FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What to expect?

You can expect Pagan rituals in the style of Wicca. You can expect to be welcomed into our community with open arms and will meet like minded people of all skill and experience levels.

The ritual will be held in a ‘circle’ with the altar in the center. There will typically be a circle cast, elemental calls, deity calls, a wine blessing, a main working and farewells. You can expect to take part in rituals based on to many different pantheons and Pagan traditions.

The rituals are conducted by a group of people, the priesthood, typically consisting of one or two people. As well as the temple staff which consists of the hand, bard and summoner. There will be four elemental officers, these officers are usually made up of regular attendees like you. Attendees begin arriving at about 7:30pm with rituals beginning at 8pm sharp. The main door will be locked during the ritual.

I am new, what if I make a mistake in circle?

At Silver Circle we welcome people of all experience levels and are very forgiving of any mistakes. We understand that making mistakes in ritual is part of learning and even the most experienced of practitioners are prone to make them from time to time.

The easiest thing to do for your first few Silver Circle rituals is to simply follow the lead of the people around you, turn when they turn, chant when they chant and respond when they respond. The most common responses to calls are “Hail and welcome”, “Hail and farewell” and “So mote it be”.

How to act in ritual/proper etiquette?

We always walk around and turn doesil(clockwise) in circle to ensure good energy flow in the circle.

If you have any issues or must leave the circle for any reason, discretely let the summoner(person with the staff by the entryway) know.

Unless you are an element please do not take one of the chairs in the elemental quarters and be mindful of the camera broadcasting the ritual over Zoom.

During ritual is not the time to have personal conversations with friends, we encourage you to do this before or after ritual or during feast times.

We encourage you to ask questions if the information is required for your ability to participate in the ritual activity in the moment however, general questions should be kept until after the ritual has concluded. You may bring a notebook to take down such information.

What to bring?

Bring yourself and your enthusiasm for the Gods!

On Sabbats and at special rituals, we hold potluck feasts. We will post a notice in the ritual description of any instructions for the feast and if we are going to be having one. Typically you will be asked to bring one dish, please be sure to bring any feast offerings home with you at the conclusion of the night.

What not to bring?

Please keep in mind the temple space is a scent free and nut free zone.

Please do not bring an athame(ritual dagger) unless you are conducting the ritual for that night.

I have mobility devices, health concerns and or mobility challenges, will I be accommodated at Silver Circle?

Yes! We are accommodating and inclusive to all mobility devices, challenges and health concerns. We also typically provide chairs to all those in circle. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact silvercirclepagan@gmail.com or speak with the summoner before ritual.

Where do we meet?

We meet at in the Fellowship Hall at The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton at 170 Dundurn St. S. Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on the first and third Fridays at 8pm for ritual. We also broadcast our rituals on Zoom for those who are not able to come in person.

We meet on Zoom for classes at 7pm on the second and fourth Fridays.

Do I need ritual robes to take part?

Many attendees wear ritual robes, as it helps them feel like they are in the ritual mindset however, they are not required and you are free to wear your street clothes to Silver Circle.

Regardless, it is recommended you wear comfortable, well fitting clothing made of natural fibres to minimize any risk from the altar candles.

Do I need to attend classes in order to attend ritual?

No, you do not need to attend classes in order to attend rituals however, they offer a wealth of knowledge, which can significantly contribute to your ritual experience, understanding and relationship with the Gods.

In rare and special circumstances, such as invocation rituals, you may be required to attend a class in order to attend. We will let attendees know in advance if this is the case.

Does it cost anything to attend Silver Circle?

Silver Circle operates on a ‘Pay What You Can’ structure, while no one is paid to conduct ritual for Silver Circle, we still must pay rent for our ritual space and purchase supplies, for example, wine, candles and craft supplies. The suggested donation amount is $5. We also conduct fundraisers such as our divination nights and an annual Yule auction throughout the year. Donations can also be sent in the form of e-transfers to: silvercirclepagan@gmail.com

I am doing a school project, can I come do research for it?

Yes, please let us know ahead at: silvercirclepagan@gmail.com and we will be happy to make sure you receive all the information you need.