur in some format:

1. A "circle is cast" and/or "quarters are called," or some other action performed which denotes that this particular space and time bounding the ritual is different than normal, and sacred. Druids don't cast circles or call quarters, but they invoke Tree, Well, and Fire and "open the gates" (or something like that) to perform this same function.

2. Usually, specific Deities are invited to the ritual.

3. The body of the ritual itself varies really widely depending on the group. It may involve any or none of the following: an enactment of myth, a guided meditation, singing, dancing, chanting, ritual actions which carry a double meaning (such as literally planting seeds in earth while also "planting a seed of intention for a project"). This part of the ritual can be very creative. Some groups may even do a procession, walk a labyrinth, or some other activity that doesn't stay in one location.

4. Magic might or might not be done. In a Wiccan-style ritual, energy might be "raised" to help direct a specific intent through the use of sound or movement.

5. Some but not all groups have food and drink at about this point which may or may not symbolize something specific. Wiccan groups often have "cakes and ale" or "cakes and wine" and perform certain actions which bless the food which is then distributed to all attendees. If the group is Wiccan, this might be the "symbolic Great Rite."

6. Depending on the group and how much time is allowed, there may or may not be "friendship time" for chatting and fellowship within the sacred space and time.

7. When everything planned is done, the "closing" of the ritual begins. Any Deities that were specially invited are thanked for their presence, any elements called are "hailed" and "bid farewell," gates are closed, circles are opened, etc. When what was done to begin the ritual is undone, the ritual is over.


': It takes some time to type this stuff out, you know.

Answer 3

I'm not a wiccan or pagan, but I don know quite a few. I chose not to be one because I wasn't sure I had enough discipline to be one. There are so many catch 22's, and if your not taught by someone who is politically correct, you may find yourself in trouble somewhere down the line, or maybe not.

I would ask the person who invited you, if there's anything you need to bring, such as food, wine, sweets etc. and if there's a special attire.
Don't bring a big ego with you, just be neutral, and don't make any judgements. Who knows what energy is ready to be sent out by someone, or somewhere. Wear white, I would.

I've been to a druid ritual, and it was basically people gathering to make a circle. Each person, or one said the ritual to Isis etc. I kinda forgot. Sorry. It's a very powerful ritual. Then people ask for energy to be sent for specific needs, such as world peace, or if there's trouble somewhere for those to be helped by the universal energy. If there's someone doing damage, they'll ask that justice be served. Basically it's a justice ritual. Candles are lit and wine is drank after, if you don't drink you can substitute. Then they feast. I've always thaught the feast was because the energy they used in the circle, is supplemented by food. I've noticed when psychics do a lot of work, they get very hungry.

It wouldn't hurt to try it out, but I wouldn't say yes, yes, yes, to becoming one, when you get the blissful feeling after the ritual. Don't dabble in something you truly feel inside, might disagree with you. Listen to that inner voice. Why were you invited? Do they want something? Or were they just being curteous, because they think your interested? Either way, it's a learning experience

I don't go to any of my friends rituals, because she's a high priestess and we are very close, and I get this strange feeling with certain pagans that do go. I'd rather converse with them when not in a ritual, because it's alot more normal for me.

If you really would like to be enlightened, take a trip to sedona, arizona. There are so many vortexes there, and the feeling is beautiful, but when you leave, you just might get jolted back to reality on your way out. Alot of healing takes place there. A person I know there has a resort, haven't spoken to him in years, but he changed my life. Try the website "Angel Valley" (micheal hamilton). He is soo cool.

Hope that helped from a non-pagan, but a believer in mother nature and universal energy.

By the way, don't ever piss off a witch.

Answer 4

Depending on the group, there will probably be a ritual dedicated to the full moon, then feasting to follow. They will probably open and close a circle which is customary. Watch listen then at the end during the feasting, ask questions. You might ask the one who invited you about their etiquette for dress and if you are allowed to join in during the ritual. I had the privilege of being invited to a small coven and joined in with the ritual. I found it fun and invigorating! I don't often get to join in since I am solitary and am living in an area where I believe the nearest coven is over 400 miles away. Blessed Be!

Answer 5

around here, a full moon celebration is usually a simple ritual followed by a pot luck. some groups have a roundtable discussion. most pagans don't take these things as seriously as dogmatic believers take their ceremonies, and there's often a party-like spirit to any gathering. you shouldn't be expected to participate in a ritual if you don't want to. some groups don't allow spectators, but in that case, they don't invite outsiders.

around here, we have a lot of open rituals that are announced to the general public. all who show up are welcomed, and nothing is expected of them except an open mind. my christian roommate is treated as a mascot, but she won't attend any events that focus on ritual.

i'd say be yourself and try not to openly laugh at the more eccentric members of the community. just find a sympathic ear to whisper into, like the rest of us do.

edit:
', perhaps none of the people who answered before you were pagan. we are extremely open about our beliefs.

Answer 6

You've gotten some good answers. Honestly I have been to so many different gathers and every single one was done differently. It depends on the people doing it. But I can say I had a lot of fun at all of them. Pagans in general are pretty laid back folks. The fact that you were invited lends to the fact that someone trusts you. Just go and have fun.

Answer 7

It could go any one of a number of different ways. Is this a meeting structured around a ritual? If so, what denomination of Paganism is the ritual based on? And so on.

I hope you have a good time regardless. And feel free to ask questions of those who invited you.

Answer 8

Since you've been invited to attend, I would presume that those who invited you would be Wiccan or Pagan, and would probably be a lot better equipped to answer that question, since much depends on the Tradition, the group, the gathering (is it a Sabbat? Esbat?), etc.

Answer 9

Well they will definitely have eating there. Pagans love to feast :)

edit- "It's quite interesting no one is answering or making you privvy to what will really happen"
Yeah, that's because there are many different branches of paganism so it's hard to know what their practice will be like. Ours usually involves casting a ritual circle, meditation, singing and sometimes drumming. Sometimes we even make crafts.

Nobody at our group meetings wear robes but I understand some groups do. We are pretty informal.

Answer 10

IMHO This is not the place to ask! There are hundreds of traditions out there.
What you should do is go to the person (or person's) who invited you to get the answers you are looking for.
The only thing I can tell you for sure is that you will have a good time!
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