Rules Of The Circle

1. All RPA rules and by-laws are to be observed. This specifically includes section V.A.2 of the constitution, "The Rensselaer Pagan Association does not support or condone any negative or attacking communications directed at other individuals, groups, or religions. Likewise, the organization does not support or condone any acts, magickal or otherwise, meant to harm others. This applies to, but is not limited to, humans, animals, and the environment."
2. Attendance at all rituals is voluntary.
3. If someone feels uncomfortable before or during a ritual, they have the right to leave. If the decide to leave during the ritual, we ask that they observe rule #4. No one is to be forced to do anything (including staying at a ritual) against their will.
4. Once a circle has been cast, please do not cross it without opening a doorway. If you do not know how to do so, someone will show you how, or do it for you.
5. If someone asks you to open a doorway in the circle, or to do it for them, and you know how, do so.
6. The ritual leader(s) should tell everyone participating what to expect, before the circle is closed or anything else begins.
7. Protect every ritual from interruption by (or intrusion on) any outsiders as best as you can. Have some sort of marking for public rituals, or use a (semi-)secure location (closed/locked doors, a fence, etc.) for private rituals.
8. Should the ceremony be interrupted by a disruptive person(s), it is the duty of the Sword to ask the person to act in a less disruptive manner or leave, as stated in the constitution. Should the Sword not be present/available, a Herald has the authority to temporarily assume the duties of the Sword. If neither Sword nor any Herald are present/available, the ritual leader(s) can temporarily assume the duties of the Sword, or temporarily appoint someone to assume the Sword's duties.
9. Conduct yourself with mutual respect and due courtesy, without malice or ill will toward anyone. Failure to do so can result in you being requested to leave.
10. Be open, honest, and fair: spring no surprises, trip no traps; NEVER use what you learn or do in circle to manipulate or compel any other person, or diminish anyone's dignity and free will.
11. While proceedings may not be secret, they ARE always private; keep silent about who and what you see or hear in circle, unless you have every other participant's specific consent. Some traditions are very adamant about who knows the details of their rituals, and some people don't want to publicize that they are involved in these rituals. Please respect their wishes.
12. If you are a participant, please remember: you are a guest at this circle. Be polite. The ritual leader(s) designed the ritual for a purpose. While they are to listen to what you say (as long as you aren't disruptive), they are not obligated to change the proceedings.
13. If the ritual leader(s) use additional guidelines, abide by them. They are done for a reason, not simply whim.
14. If you are a ritual leader, remember that the participants are your guests. Be polite. Make sure that you explain things to them, and allow for differences in knowledge, opinion, and traditions. If they have something to say, listen. Don't dismiss their concerns. However, you are not obligated to change the ritual to suit a specific person's desires.
15. If you are a ritual leader, and wish to use additional guidelines, make sure that all participants have access to them prior to the ritual, preferably a week before, depending on preparation time.

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