What to Expect: Guidelines for "OPEN" events

As with many events offered in the Pagan community, there is a need to honor codes of

courtesy, respect, and confidentiality. Too often are lines of communication blurred, thus leading to

breaches of courtesy, boundary violations, and general discomfort for all. Forest Sanctuary maintains

a code of Etiquette, and all members wishing to attend are held to these codes.

Children:

Ÿ Forest Sanctuary is not a baby-sitting service, and parents are expected to supervise

Their children at all times, as well as provide for their child’s entertainment needs.

Ÿ Minors must have guardian consent to attend events, with a supervising adult

accompanying children under 15.

Ÿ No children under 11, as events are generally designed for adults.

Clothing:

Ÿ No nudity

Ÿ Ceremonial garb is not required, though ceremonial and festive clothing is encouraged.

Communication:

Ÿ Make known any allergies to food or incense, prior to ritual.

Ÿ If you are unsure of anything, please ask for clarification.

Ÿ You are responsible for your personal actions, comfort, and safety.

Ÿ Share complaints/issues with the host(s) after ritual. There IS a policy for handling

complaints, etc.

Ÿ Please let us know if you will be attending.

Fact:

Ÿ You will be asked to leave, if you cannot honor the codes of courtesy,

confidentiality, and respect.

General:

Ÿ Please exercise appropriate language, and respect for: personal boundaries, physical

taboos, the land, the ritual, facilitators, other participants, and confidentiality/privacy.

Ÿ Physical disability will be accommodated within reason.

Ÿ Events occur in a private home, please remain in designated areas, and do not enter closed rooms.

Ÿ Clean up after yourself wherever you may be.

Ÿ No photographs without permission.

Ÿ No pets.

Ritual:

Ÿ There is no Pagan Standard Time, only emergencies and accidents, so please arrive for ritual

on time.

Ÿ If you are late for ritual, please do not interrupt it. Have a seat, and then join us for the

Potluck after ritual.

Ÿ If you are ill, need the bathroom, or disagree with what is occurring, please leave quietly.

Ÿ Please respect the Temple/sacred space by not attempting magical workings/spells, except

when asked to. To do otherwise is extremely rude and unsafe – for yourself and others.

Ÿ Do not place personal items on the altar, unless you have been invited to do so.

Substances:

Ÿ Drugs and alcohol are not permitted, and any intoxicated individuals will be asked to leave.

Ÿ An offering-can is available for tobacco devotions. Please smoke in designated areas.

Tools:

Ÿ "Sharp pointies" must be sheathed, except those utilized by ritual facilitators

Ÿ Do not touch other people’s ritual items, without express permission