Public rituals are special beasts.

I use that term deliberately.

 

A ritual has its own life: It makes demands on those who would shape it; it rewards those who contribute to it; it has a beginning, a middle and an end, just as any living being is born, develops, and dies; it establishes a relationship to every being involved, tangible or not.

 

Discounting the childhood Catholic masses and the ~1000 weddings I’ve photographed (which, let’s face it, are very ritualistic), I’ve been attending rituals, mostly pagan and both public and private for – OMG it’s been twelve years! I’ve played many roles in those rituals from rookie to elder, participant to High Priestess (High Priest in a couple). I’ve been assistant, conduit, shill, cheerleader, battery, fool and guardian. I’ve been privileged to witness some awesome rituals and have endured some that (for me) fell completely flat. But whatever happened, I can truthfully say that I’ve learned something from every ritual I’ve attended.

 

In a closed/private ritual, you-the-ritualist (presumably) have at least a working familiarity with each of the expected corporeal (and incorporeal) participants, and design the ritual with the attending sensitivities and requirements in mind. The folks involved in the ritual (including guests) are familiar with the particular etiquette, have been schooled in the traditions and many have even rehearsed/performed the ritual. If this set of beings have been working together for some time, many of those considerations become taken for granted in the writing of the ritual.

 

In a public ritual, however, you-the-ritualist have no such assurances and cannot afford to make any assumptions. You may be dealing with veterans and newbies, traditionalists and eclectics, folks who may know more than you do and folks that literally have no clue, folks who have physical or mental abilities or disabilities, sensitivities and triggers. While it’s impossible to think of everything , you must make a strong effort to do so, and be prepared for all possibilities and/or at least have an “exit strategy.” This means they-who-run-the-show must be able to think creatively, be able to roll with whatever “punches” are dealt to them, and be able to handle any kind of energy that is thrown at them.

 

Some of the pitfalls, perhaps most of them, can be mitigated by proper design, prudence, and communications.  I offer these suggestions for those who wish to present public rituals.

Except for nagging, there is no such thing as over-communications. Of course you’ll tell folks the date, time and address. But also include:

·         a general idea of the working (celebratory, meditative, somber, evangelical) or focus

·         age-appropriateness (child-centered, -friendly, -tolerated or adults-only)

·         a clue about its tradition (Gardnerian, Dianic, Feri or Wiccan-Shaman-Druid)

·         directional resources (phone#, links to maps)

·         parking, accessibility or transit considerations

·         preferred attire

·         suggested monetary donations, if any

·         contact information for additional questions

·         a reminder to be diet- and allergy- respectful (fragrance-free, labeled foodstuffs)

 

If possible (if the advertising media permits), provide additional background material to prepare your participants for the experience. For instance, if you’re planning a Samhain ritual, let them know what kind of food might be particularly welcome, and the symbolism that you will be using, perhaps the mythos behind your story or the basic concept of your working.

Shortly before your ritual, consider presenting a 5 or 10 minute orientation session for those who have never been in ritual or don’t know what the Sabbat’s about.

 

Appoint/recruit someone who can play host and bring the newbie-off-the-street into line for the ritual. NOTHING will kill your momentum/energy quicker than someone demanding to know WHY you’re flicking salt-water at folks, or why you’re waving that sword around. Be certain that the new folks about to enter your circle know that they’re coming into a space as sacred to us as any church, mosque, synagogue or temple.

 

Also, in the interest of avoiding incidents in the middle of ritual, consider announcing before the ritual: what incense will be used; what’s in the cakes and ale, who to look for if they need assistance, how/where to exit the circle if needed.

Critically and realistically assess the public-presence talents and capabilities of those conducting the ritual. Rehearse at least once to get the logistics and choreography worked out. Do not expect everyone to get everything perfect, and be tolerant of cue cards and crib sheets.

 

Disclaimer:

I’ve only got twelve years of exposure, and fewer years as ritualist under my belt. Many folks in the community have thrice that and more. This is intended as a reminder for those who already know this, and a checklist for those who are just learning.