Week23

Ritual Differences: Daily vs. Esbats vs. Sabbats

Three terms, very similar but not synonymous. For those with a Christian background, they are similar to daily devotions, Sunday mass, and a holiday / ceremonial high mass.

Both Sabbat and Esbat ritual involve the casting of a circle, calling of the quarters, and invoking deity(s). A daily devotion does not need this. To an extent, this topic has been covered in earlier lessons (Components of Ritual, Ethics & the Importance of Daily Spirituality, Esbats and Sabbats).

We’ll begin with the Sabbat ritual. There are eight Sabbats in the year, celebrating a cycle that moves from birth through death and rebirth. Each Sabbat has a separate focus, and depending upon tradition, has a separate folk lore attached to it. We won’t cover this in depth since the Sabbats have been covered earlier.

The ritual is very similar to an Esbat, but there is one important difference - there is NO magickal working. This ritual is a celebration of life, and it usually concludes with a gathering feast.

An Esbat is a ritual performed during the lunar cycle, usually done at the full moon. Some Wiccans recognize the dark / new moon for their Esbat based upon the deities worshipped. And still others recognize both portions of the cycle as well as the quarters of the waning and waxing moon. It is a personal choice.

An Esbat is the typical time for magickal workings, whether spell craft or personal development. Workings to bring things to you (or another) are done during the new, waxing, and/or full moon. Workings done for healings are usually done during the waxing and/or full moon. Banishings or to ask that things be taken away (changing traits or bad habits no longer wanted) are done during the waning moon. The dark moon is a time of rest and reflection for personal development.

A daily devotion is time spent each time in communication with deity. It can be done through meditation, prayer, or anything you choose. This is where having a personal altar comes in handy. Some people use their dresser top, and each day as they dress they spend 5-10 minutes in contemplative reflection. Some people commune during their daily shower, allowing the water to wash away the impurities of the mundane world. The time and manner in which you do your daily devotion is a personal choice between you and the divine. To quote a good movie, "Choose wisely."

Yes, this was short and to the point, but as I noted above, these have been covered elsewhere. And so now onto circle etiquette. I’ve been accumulating this stuff from a number of sources, and have seen the "rules" printed in a number of places so I can give no credit to the authors involved. However, I am not the author, only the accumulator. Though if you know of the author of the Celtic Triads article (which is included in its entirety), please let me know.

RITUAL / CIRCLE ETIQUETTE

Be on time. Yes, I know the joke about "SPT" - Standard Pagan Time. But public gatherings are usually held in rented space, and therefore the event must end at a specific time. In addition, it is disruptive to the circle to have to stop to let you in.
Take the time before the ritual to find out what will be occurring and if there is anything you will be asked to participate in. If this is a public ritual, chances are that someone will be available to explain what will be happening, who you need to be watching, and to teach you the basics for any dance or song that will be done. If you feel uncomfortable with any part, it’s okay to not participate.
If you have a disability that needs to be addressed, let someone know. Despite the rumors, we aren’t mind readers. This means any disability - physical, mental, allergies, etc. Many rituals involve the use of incense and/or scented oils; hiding your allergy until it’s too late is not considered good etiquette. And many groups have no problem with allowing chairs inside a circle for those unable to stand and/or dance for an extended period.
Rituals, especially public ones, are prepared by people following different traditions and pantheons; it’s supposed to be eclectic and appeal to everyone. Respect the differences between what you were expecting and what actually occurred. Don’t expect the altar to be placed where you’d expect it; don’t expect the ritual to follow a rigid set of guidelines. If you’re expecting a set of rules that is always followed, oops - wrong path. (Note - this does not apply to coven ritual. But if you’re a member of the coven, you’ll know that.) Be tolerant of the believes and traditions of others.
If this is a nonpublic ritual, and you want to bring a guest, ask permission from the HPS first. If permission is given, you are then responsible for that person, and for ensuring that they know what will be occurring and what will be expected of them.
Bathe or shower beforehand. Dress appropriately, making certain that you’re clean. While the gods will be glad to hear from you, the other participants will be glad that you aren’t bringing offensive body odors into the circle. (Note: if certain foods / beverages give you gas, please refrain from consuming them for several days before the ritual. Everyone else will be glad for it.)
Some rituals are done skyclad (nude) or the participants have the option of being skyclad. Do not use this as an excuse to leer and ogle at the human body. And don’t laugh or make judgment of those who are skyclad. However, if children are going to be present, it would be strongly recommended that you cloth yourself accordingly.
Regarding children, if you bring a child, you are responsible for your child even if child-care is offered. Make certain your child understands fully what behavior is and is not acceptable. If you see a child acting irresponsibly, gently talk to them to correct their behavior; don’t shout or make negative comments since this will usually make the situation worse. If talking to the child fails, inform the parent(s); and if that doesn’t work, find a ritual team member. While the energies of children can help a circle, too much noise or other inappropriate actions can be very disruptive.
Respect the people hosting the ritual. If you are asked to do something, please do it graciously. If there is problem with the request, do it (unless it is harmful) and then discuss the situation with the person after the ritual.
Do not come into ritual if you are intoxicated or under the influence of some type of drug. Yes, some pagan rituals do involve the use of alcohol and/or sacramental herbs, but that is something that is understood and accepted by all participants ahead of time. It is part of the ritual, but it is still not acceptable to show up with a buzz to get you in the mood.
Do NOT take pictures. Many pagans aren’t fully out of the closet, and others just don’t want their picture taken. If you absolutely feel the need to take a picture, ask and obtain permission from everyone (including the person walking in the background) before you take the picture.
Don’t bring your personal athame unless you’ve been initiated and you know that it is an acceptable thing to wear at the ritual. Unless you are part of the ritual team, there will be no use for your athame.
Turn off all electronics - be it cell phone, pager, or any other distracting gadget. Better yet, don’t bring it.
Get your greetings done and over before entering the circle. Ritual is a time for a religious gathering - socialize either before or after.
Don’t assume everyone likes to be hugged or kissed in greeting. If you aren’t 100% certain, ask first. Extending your hand is a good way of greeting; if the other person is a hugger, you’ll know quickly enough.
Public rituals have altars set up for the quarters; the altars will have tools and other things on them. Don’t just pick them up - ask first.
As with above, don’t just pick up someone’s tools without asking; don’t reach out and touch their jewelry. Tools are empowered with the personal energies of the owner; this is to be respected. (This also applies to books - of any kind.)
Ritual is a participatory gathering; please participate. Bring a positive attitude and leave negative and/or skepticism at home. If you do not feel that you can focus and contribute your efforts to the ritual, don’t enter the circle.
Ritual is done for your spiritual well-being, but you must be wholly prepared in body, mind, and spirit. If you are ill and feel you must come to the ritual, have the courtesy to remain outside of the circle and merely observe.
Respect the sacredness of the circle; enter with love and trust. Do not bring anger, hostility or any other darker emotion into the space.
Ground and center before entering the circle, even if it hasn’t begun yet. Once in the circle, center and focus your thoughts inward (meditate) until the ritual begins.
There is usually a specific place to enter the circle. When entering, proceed clockwise and continue in as far as possible to allow room for those coming after you. A good guideline to follow is to always move clockwise (deosil) while in circle unless instructed otherwise. And if there is a specific entering place, it should be used for exiting the circle.
During the ritual, be reverent. But also remember to be filled with joy, mirth and wonder and a good sense of humor. There will be time for merry making after the circle has been opened.
There is usually at least one flame at the circle; be careful. And should someone accidentally set themselves aflame, quietly (without panic) put them out.
If there is a large fire going, do not tend the fire unless that is your specific task. Do not add anything to the fire unless so directed during the ritual. If you’d like something burnt, hand it to the fire tender to deal with. And regardless of how experienced you are at controlling fire (making the flames dance) - don’t; that is the fire tender’s job. And don’t jump the ritual fire unless the fire has been designed for this purpose.
During the ritual, energy will be raised. It can be done through chant, song and/or dance. After releasing the energy, touch the ground to drain off whatever is left.
Before, during and/or after the ritual, there may be theatrics of some type. Be respectful of what is occurring. Some of the theatrics may require you to participate in some manner; please do so.
During ritual and/or after the circle is opened, there may be drumming. Unless you are the lead drum, do not try to take center stage. Drumming is a conversational art form used to heighten awareness and connect people with a communal heartbeat. Listen to the lead drum, and let its beat lead your drum in rhythm. The same thing applies to singing. Let your voice follow along with the main singers.
Along with drumming goes dancing. Keep your movements in time to the rhythm. Be aware of other dancers and other people. Watch for fire if you’re wearing flowing fabric. And keep the sexual overtones in alignment with the atmosphere, meaning that if children are present, sexual overtures aren’t appropriate.
There is an African proverb that says that if you can walk, you can dance; if you talk, you can sing. That isn’t true for everyone. If you fall into this category, it is perfectly acceptable to sit it out and observe. And if someone tells you they don't want to participate in drumming (singing, dancing, etc.), respect their wishes for they know themselves better than you do.
Ritual may involve Cakes and Ale. If there is an alcoholic beverage being shared, there will also be a non-alcoholic beverage. If you don’t wish to partake, at least take the goblet, raised it in honor of the gods, and return it. Also, some groups ask that you retain a small portion of your cake to place into a libation dish for the gods; if this is the case, they should tell you this ahead of time.
Stay in the circle until it is opened. However, if you absolutely must leave, get the attention of someone involved in the ritual and quietyly ask to be excused. They will help you in a manner that will not disrupt the ritual.
While in the circle, be careful where you set things down so that the risk of tripping or breakage is minimized. This is a rule for both while in ritual and after the circle has been opened.
After the ritual, ground the excess energy left. If you have questions as to what occurred, ask someone. However, do not criticize or analyze the ritual. If asked for comments, try to remain positive.
Regarding feast contributions, don’t enforce your believes onto others. Some people eat meat; some don’t. Some people drink alcoholic beverages; some don’t. Some people eat only healthy and organically grown items while others live on junk food.
If you think there is a chance that your feast contribution contains something that someone might be allergic to or not want to eat (such as meat), identify the ingredients. And if you feel the urge to bring a bag of chips, please reconsider. Have you ever noticed how many bags of chips are brought, and usually not opened?
Still on the topic of the feast, respect the earth and bring re-usable dishes and flatware. Also, moderate the amounts you take - everyone should have an opportunity to try what is offered. And if you don’t like a certain dish, keep your comment to yourself. For all you know, this might be a treasured family recipe handed down several generations.
At the conclusion, help pick up and clean up.
What occurs in circle, stays in circle. Do not use craft names in public; do not reference the circle in public. There are many ignorant people who can (and will) misinterpret your comments. And discrimination can and does happen to pagans, despite constitutional protections.
The pagan community is like any other, and gossip can and will occur. Reputations have been damaged and people have been harmed by someone’s assumption. Unless you know for certain, don’t repeat a rumor. (Actually, it would be best if you didn’t repeat any rumor.) And if you really want the facts, be honest enough to ask the individual(s) directly.
Next to the last is the topic of sex. Pagans are a flirtatious lot, but just because a person is skyclad and flirting does not necessarily mean that they are looking for a sexual partner. Pagans are just more open with their sexuality than a lot of other people. Don’t assume.
Some pagans practice polyamoury (have multiple partners). If you aren’t comfortable with that idea, don’t become involved with the person. And if you do choose to become involved, ask the ground rules first.
As with normal society, know the person that you want to become intimate with. And don’t take advantage of someone who is in an altered state; you may not like the person in their normal state. It’s always better to wait than to act and be sorry afterwards.
If participating in a long-term event (festivals), and you’re sharing sleeping space with someone, don’t ask them to sleep outside while you "sleep" with someone. On the same note, keep the noise to a minimum because not everyone cares to know what you’re doing. Keep the activities confined the appropriate areas. This way, if children are present, their parents won’t have to explain what it is you’re doing.
Lastly, again for long-term events, if it is a clothing optional event, there will be areas in which you must be clothed. Respect those areas and dress accordingly.

CELTIC TRIADS - RESPECTING ETIQUETTE

Three things proper from one who has received kindness: their thanks, their remembrance, and their requital.
Three things for which thanks are due, because that is as easy as reward: an invitation, a gift, and a warning.
Three qualities unbecoming anyone: being importunate in asking, hard in giving, and ill in opinion.
Three things which bring one many invitations: saying little, and that wise and instructive; quiet mirth without great effort; and behaving always without arrogance.
Three things which cause one loss of invitations: eating to much, speaking to much, and asking to much.
Three who ought not to be invited to a house: a flattering deceiver, a scornful mocker, and an envious traitor.
Three things unhandsome at a banquet: a skewer too short, a blunt knife, and a dish out of reach.
Three indignities of one at a feast: coughing in their drink, cutting their hand with a knife, and spilling their broth.
Three improprieties of one at a feast: breaking from every piece in the dish, putting in their mouth more than his companion can respond to, and drinking with his piece in his mouth; (and a fourth impropriety: finding fault with the food they eat.)
Three meats of the hosteller: boiled flesh, red flesh, living flesh.
Three things never to bring one who has been your host: harm, contention, ill repute.
Three reasons for keeping silent: against saying the thing one ought not, against speaking in the way one ought not, and against speaking in the place one ought not.
Three reasons for speaking, come what may: for instruction against ignorance, counsel against strife, and truth against harmful falsehood.
Three things do no hurt against any: concealing ill manners, controlling passion, and destroying ill intention.
Three things which one should give freely to guests: gracious accommodation, friendly conversation, and insured safety.
Three elements of gracious accommodation: Cheerful welcome; hot sustenance; and a warm bed.
Three things a guest should never bring to another's house: ill tidings; presumptuous license; and treachery.
Three improprieties of a person at a feast: partaking of every piece on the dish; stuffing the mouth; talking with the mouth full.
Three things all should have on hand for a guest, expected or not: open door, sundry cauldron, warm bed.

HUMOROUS ETIQUETTE

Never summon Anything you can't banish.
Never put asafoetida on the rocks in the sweat lodge.
Do not attempt to walk more than 10 paces while wearing all of your ritual jewelry, dream bags and crystals at the same time.
When proposing to initiate someone, do not mention the Great Rite, Leer, and say, "Hey, your trad or mine?"
Never laugh at someone who is skyclad. They can see you, too.
Never, ever set the Witch on fire.
Looking at nifty pictures is not a valid path to mastering the ancient grimoires. Please read thoroughly and carefully from beginning to end so that your madness and gibberings will at least make some sense.
A good grasp of ritual and ritual techniques are essential! In the event of a random impaling, or other accidental death amongst the participants, (see next rule) a quick thinker can improvise to ensure successful completion of the Rite. Make them another sacrifice; Demons like those.
Watch where you wave the sharp pointy items.
Avoid walking through disembodied spirits.
Carry an all purpose translators dictionary in case the ritual leader begins talking in some strange and unknown language.
Avoid joining your life force to anything with glowing red eyes.
If asked to sign a contract or pact and you are experiencing doubts or reservations, sign your neighbors name. Malevolent entities rarely ask for photo ID.
Blood is thicker than water. Soak ritual garments an extra 30-45 minutes.
While drunken weaving may be mistaken for ecstatic dancing, slurring the names of Deities is generally considered bad form.