Pagan Spirit Gathering 2012

Gathering Guidelines



Arrival & Check-in:


The campground will be open for arrivals from 9am - 7pm on opening Sunday, June 17th and from 9am - 7pm Monday, June 18th through Saturday, June 23rd. No camping is available in the days prior to the festival. If you arrive before 9 am on Sunday, or after the gate closes, you will need to find alternative accommodations, so please plan your travel arrangements so that you arrive while the gate is open. Please also remember to be discreet as you travel to the site and do not discuss or call attention to PSG with locals or other non-participants. PSG is a private gathering, open only to Pagans who have pre-registered.

You will need to present the gate pass(es) included in your registration confirmation packet to the gatekeeper on duty when you arrive in order to gain admittance to the festival. Everyone in your vehicle must be listed on a gate pass. For increased security, we also require that each adult SHOW PHOTO ID at the gate along with their gate pass. After checking in, proceed to the PSG Town area and set up your camp. Campsites are occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are a merchant, you will be directed to your assigned booth location when you arrive. When you are done setting up camp, park your car in the designated parking area. Next, go to the PSG Information Center to register. Registration involves marking your camping site on the Town Map and signing up for your four hours of community workshifts. When this is done, you will receive your Town Guide and your Spirit Bag. Be sure to read through the Guide, which contains the Gathering schedule and other useful information about Town centers, site facilities, and gathering etiquette.


Shirt Orders


If you ordered a PSG shirt, you will find in your registration confirmation packet a coupon for what you have ordered. Note that the coupon for all the orders included in one registration is sent only to the first person listed on that form. Please present this coupon at the Info Center during registration to pick up the order. If you did order a shirt when you registered, there will be a limited number of shirts available onsite.


Parking


Vehicle traffic through camp is not permitted except for Campground and Gathering staff service vehicles. Vehicles need to be parked for the duration of your stay in the campground parking area, unless a campsite parking permit has been applied for and granted. A very limited number of campsite parking permits will be issued. If you indicated during registration that you are either sleeping in or merchanting from your vehicle, then your campsite parking permit will be mailed with your registration confirmation and must be posted in your vehicle window. If you have another special reason for needing to have your vehicle in your camping area, parking permits can also be issued onsite at the Info Center if space permits.

Please note that having a parking permit will limit your campsite location! Most of the wooded camping will not support parking.


Departures


Once you have arrived at the Gathering, you need to stay on-site until the end of your Gathering participation. Please plan your food and other supply needs accordingly. Any exceptions to this rule must be discussed with the gate coordinators at least a day before you need to be off-site. For security reasons, the PSG Gates are locked at night and do not re-open until morning. All Gathering participants must leave the PSG site by 5 pm on Sunday, June 24th.


Privacy Policy


PSG is not open to the general public and its media. Pagan Scholars who want to conduct Pagan Studies research at the Gathering as part of their participation must submit a research proposal by April 22, 2012 in order to be considered.


PSG Food Court


If you don't want to spending time cooking during PSG, plan to eat some or all meals with the food merchants, who will serve all week. For a listing of food merchants, visit the Site/Food page.


On-Site Supplies and Facilities


The campground has hot indoor showers, some indoor toilet facilities, portatoilets, and sinks for handwashing. Cold water spigots are located throughout the camp. All water must be carried back to your site for drinking and cleaning: consider bringing a small wagon or luggage carrier for transport. Please bring your own means to cook food if you need to insure that cooking apparatus is at your personal campsite. Fire rings for personal campsites may be made by gathering stones from the property, or you may your own elevated fire pans. Picnic tables will not be provided, so remember to bring your own camp table. One public pay phone is available at the Camp Store. Calls can only be made collect, with calling cards, or with phone cards. Cell phones will work throughout most of the campground and surrounding area, however you will not receive 3G or 4G data service.

Recycling is available on-site. Please bring containers (bags, crates, etc.) to sort your recyclables at your camp. Please bring a flashlight (with extra batteries) to light your way around the campground. Please bring torches and fuel to light the area around your personal camp!

Bagged ice and firewood will be available to purchase on-site. There is a sandy beach by the pond where you can enjoy wading, swimming, and floating. There is also a creek for wading that runs throughout the camp. Swimming is at your own risk. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Swimming is clothing-optional. Personal flotation devices are OK, but please do not bring multi-person large rafts, canoes, or kayaks.

Camp, park, build fires, and stay within designated areas. No hunting, plant foraging or wood cutting. Don't litter - keep your site clean. Don't bring pets, animal friends, people not pre-registered, firearms, illegal drugs, or alcohol not intended for personal consumption.


Cancellations & Refunds


Written cancellation requests received by June 3rd will be refunded in late July minus half of the registration fee for processing. After June 3rd there will be no refund requests granted.


Raffle Item Donations


Circle will sponsor a raffle and silent auciton fundraiser. Help support your spiritual community and win fun prizes! We are looking for donations of new or quality used magical items for raffle prizes. If you have ritual tools, Pagan artwork, ritual clothes, or other items of interest to Pagans that you would like to donate, please drop them off at the Information Tent when you register at PSG. We are happy to mention merchant booths for any merchants who would like to donate a prize. If you would like us to do this, please attach a card with a brief description.


MINORS:


May attend with a parent/legal guardian or other adult caretaker designated by their parent/legal guardian. Caretaker MUST request, complete & return the Caretaker Registration Form prior to event. Parent/Legal Guardian/Caretaker is responsible for supervision of minor(s) and for ensuring the minor(s) complies with all provisions of the Gathering Guidelines. When minor(s) is not in Childcare/Tweens Center or Young Elders Center, the parent/legal guardian/caretaker should retain control over and supervision of the minor(s). Neither Circle Sanctuary or Stonehouse Park staff will be responsible for your children at the Gathering. Use of the Childcare/Tweens/Young Elders Centers for minor(s) in your care is at your own risk and discretion.


PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS


Conditions that may require medication and/or periodical medical attention must be described in the comment section of the registration form. Bring ample supply of medications - there is no pharmacy nearby. Doctor's permission will be required for persons with health conditions that require ongoing support from First Aid and/or Psyche's Grotto.

ALCOHOL/TOBACCO


Use is limited to adults. Alcohol must be used in moderation. No sale or barter of alcohol is permitted. No alcohol is allowed in Amethyst Circle or Sweatlodge area. If you smoke, be considerate of non-smokers, make sure butts are extinguished and deposited in an appropriate receptacle and not left on the ground.


RESPECT & RESPONSIBILITY:


You are responsible for your welfare, the welfare of any minor(s) in your care, your personal property and the personal property of any minor(s) in your care. You and any minor(s) in your care shall: respect all participants, including those whose spiritual tradition, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, race & other ways differ from yours, be quiet in designated quiet areas and ritual spaces & at designated times, be honest, trustworthy & considerate in dealing with others including Circle Staff, PSG Staff & Stonehouse Park Staff, respect the site, plants, animals, and all the Nature Spirits that dwell there, and abide by PSG's privacy policy and photo guidelines as posted on the website. All adults are required to sign up for and complete 4 hours of volunteer work during the Gathering.

Fire Spinning Guidelines


ORGANIZATION
  • Facilitated through Bonfire Coordinators.
  • Fire Team Leaders: Group of 5 people selected by Circle to oversee the Fire Spinning Area and conduct the mandatory Fire Spinning Classes. Must have direct radio communication to Safety/Medical and Bonfire Coordinators. Must be instructed in use of a fire extinguisher.
  • Fire Spinning Monitors: Clan of Pyros who voluntarily monitor the Fire Spinning Zone for the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of the Community and report to the Bonfire Coordinators and Fire Team Leaders. The Clan of Pyros also assists with the mandatory Safety Classes.
  • Fire Spinning Community: Everyone interested in fire play and dedicated to keeping the area safe and will assist in keeping safety equipment in the Fire Spinning Zone stocked.

FIRE SPINNING ZONE
  • Fire spinning will only be allowed in the marked area by Bonfire Circle unless pre-arranged with MoonFeather for fire performances for ritual and concerts.
  • A fire extinguisher will be posted near the water spigot near Bonfire Circle.
  • Buckets of water and towels must be on hand in the Fire Spinning Zone.
  • No spectators allowed in the Fire Spinning Zone. Spectators must remain outside the marked boundaries.
  • Minors must have completed the Safety Workshop and be wearing a bracelet.
  • If you hear the word "HOLD", it means that you are on fire or in some other danger. Freeze your position and let the spotter handle the emergency.

EDUCATION & SAFETY
  • Use common sense. If you are found to be acting irresponsibly by the Bonfire Circle Coordinators, Safety Guardians or Fire Team Leaders you may lose your fire privileges for the remainder of the festival.
  • Prepare your body. Wet hair down and tie back if long. Know what kind of clothing is appropriate, and wear only appropriate clothing.
  • Do not spin after consuming alcohol or other intoxicants, including prescription medications that impair physical functioning.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Wind, ground, weather, darkness, fuel, objects, overhead trees, and people in the vicinity.
  • Spinners under the age of 18 must have parental permission to participate in fire play without a parent present. If you are under 18 you must bring a parent to the safety workshop so this permission may be established and a waiver signed. After completion of the safety workshop minors will receive a bracelet that must be worn.
  • You need to use the buddy system and must bring your own spotter to monitor you as you spin and if a spinner, then you will spot for them in return.
  • There is no smoking allowed near the fuel or spin area.
  • Check your equipment for safety.
  • Keep fuel in a safe place away from fire source and lit with glow stick.
  • Keep spectators back. It is the responsibility of the Fire Team Leaders, Safety Guardians, and Bonfire Circle Coordinators to keep the rest of our community safe.
  • You must have your own fuel supply or an arrangement made with someone so you may use their fuel. Fuel will not be supplied to deadbeats.
  • Be respectful of each other's equipment. Ask before using, treat it well, and don't get mud or dirt in the fuel.
  • Remember, you don't need to prove anything. Know your limitations and take all precautions.

Watch out for each other and keep this a safe place to learn and experience fire play. Thank you!

Guidelines for Service Animals


Definition: The term "service animal" is defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as an animal "individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability." Service animals are working animals. Many wear a harness, cape, vest, or back-pack when working. Service animals are normally dogs and fall into three categories: guide dogs for visually impaired, hearing dogs for the hearing impaired, and support or service dogs to help those with physical disabilities or mobility impairments to accomplish daily tasks.

In order to consider you and your service animal attendance at PSG you must provide Circle with the following information:

1. The reason for your need of a service animal. Please provide medical documentation of such.

2. Tell us about your dog. Type, training, length of time with, etc.

3. How will your service animals needs be met during PSG? Food, care, housing, cleaning up after, vet care, etc.

4. Circle assumes no responsibility for your service animal. Do you have insurance to cover any incidents? If so, please provide name of company and policy number.

5. Participants requiring use of a service dog also are required to bring along a support person who can assist them. This person must be willing to leave the Gathering should you and your service animal find it necessary to leave the Gathering. Please provide the name and contact information of your Support Person.

Photography Rules & Recording Policy


While some PSG participants do not mind being photographed, some do. If you want to take photographs for personal use, you must register upon checking in at the Information Center, have your camera tagged, and sign an agreement that you are willing to abide by all photo taking guidelines, which include:

1. No taking photos without the permission of the individuals being photographed, as well as others who may appear in the frame.

2. No taking cell phone photos or video.

3. No video taping allowed during the Gathering.

4. No taking of photos of adults/children in which nudity is present.

5. No taking of photos of large groups, except for large group photographs taken by designated Circle photographers.

6. No photography of sexual activity.

7. No marketing, publishing, posting online, transmitting, or distributing of any photos taken at PSG, in any media, including but not limited to photos, photocopies, or other paper copies, or computer created images without advance written permission of Circle.

8. Willingness to modify photo taking activities if and as requested to do so by Circle Staff and/or Safety.

9. No videotaping, audio taping, filming, research, or other recording is permitted during the Gathering except by prearrangement with the Directors. Some photography and recording may be done by Circle Staff for archival purposes.

Drumming Guidelines


Drumming at festivals can be a wonderful, enjoyable, and even transcending experience that draws people together to participate in something larger that the sum of its parts. It can also be inharmonious, ego-bruising, and disruptive. Here are some guidelines and suggestions developed by some long time PSG Drummers that can make festival drumming at PSG a positive experience for everyone. It is not a bunch of rules and laws that squash creativity and fun, but is rather a number of recommendations based on years of experience in the festival drumming community. A Community is what we have here at PSG. In any community, communication is essential to its well-being and the achievement of its goals. Here then are some suggestions to make our experience one to treasure.

First, some general guidelines which have emerged in response to some problems we've had in the past:
  • Big, loud drums can often drown out most other drums and "step on" the other rhythms. If you have such a drum, be aware of your volume and let other drums be heard. It is fine to take the lead and drum your beat for a while, but hang back then, and drum the back beat so other drummers can do the same.
  • One or two people should not control the beat during Community drumming times. A lot of the fun of drumming is to see what happens when many people contribute to the rhythm - it can turn into something that no one person could have thought of. Be aware that you are drumming in a group, and that all members of the group should be allowed to contribute.
  • Sometimes, it's good to let the drumming get very soft, or to stop completely, and allow people to chant and sing. The human voice is also a rhythm instrument.
  • If you have a loud drum, play responsibly, and sense the energy of the group. Let it get mellow if the energy is getting low. Alternate between calm, low energy and all-out, kick out the jams rocking.
  • Be aware of the dancers. There is a powerful dynamic interaction between drummers and dancers, and they can pass energy back and forth if both are sensitive to this.

Some suggestions for novice Drummers:
  • If you lose the beat, play more quietly and watch the more experienced drummers. Use your eyes as well as your ears to synchronize your drumming with the rest of the group. If that doesn't work, stop drumming completely and listen for the basic beat (the "backbeat"). When you can follow it in your mind, start drumming it. When you've got that, then you can start improvising again.
  • If you have a drum that is a ritual tool and you don't want anyone to play it, don't leave it out unattended. Most people want to try different drums, and a drumming circle is a good place to do it, but always ask the owner first. Remember to return borrowed drums from whence they came.
  • Remember to remove rings when playing a hand drum.
  • It's easier to follow along if you sit near people with drums that have the same kind of tone as yours - deep and bassey, mid-range, or high pitched.

A note about Ritual Drumming:
Ritual drumming is somewhat different than free-form drumming around a fire. Many times, a ritual will be structured and scripted, and if there is drumming for it, it will need to be rehearsed and done only at the proper times and in prescribed ways to heighten the sacred flow of the rite. If you want to drum for a ritual, speak with the ritual's organizer(s).

Sometimes, there will be places in a ritual for free-form drumming, and then everyone is encouraged to participate. Frequently, however, free-form drumming will disrupt the ritual and spoil the sacred flow for everybody.

If the ritual drumming is to be rehearsed, ask if you can be one of the ritual drummers. You will be expected to attend at least one rehearsal, and should be able to follow directions and work with a group. Usually, there is free-form drumming after a ritual has formally ended. If you bring your drum to a ritual for use in the post-ritual drumming, please do NOT use it during the ritual, however tempting it may be. There will be plenty of time later to enjoy the experience of free-form drumming.

After main evening rituals and other activities in the Stone Circle and other areas, free-form drumming and dancing will move to the Bonfire Circle where it can continue into the night. Each morning, there also will be Community Drumming at the Town Green just prior to the start of Town Meetings. Bring your drums and/or other rhythm instruments to play.

Drumming Areas
The Bonfire Circle is a special area for all-night Drumming and Dancing. Nearby is a camping area for Drummers who want to do late night drumming.

Gathering Etiquette


Personal Space:
All Gathering participants must respect the personal space needs of each other, and communicate clearly what those needs are. If you feel your personal space is being intruded upon by someone, it is your responsibility to speak with that person about this. Be gentle and kind in communicating with others whenever possible, but be firm if need be. If you continue to have problems with someone, contact Safety and/or Chip, the PSG Special Issues Director, so that they can help solve the problem.

Tobacco:
If you are a tobacco smoker, please be aware of where your smoke goes so that it does not disturb others. Dispose of cigarette butts/filters in the trash, not on the ground. Please do not smoke in large group rituals, waiting in line for rituals, and workshops, unless the activity involves the use of tobacco as a sacrament, such as sacred pipe ceremonies. Please do not smoke in areas posted with no smoking signs. At Town Meetings and concerts, please position yourself downwind so that those who do not want second hand tobacco smoke won't be disturbed. If you are being disturbed by someone's tobacco smoke, try to resolve this peacefully by kindly communicating this to them, or by moving yourself if convenient.

Alcohol:
Some restrictions on alcohol use apply, including compliance with local laws which does not permit alcohol consumption, even in a ritual context, by minors (those under 21 years of age). If you wish to use alcohol sacramentally in a ritual, workshop, or other activity you plan to facilitate, you must arrange this in advance with MoonFeather, the Program Coordinator. There is absolutely no brewing, cordial or mead making or bartering allowed on site. No alcohol is permitted at any time in these areas: the Sweatlodge, Teen Center, Tweens Area, Childcare Area, and Amethyst Circle. Amethyst Circle is a sober camping and socializing place for Pagans in recovery from alcoholism and/or other addictions. Pagans in recovery are invited to connect with each other and be part of the PSG support group that meets daily during the Gathering, as has been done in past years.

Clothing Times & Places:
The PSG Town area within Stonehouse Park Campground is clothing optional, and nudity as well as elaborate ritual dress and other clothing are all permitted there. Within Pagan culture, remember that nudity is not an invitation to have sex, and should not be regarded as such. If going skyclad, use sunscreen to protect all your skin from the sun. Please note that street clothes (no nudity and no ritual garb) must be worn at all times outside the PSG Town area of Stonehouse Park Campground, including the PSG Gatehouse and Gate. In public areas, please carry a sarong or towel and use it to sit on the chairs, benches, tables, and other public places You should be clothed to attend the PSG Potluck.

Sexuality:
Many Pagans can be very touchy-feely in a loving, caring way. However, if someone touches you or addresses you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, don't hesitate to make that person aware of your feelings and ask that the objectionable behavior stop. If the person does not stop after you have requested this, then notify Safety and Dennis, the PSG Special Issues staff. Only sex between consenting adults is permitted, and sexual activity needs to be done in private personal space. Please be discreet. Practice safe sex and insist that any partner(s) you have practice safe sex too! If you have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), be responsible and discuss this with any partner(s) before having sex. Be aware that people can be carriers of AIDS and/or other STDs without knowing this. Condoms help prevent the spread of STDs. Sometimes participants, excited by the freedoms and possibilities at Pagan gatherings, get involved in new sexual relationships without considering how these will impact on themselves and existing relationships after the festival ends. Take time to reflect on the implications of new relationships before you act.

Sound & Quiet:
If you prefer to sleep in a more quiet place in the Town, camp in the Quieter Area. If you wish to stay up late at night and socialize, do not camp in this area - camp elsewhere. In the Quieter Area, no drumming or loud partying is permitted from midnight to 6am. Since sound travels in the Town, even to the far reaches, wear ear plugs if you need more quiet. Drumming is permitted day and night in the Bonfire Circle throughout the Gathering. Quieter drumming is encouraged from 3am - 6am. Modification of drumming times and sound levels will be announced in Town Meetings, posted on the Town Bulletin Board at the Information Center, and communicated to Drummers. If drumming or other sounds by others are disturbing your personal space, peacefully communicate and negotiate with them about this.

Ticks:
They are mainly in the woods and in tall grasses. If you have a tick crawling on you, remove it. If it has attached itself to you, be sure to remove it completely in pulling it off. If you need help, go to the First Aid Center. The two most common types of ticks are the deer tick, which is black and freckle size, and the wood tick, which is brown and larger. Check your body for ticks at least twice a day. When possible, have someone assist you by checking the parts of your body that are hard for you to see yourself. Deer ticks, not wood ticks, sometimes are carriers of Lymes disease, a condition which is treatable with antibiotics. More information about this is available from staff at the First Aid Center.

Medical Emergencies:
If a person passes out or becomes seriously ill, do not move them unless they are in physical danger. Send someone to the First Aid Center immediately to get help. Only professionally trained persons should deal with these emergencies.

Guide Rope Marking:
Mark guide ropes of tents and canopies with visible tape or cloth. Be mindful of this and other safety considerations

Weather:
Should it rain during this year's PSG, enjoy its beauty and let it purify and refresh you rather than getting grumpy and viewing it as a hassle. If a heavy storm seems to be on the way, we suggest that you put your belongings that must be kept dry in plastic garbage bags or other waterproof containers inside your tent. Keep some towels and a pan or two handy to catch water in case your tent leaks. In cases of high winds, secure your tent and camping area to prevent wind damage. Remember to check with the Weather Collective before attempting any weatherworking on your own.

Grounding & Centering:
It is a good idea to take some private time out for yourself at least once daily during PSG. This will help prevent you from getting overloaded by the intensity of activities and energy that are part of this Gathering. Remember to get sufficient food, water, and rest. If you need help grounding and centering, ask staff at Psyche's Grotto to help you. Balancing and relaxing herbal teas are also available there.

Sun Protection:
Wear a sun hat, sunscreen, and/or other sun protection. Remember, you can get sunburned on overcast as well as sunny days. Cover all exposed parts of the body. Some aloe gel for treating sunburn is available at the First Aid Center.