Conducting Rituals in Public Areas
It’s often wonderful to get a group of people together (or even for the solitary) to conduct a ritual or three in a beautiful public area like a forest, the beach or even the local park. Sabbats in particular a wonderful occasions to get out and about and share the ritual with friends and loved ones at a park close to everyone or a peaceful patch of farmland or whatever. There’s something very special about honouring deity with friends and loved ones amidst the splendour of the mountains, trees, grasslands or the sea. However, to make sure that the occasion goes well, and that there are no legal, journalistic or embarrassing consequences afterwards, the following tips might prove very helpful.
- To avoid curious stares or visitors, don’t wear ritual robes or elaborate clothing unless the place is very private.
- However, do wear clothing to avoid police intervention for nudity!
- Always leave the area cleaner than you found it.
- If the area is run by a municipality or similar, seek permission to sue the area first.
- If you are allowed to light a fire, keep a hose, water bucket or safety materials close by.
- Keep the noise down.
- If erecting equipment like a maypole or similar, make sure this does not damage the area.
- Be aware that any loud, supposedly socially unusual behaviour or singing will attract attention!
- Dancing around a circle area may well attract onlookers so either keep dancing minimal or choose a very private area.
- Rituals done during the evening and night will often need candles. Be aware of fire bans and safety or use battery lanterns instead.
Essentially your aim with a ritual in a public place rather than at home is to conduct the rite with respect for not only deity, but also for the owners and users of the area in question. You wouldn’t want people coming in and leaving scorch marks on your lawn from a ritual fire or leaving their lolly wrappers and empty drink cartons all over your neatly weeded flowerbeds! If you wouldn’t be happy with that at your place, neither would anyone else at a public place either.
Smiles and blessings,
Amethyst
Comments
tempeststar
I really like this article specially with me trying to have drum circles. were putting our drum circle off till spring and focus more on what we can do for our community especially since the holidays are approaching us fast. you made some good points in the article and i will certainly try this spring to find a more private place were prying eyes can't watch our rituals. blessed be Tempest Star.
conducting rituals in public places
I enjoyed your suggestions that we should be aware of opportunities to leave our ritual areas cleaner than we found them, and that any activity we plan should take into account the possibly fragile ecosystem of the area, as well as any rules, regulations, or expectations of those who have allowed us use of the space.
Take some time to research and learn about the area you will be using. It is an opportunity to practice the "law of continuation", wherein we continue, always, to study and learn more. Seek information about the land, people and animals of the area. Since you are using the place, see what you can do to support it's ecological health.
I always bristle at having to leave our ritual garb at home, as I see "curious onlookers" as an opportunity to educate and create understanding with the general public. However, there are possibilities for negative interaction with an ill-informed public, as well. The safety issues that could arise probably make the practice of "practice" in public a thing best done on a low-key basis. Keeping clothed is another piece of good advice in a narrow=minded world.
It's a great idea to seek out available places that offer enough privacy for ritual practice. Often these places can be reserved for use, sometimes at no charge to the group. If there is a charge, it is often nominal. Though you can't always be sure that a non=member might wander by.
Interesting subject.
Linda