Considerations of Craft and Ritual Practice

The Rules of Informed Consent
Tell everyone participating what to expect, before the circle is closed or anything else begins.


Give everyone participating the chance to say NO and to withdraw, before the circle is closed or anything else begins -- and then respect that decision.


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.



The Rules of Privacy
Encourage people not to wander in and out of any session between its beginning and ending, or cross the circle while it is closed.


Protect every session from interruption by (or intrusion on) any outsiders -- by closed or locked doors, a fence, or some other clear marking outside the circle.


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 each other participant’s specific consent.



The Rules of Shielding
ALWAYS, ALWAYS close the circle and raise your wards before beginning, or continuing after a break.


ALWAYS, ALWAYS dismiss your wards and open the circle after ending, or to allow passage across the circle.


Conduct yourself with mutual respect and due courtesy, without malice or ill will toward anyone, or else ask that the circle be opened and that you be dismissed from the session.



Covenant Between Student and Teacher
The Teacher Promises the Student:
I will abide by the Rules of the Circle.
I will ask from you no more than you can give.
I will not expect you to read my mind.
I will not hide from you my limits or gaps in knowledge; if I just don’t know, I’ll tell you so.
I will explain, to the best of my ability, not only what to do and how, but also why.
I will not push you beyond your ability or willingness to proceed.
I realize that I may be tempted to become dominating, a "leader" -- and I will do my best to resist this temptation.
Because I received from others without payment, I will give to you without payment.
As I can, I will learn from you in turn.



The Student Promises the Teacher:
I will abide by the Rules of the Circle.
I will ask from you no more than you can give.
I will not expect you to read my mind.
If I have questions about what you show me, I will ask you.
If I fail to understand anything, I will mention it.
If I feel unready to proceed, I will tell you.
I realize that I may be tempted to become dependent, a "follower" -- and I will do my best to resist this temptation.
Because I receive from you without payment, I will give to others without payment.
As I can, I will teach you in turn.

Copied from Mark Sumpter