-It is never permissible to expose someone as a Pagan or Witch. Do not ever call a friend or acquaintence by their Pagan name or mention their membership in a mundane situation unless given explicit permission to do so.
-Just as you would never assume that you are invited to a party a friend is invited to, never assume that you are invited to a ritual or a nonpublic gathering just because your friend is invited. Be sure to have your friend ask or call and ask yourself. Conversely, never bring guests without asking for permission first.
-When participating in a ritual led by a group of which you are not a member, ask ahead of time what the ceremony will entail. If there is a portion of the ceremony you feel uncomfortable with, do not participate and most importantly do not make a fuss or start a debate. If you decide you simply must leave, do not just walk out of the circle- ask someone to create you a door in the circle so you don’t destroy it.
-You should understand the ritual beforehand and be comfortable with it. If you are unfamiliar with the tradition, ask before about the ritual.
-Always ask if there is anything you can bring: food items, soft drinks, plasticware, paper plates, candles, trash bags, etc. It is unacceptable to expect the host to provide everything unless they insist. It is also a nice gesture to bring a host gift such as a bottle of wine, a plant, a bouquet of flowers or a decorative item.
-The High Priestess is the Goddess among us, no matter who the High Priestess happens to be. It is expected and proper to greet the High Priestess first. The High Priest is the God among us, no matter who the HP happens to be. It is expected and proper to greet the High Priest secondly.
-Sometimes when children are going to participate, it's best to make a 'bathroom run' just before starting.
-Don't make comments on the ritual, its leaders or what is happening in the circle. Keep your mouth shut until after the ritual when you may make whatever comments you like, politely and selectively.
-If you happen to be attending a skyclad (nude) ritual, please ask if being skyclad is optional beforehand. Most importantly do not stare or engage in any sort of lewd behavior. If you are not mature enough to engage in a skyclad ritual, you will always have the option to leave. However, if you aren’t comfortable with nudity, you may elect to remain clothed.
-Rituals and gatherings should be planned so that those with physical problems are not barred totally from participation. Be aware that many more people than you might think are mobility disabled. One thought is to provide a chair for the person(s) concerned. Group rituals should take place in an accessible area and some thought should be given to designating a place for those not taking part to stand or sit.
-It is perfectly acceptable to quietly ask whether a dish is vegetarian, acceptable for a diabetic or heart patient and if it may contain something you are allergic to. When planning a meal for any gathering, it is always a good rule to have some vegetarian, sugar free and low fat dishes available in some form and to find out if any of your guests may have any allergies. It is also strongly recommended that you always provide an alternative to alcoholic beverages.
-Drug, alcohol and herbal stimulant/depressant usage is your prerogative. However, please be acutely aware that some gatherings ban the use of all of the above as well as anyone under the influence of the aforementioned products. If you are attending a gathering in which there is drug or alcohol use and you are even mildly uncomfortable, it is perfectly acceptable to quietly and eloquently take your leave or decline participation.
-It is unacceptable to degrade another’s tradition or religion in any form. Outside of the ritual or spell, it is acceptable to ask questions of another’s tradition but do not begin a debate or argument over the premises and components of a ritual.
-No matter if you are at a regular party or ritual, it is always polite to thank your host.
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