CIRCLE MANNERS OF TREEBRIDGE
Many of these guidelines were handed down to me (Estara) from my training: the remainder is more a matter of bitter experience. Although these are the "manners" specific to Treebridge, many of them apply to circle work generally and are worth learning--and if you plan to join Treebridge, *definitely* learn them!
*Ask before you bring. Before experimenting with a new incense, oil, or food, check to make sure that none of your coveners are allergic or otherwise barred from using that substance. I can tell you now, for example, that the Maiden of this coven (SharTasha) is highly allergic to carnation, and somewhat less allergic to a wide array of other scents! Any incense or oil brought for group use should therefore be waved in front of her nose first (or its ingredients described to her in full). Along similar lines, you wouldn’t want to bring pot roast for feasting if everyone else in circle was vegetarian.
*Do, however, bring any and all items that are requested for you to bring. If this creates a serious problem, notify the Priestess or Maiden at least one day ahead of time so that other arrangements can be made. On our part, we will always notify you well ahead of time when we do want you to bring anything with you.
*Arrive on time. This is especially important when a ritual circle is going to be cast. We will try to allow ten or fifteen minutes for bad traffic, but even so, do NOT make a habit of arriving nine or fourteen minutes late because you think you can get away with it! If you know that you cannot arrive on time, call ahead and warn us and we will try to accommodate you as much as we can. Otherwise, once the circle is cast, you will NOT be let in!
*Attend all functions that are required. "Required" means Sabbats: we will try to schedule them in a way that accommodates everyone, but once it is set you *must* attend or face disciplinary action. This is because the Sabbats are the cornerstone of our religion, and the experience of them is one of the most important parts of your training. Other meetings (classes) can be missed if the need arises, if you make sure to pick up the materials, get the notes from a friend, and turn in any assignments due. Call ahead if you can. However, action *will* be taken if you are chronically absent without excellent cause.
*Dress appropriately. Until formal robes are made, this means "nice semi-casual." Traditionally, black clothes are for Initiates only, but we make an exception at Samhain. Avoid wearing pentagrams and headbands, as these denote initiation or priesthood in a circle. Other jewelry will be allowed within reason. Hair should be unbound. Shoes and watches will be removed before circle is cast. NO BEEPERS!
*DO NOT leave or enter a cast circle without notifying the Priestess first. The circle is an energy barrier, and for the safety and comfort of all involved, including you, a door must be ritually cut for you before you can move in or out. Try to take care of all outside business (phone calls, potty breaks, etc) before the circle is cast to avoid the necessity of leaving in the middle of a ritual.
*Do not start sexual relationships with fellow circle members with whom you have not had such a relationship in the past. We are working with group energy and polarity, and especially early on, there are times when these feelings can be easily confused with sexual tension. However, relationships begun on this basis usually come to bad ends and take the circle down with them!
*No surprises in circle. No uninvited guests: no substances, invokations, spells, etc, that have not been previously approved: no failing to mention that you are being stalked by an astral beastie that suddenly turns up outside the Circle and challenges the Priestess to a duel. Spontaneity has its place, of course, if it is benign; but for various reasons of safety and common courtesy it is best that we control the variables we can.
*Once you are formally a member of Treebridge, you are bound to certain other rules. You must not disclose your training materials (other than the Outer Court materials you are finishing now) or the details of rituals to outsiders. Also, it is a rule of the Fellowship of Isis that although you may join as many Iseums as you wish, you can only belong to one Lyceum (teaching center) at a time. This is for several reasons: to protect the integrity of the tradition, to avoid confusion between different methods during training, to ensure that the group’s energy is "clean" and that the student’s energy and loyalty is undivided. In the case of public pagan events, you are spoken for on Sabbats: otherwise, do tell the circle--we may all want to go! Being part of a circle that works with magic and god-energy requires a certain amount of trust and emotional openness, which includes being straightforward about your less pleasant emotions and things that are bothering you as well...if you are having negative feelings about anything in circle, it is MUCH better that you tell us up front so that we can deal with it, than if you keep showing up at circle acting like you're fine but leaving a trail of resentful energy wherever you go, because it is your energy that is magnified in circle, *not* your brave face!
*Lastly, you are bound by the Rede and the Threefold Law. If you feel called upon to work protective magick or any spell that is questionable IN ANY WAY by the Rede, call the Priestess Hierophant and/or your Sponsor for advice. If the spell is not advisable, we can suggest other options. We can also provide help if you need it. As your teachers, we take on a certain share of karmic responsibility for your actions. If you get us into hot water behind our backs, YOU WILL PAY! ^_~