Gather first timers and learn pagan festival etiquette

Many people who consider coming to fest are concerned they may not know anyone, we understand that may be unnerving and impedes on your comfort level and you may not end up joining in the fun. One of our community elders, Miss Ellen Irvine is happy to hold a sharing circle in order to assist you in getting acquainted with the norms and helping with navigation of the event. We want you to be assured of a most wonderful time!

In the meantime here are some interim points to those planning to come out for their first time. Also some common etiquette to keep in mind during the festival. Please read through and follow these guidelines to the best of your abilities in order to maintain a safe and inclusive space for everybody to enjoy!

General Etiquette

• If you’re camping with us try to pack sunscreen, bug spray, water bottles, comfortable shoes, hat and sunglasses.
• Stay hydrated and remember to eat! We have a Fry Wagon on site with delicious food/drink options, as well as a potluck on Saturday night.
• Organize the acts/workshops you want to see most before attending so you don’t miss them, schedules are on the fry wagon and in the booklet provided at registration!
• Be respectful of the land – no littering or damage to the property, and if you have a pet please keep them leashed and stoop and scoop.
• Be respectful to all staff, workshop coordinators, musicians, vendors and festival attendees.

Ritual/Ceremony Etiquette

• Be on time for scheduled rituals, ceremonies and workshops! We have people coming from all over the place who have taken time out of their schedules to share their knowledge and/or talents with us at our festival. Respect that and try not to be late or interrupt once they have begun.
• Contribute! We hold a pot-luck during the festival, and accept donations upon entry to cover our expenses. All are welcome and encouraged to contribute in order to keep this festival alive and breathing.
• If you are attending a sharing circle, please be respectful when other’s are speaking. Do not interrupt or respond inappropriately.
• Keep any electronics OFF during rituals, ceremonies or performances.
• Do not take photos during rituals or ceremonies without explicit permission!
• Do not touch ritual tools, jewelry or any other gear without permission, as it is often considered extremely rude. Tools are “charged” by their owner’s energy, therefore being touched by strangers can interfere with it’s energy.
• Respect rules regarding children attending rituals or ceremonies. If you are attending a ritual for the first time, be sure it’s okay to have a child BEFORE it begins. Some groups don’t allow children for various reasons, and some rites simply may not be appropriate.  If you have kids, keep your eyes open for child-friendly events. We always have activities for children throughout the day!
• If you find that you’re uncomfortable at any point being in a circle and want to leave, ask to be gated out! Do not just get up and leave, as it will disrupt the energies of the circle.
• If you are inebriated, it is not ideal to attend a ritual or ceremony.  Alcohol can greatly disrupt your energy pattern and can therefore interfere with circle work.
•  What happens at fest stays at fest, hard to do when its all fun and games yes, but we are talking more about outing folks who are not out! Always ask if it’s okay to post pictures and share stories before doing so.

Please remember to take into consideration these guidelines when attending Paganfest. Come on out and join us for a wonderful week of workshops, musicians, ritual, and fun!

Workshop will take place at 3:30pm daily at the Main Fire pit.