Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Question of the Week

Randilin asked a question and i have been pondering the answer. I've seen many a wonderful answers. For now, I'm putting the question here so i can come back to it and think on the answer more.

So this week continues on from an earlier discussion about things like Open circles and public rituals. First let me preface this by saying this is a completely hypothetical situation. So you're organize a public ritual its a few days before the ritual you get a phone call/Face book message/e-mail asking you for details about the ritual and if they can come. You know from first hand experience that the person is horrible disruptive in circle. You have also over heard them in the past talking about how pretending to be Wiccan has let them score.

How do you reply?


The short answer: yes, but with ground rules and a meeting before hand.
Why?
Well, it IS a public ritual, therefore the knowledge is out there of it taking place. Is it wrong for a person to say "you can't come to a public event." That is almost saying "you can't worship here."

Before i get lamb-basted and thrown to whatever for devouring, hear me out. I did have stipulations and ground rules, which would be set out at a meeting with said individual before hand.

Personally, I would be upfront and frank about my first hand experience. I would tell them that I am reluctant to extend the invitation to them because of their past actions. I would explain to them that the point of the ritual is for learning/growth and insight on whatever the ritual would be about. I would stress that it is NOT for playing "pick up a sex fling" or "disruption of energy."
I would inform them that if for some reason they became disruptive as they have in the past, that they will be asked to leave. Right then, right there, no ifs ands or buts. Of course, at the ritual, i would make this a ground rule to everyone.
"If you are disruptive during the ritual, you will be asked to leave or to sit out of circle."

I can understand little ones running about. They have parents who watch over them, or they are well behaved enough to participate with the group - yay parents! Of course, depending on how serious the ritual is, little ones might be left at home.

That's just my thoughts on it as of right now. I'm pretty sure that when i first came across the question, it was a steadfast NO. *shrugs* maybe tomorrow it will be again.

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