5) Unless otherwise specified, we move deosil in Ritual because it is the direction the sun moves across the sky. When taking down the Circle, we move widdershins to unwind the energy we raised raised.
Do not cut across the Circle. Walk around. Whenever possible, walk behind people rather than in front.
6) When you are handed something from the altar regard it with respect. Our altar tools are not merely props; many of them represent much greater things. Our salt dish is Earth. The water chalice is Water. The fire candle is Fire. The incense burner is Air. Treat them as such. It is proper etiquette to kiss certain tools, such as the sword, athame, and besome.
Never touch another witch’s personal tools without asking first, even if you know the answer is yes.
Please be extra carful with sharp objects, especially in close quarters.
7) It is mainly for safety reasons that only the Hight Priestess and High Priest use their athames during Ritual.
8) Wicca is a participatory religion:
We do a lot of chanting and moving in Circle. However, there are quiet times, too. During these times we usually rest our hands in the Osiris position (across your chest).
We all turn to address the Quarters when the Elements are called; please always move deosil to turn, even when it seems silly. Just as you would kiss your athame, so we kiss our fingers before addressing each Quarter.
Generally we lower our hands to the earth when the Goddess is called and raise them to the sky when the God is called. This is sometimes reversed depending on the deities. When in doubt, look to the Handmaiden for cues.
9) If you must leave Ritual for any reason, seek out the Summoner and ask him to cut a doorway. If you anticipate ahead of time that you may need to leave during Ritual, let him know so he can keep an eye out for you. It is considered exceptionally rude to just barge out of Circle.
10) If you need a chair during Ritual or have any other special needs that we should be aware of (or if someone comes to you with a need), let the Summoner know ahead of time and he do everything he can to accomidate you.
11) In Circle and before and after Ritual the Priestess should be addressed as Lady ___________ or my Lady and the Priest as Lord ___________ or my Lord. Typically after ritual, the Handmaiden will make sure that they are fed first (along with any children in the house.)
12) The same respect that is due the High Priestess and High Priest is due every member of the Circle, be they Coven members or guests. We are all equals before the Gods.
13) We pass the chalice with a kiss; although you may see established couples being a bit…erm…"affectionate" with one another, it is perfectly ok to give the guy or gal next to you a gentle peck on the cheek.
If for whatever reason you cannot drink from the cup, you may give it a kiss or salute the Gods (usually skywards) and pass it along to the next person.
