The Courts of Chaos Coven
We are a Group of like minded, eclectic people. That gather and celebrate moons and many Sabbats. We have a Degree system in place, and the group is composed of many ages. Moderate consumption of alcohol, typically wine, is often used (minors excluded). Narcotic drugs are not allowed in any form. Our rituals have a basic structure, but within that structure, many variations exist, and any options other than the aforementioned will be considered on a trial basis. The Courts of Chaos has a lighthearted approach to practicing the arts that has given us an excellent environment for new members, dispelling much of the rigidity of a more formal ritual in exchange for a group that is closer than family; willing to accept that we all make mistakes, able to see the humor in them, and a desire to see each person become the best ‘witch’ they can be.
-Blessings and Light
and may your God(s) be with you.
Rules of Conduct
1. General
2. Ritual
3. Magical
1. General
a. Respect Mother Nature
b. Respect Yourself
i. Don’t Over Commit Your Time
ii. Don’t Over Commit Your Resources
iii. Don’t bury your feelings or emotions
- Take the necessary time to cool down, but then express
them in a clear, concise, constructive way.
c. Respect All Others
i. Respect their Beliefs
- in Religious Expression
- in Customs
- in Sexual Practice or Preference
-Respect other peoples beliefs and do not attempt to ambush or be critical of their beliefs. Weather it be on religion, politics or life.
ii. Respect their Property
- Ask BEFORE you borrow something
- If you borrow something, return it in a timely manner
- If you use something, treat it with care
- If you lose or break something, replace it
Remember: As a member or guest of the pagan community, you now represent not
only yourself, but also how others perceive and judge the paganism
e. Controlled Substances
- There will be no consumption of alcohol by anyone who is
under the State mandated Legal age.
- The consumption of alcohol to the state of inebriation will not
be allowed during ritual, and anyone who shows up for ritual
in such a state will be asked to leave.
- The smoking of cigarettes shall cease a minimum of half an
hour before ritual begins and may resume 15 min after rite has ended
- No other controlled substances of any kind, other than
prescription medication authorized by a physician, will be
tolerated on Coven property, or at a Coven sponsored
activity.
-Prescriptions should no be shared.
-Illegal drug will not be tolerated, and the coven holds the the right and responsibly to permanently ban and or reported to law inforcement.
2. Ritual
a. Skyclad worship is prohibited whenever someone under the age
of 18 is present unless their parent or legal guardian is present
and gives consent.
b. All participants should be clean and freshly bathed for ritual.
c. Please resolve all personal issues and conflicts outside of
ritual. (Note: anyone excepting themselves from ritual
because of an inability to do so, shall have that desire
respected. If it is an ongoing situation, and they wish, the
matter may be brought before the Council for mediation.)
d. Ritual is a time of fellowship, celebration, and worship; gaiety
and joy are encouraged, but horseplay, one-up-man-ship, and
rudeness will not be tolerated.
e. Mistakes are made in circle, and slight accidents (bodily or
otherwise) will occur. Kept to a minimum, ritual can flow
around these islands of disruption and still be a beautiful thing.
f. In circle, the Priest and Priestess conducting the ritual deserve
your respect. They put time and effort into putting this together
for you, the least you can do is behave and follow their lead.
g. If you have brought a visitor/guest to ritual, please be sure to
tell them the guidelines as well as making sure they act
accordingly. We don't expect them to know everything that
we're doing in circle, however we do expect them to have a
sense of decorum and respect.
*Book of order will be given to any guest by the inviting member. The member takes full responsibility for that guest.
3. Etiquette
a. If any one member has a problem with another, they must
approach each other directly. If said member feels that they
cannot do so, then they can approach an Elder to mediate
between the two parties involved.
Esbats/discussions are to be conducted in an orderly fashion. Tempers will rise, but voices don't have to. If it must be, a "Talking Stick (or feather)" will be implemented so that everyone has a say in the matter. If you have any questions about how a "Talking Stick" is used, you'll soon find out. It is probably best to have pen and paper on hand during these times, as several points will probably be brought up.
The Sargent at Arms has the final say as to when a discussion has “become to much”
Dating
a. As a group we do understand that dating does and will occur. However if issues can not be resolved we reserve the right to ask for resignation between one or all parties.