Q: What is circle etiquette?

A:

 When first joining a circle there are a few rules that apply, the same kind your mother taught you as a child:

• Upon your first visit bring a small gift of some sort just to show your thanks at being invited
• Do not leave your trash all around this person's house/church. If you brought drinks with youor munchies make sure you pick them up and dispose of them properly.
• Do not touch anything that you are unsure of...always ask permission, they may be ritual items that are not supposed to be touch.
• Always be polite and courteous.
• Do not overstay your welcome... we all know how excited we get when we meet new pwople and we just want to talk and learn about each other, just remember that these people may have jobs that require them to get up early.
• Another good thing is to not discuss with others this great new friend you found that is into the same thing as you, unless all are open and out of the broom closet.
• Once relationships have been formed, it is a good idea to offer your dwelling as a meeting place every now and then; no one likes playing hostess all the time.
• Always ask if you need to bring something; even if they say "no", bring some drinks or snacks you, never can have too much.
• Do not bring drugs or alcohol into the house/church without permission; that is a major NO,NO.
• Always walk deosil (clockwise) as opposed to Widdershins (counter clockwise) when you're in the Circle.
• if you are asked to call a Quarter, don't whine about it, just do your best and remember that nobody is going to laugh at you (remember the Goddess has humor too).
• If you are asked to snuff a candle or two, remember NOT to blow them out. Use some sort of candle snuffer or, for the brave, pinch them out.
• Probably the most important thing to remember is to NOT break the Circle for any reason! If you have a wee one that is running amok through the house/church and you need to attend to him or her, ask to be let out of the Circle, your host or hostess will be more than willing to oblige by opening a gate in the Circle for you.
• Go with the mood of the Circle... if it seems light and casual, run with that. If it seems very formal and no-chit-chatty, it's probably not a good idea to tell a joke in the middle of calling the Goddess.
• Follow the queues of others in the group. If you are new and aren't sure what to do, just watch the others and follow their lead. But DON'T just sit there like a bump on a log, you might offend those involved, who might think that you are uninterested in being there.
• Don't bring food or drink into the Circle unless you have a special situation (i.e. diabetic, pregnant, need to take pills etc.) or unless you were asked to do so by your host or hostess. There will be plenty of feasting after the Circle!