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