Agreements of the Nemeton
The Nemeton of the Ways can be thought of as an extended family, a sanctuary of kinship and mutual support, whose work and worship is rooted in the living Earth, our Mother. The Nemeton of the Ways is organized and managed by a College of Clergy, headed by the Grove Priest. The folk of the Nemeton gather to observe and celebrate the natural cycles, pay reverence to the deities and hosts of spirits, and to join in sacred fellowship with each other and with the Land. Not all
who attend will posses the same talents, skills, abilities, or needs, but all have a contribution to make to the whole. Members of the Nemeton must respect and be mindful of each other and any who may be visiting. If at any time someone has a question about what is or is not acceptable within the Nemeton of the Ways and its purview, please speak with one of the Priests of the Nemeton. We are, above all, growing a spiritual tradition and this tradition includes room for spiritual growth, education, and shared responsibility.
The following are the terms of agreement that go along with being a member of the Nemeton of the Ways:
who attend will posses the same talents, skills, abilities, or needs, but all have a contribution to make to the whole. Members of the Nemeton must respect and be mindful of each other and any who may be visiting. If at any time someone has a question about what is or is not acceptable within the Nemeton of the Ways and its purview, please speak with one of the Priests of the Nemeton. We are, above all, growing a spiritual tradition and this tradition includes room for spiritual growth, education, and shared responsibility.
The following are the terms of agreement that go along with being a member of the Nemeton of the Ways:
1.) There should be no consumption of alcoholic beverages or use of recreational drugs prior to any gathering or ritual of the Nemeton of the Ways. Alcohol will be a part of most of our rituals. A non-alcoholic alternative will be provided for nondrinkers and those under 21 years of age. Responsible consumption of alcohol is permitted for those of legal drinking age during the post-ritual fellowship.
2.) There will be a peace bond upon all members during any gathering, ritual, or function of the Nemeton of the Ways. Not allowable are the following: weapons*, violent or disturbing behavior, inappropriate or unwanted sexual advances, verbal or physical threats of harm, hazing, or roughhousing.
*Exceptions regarding weapons for ritual use may be made after prior consultation with a priest or priestess of the Nemeton.
3.) Please ask permission of the person(s) officiating the ritual prior to placing anything upon the altar or within the ritual space.
4.) If you have a dispute with another member or members of the Nemeton, attempt to honorably resolve the matter between you and the other party in a respectful manner. If this fails or you are not comfortable doing so, or if the dispute affects the Nemeton of the Ways as whole, it should be brought to the attention of the College of Clergy. Any ensuing conversations can take place privately.
5.) Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a person who is 21 years of age or older. You are responsible for your own children, please observe ritual etiquette.
6.) While many people have grown more open about their affiliation with or membership in Pagan groups or organizations, unless you have their express permission, please respect everyone’s anonymity. Do not call a friend or acquaintance by their Pagan/Craft name, if they have one, or
their affiliation to any Pagan groups outside of the Nemeton’s sanctuary.
7.) The Nemeton of the Ways and its members adhere to a strict policy of nondiscrimination and uphold the inherent dignity of all people regardless of faith, creed, nation of origin, race, sexual orientation or identity, language, or disability.
8.) As we hold the Earth to be inherently sacred, all sites of worship or other gathering, be they indoors or outdoors, are to be treated with reverence and not to be desecrated or polluted in any way (i.e. ‘carry in-carry out’, proper disposal of waste, general respect for the site).
9.) There may be times during any given ritual or gathering that members may choose to share personal experiences, thoughts, or feelings. Should such sharing take place, it is for the well-being of our community that those things shared be treated with respect and as confidential, not leaving the confines of sacred space.
2.) There will be a peace bond upon all members during any gathering, ritual, or function of the Nemeton of the Ways. Not allowable are the following: weapons*, violent or disturbing behavior, inappropriate or unwanted sexual advances, verbal or physical threats of harm, hazing, or roughhousing.
*Exceptions regarding weapons for ritual use may be made after prior consultation with a priest or priestess of the Nemeton.
3.) Please ask permission of the person(s) officiating the ritual prior to placing anything upon the altar or within the ritual space.
4.) If you have a dispute with another member or members of the Nemeton, attempt to honorably resolve the matter between you and the other party in a respectful manner. If this fails or you are not comfortable doing so, or if the dispute affects the Nemeton of the Ways as whole, it should be brought to the attention of the College of Clergy. Any ensuing conversations can take place privately.
5.) Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a person who is 21 years of age or older. You are responsible for your own children, please observe ritual etiquette.
6.) While many people have grown more open about their affiliation with or membership in Pagan groups or organizations, unless you have their express permission, please respect everyone’s anonymity. Do not call a friend or acquaintance by their Pagan/Craft name, if they have one, or
their affiliation to any Pagan groups outside of the Nemeton’s sanctuary.
7.) The Nemeton of the Ways and its members adhere to a strict policy of nondiscrimination and uphold the inherent dignity of all people regardless of faith, creed, nation of origin, race, sexual orientation or identity, language, or disability.
8.) As we hold the Earth to be inherently sacred, all sites of worship or other gathering, be they indoors or outdoors, are to be treated with reverence and not to be desecrated or polluted in any way (i.e. ‘carry in-carry out’, proper disposal of waste, general respect for the site).
9.) There may be times during any given ritual or gathering that members may choose to share personal experiences, thoughts, or feelings. Should such sharing take place, it is for the well-being of our community that those things shared be treated with respect and as confidential, not leaving the confines of sacred space.
These Agreements are heavily drawn from the Agreements of Treibh na Tintean, an open Celtic Circle based out of Joliet, Illinois. Used with their permission.
