This outline is fairly specific, and is particularly intended for times when the ritual is relatively large or has many newcomers, in order to make planning go more smoothly. The ritual group is always free to disregard it if they see fit.

GROUND RULES: Please remember that we come from a variety of traditions, and need to be somewhat patient with each other in order to make the ritual work. Give as much support as you can to each person as they do their role. If you need to leave after the circle has been cast, please ask the Guardian to cut you out formally.

If any person strongly objects to any element of the ritual, we won't use that element. No one is obliged to do things, which s/he finds distasteful.

Everyone is encouraged to take roles, even if you have never participated in ritual before.

PLANNING: Each person names him/herself and briefly says what s/he is looking for in the ritual, and what s/he might bring to it. The group then develops an intent for the ritual and designs ways to meet that intent. Finally, the circle casting at beginning and end is planned and roles are chosen.

GUARDIAN'S CHALLENGE: The Guardian (MIB in some traditions) asks, "Is there peace in the circle?" If anyone is uncomfortable with another person or with the ritual, this is a chance to speak up (though objections should be raised during planning if at all possible).

SWEEPING: Sweep with a broom to drive out unwanted influences.

CENSING: Fan incense over each person (including yourself) for purification.

ASPERGING: Sprinkle salt water over each person (including yourself) for purification.

CASTING THE CIRCLE: Draw a boundary around the group (with your hand or a tool) to divide sacred from mundane space. It is helpful to visualize a line of light.

CALLING THE QUARTERS: Call on the powers of the direction to attend the ritual. This can be very simple: "Powers of the East, powers of Air, Welcome to our circle. So mote it be."

Quarter attributes include and are not limited to:

EAST: Air, thought, insight.
SOUTH: Fire, passion, will, energy.
WEST: Water, emotion, and intuition.
NORTH: Earth, body, and stability.

CALLING THE GODDESS: Call on the Goddess to be present in the ritual. For these rituals we generally call her as the Moon unless another aspect is more appropriate to the specific ritual. Ask her to be present in the chalice or central bowl of water. It is also possible to call the God if this is appropriate to the specific ritual.

GROUNDING: A quiet, meditative activity to focus the group's thoughts: a guided meditation such as the Tree of Life, a chant or group Om, or a slow circle dance.

WORKING: An activity to focus on the intention of the ritual, generally with each person having the chance to say or contribute something. For example: candle lighting, group story telling, sharing of experiences, scrying (looking for visions), etc.

ENERGY RAISING: An activity to raise energy to empower the intention of the ritual: generally dancing, chanting or drumming. A specific person should be picked to start and stop the energy raising.

CLOSING: An activity to close the ritual and seal its intention: prayers of praise and thanksgiving, sharing food or drink, and announcements of community events and issues.

FAREWELL TO THE GODDESS: The person who called the Goddess thanks her for her presence and bids her farewell.

FAREWELL TO THE QUARTERS: Starting in the North and moving counter-clockwise, the people who called the quarters thank them for their presence and bid them farewell.

OPENING THE CIRCLE: The person who cast the circle cuts across (with hand or tool) and says:
     "With points drawn down we make the slash, Each to their own - Sham Ham Phorash*."

All end by joining hands and saying:
     "The circle is open, but never broken.
     Merry meet, and merry part, and merry meet again!"