Safety & Responsibility

As a community, we work together to make sure that PSG is a safe, fun, and sacred space for everyone.  During the gathering please maintain awareness of your own actions and how they may affect others.  

Also be aware of those around you, and if they might need assistance, or if a situation may become unsafe.  Please report any unsafe situations as soon as possible to Safety or PSG administration by finding a Guardian or going to the Info Tent (during the day) or Safety Camp/First Aid Center (all hours).

Respect & Responsibility

You are responsible for your welfare and the welfare of any minors in your care, your personal property, and the personal property of any minors in your care.  You and any minors in your care shall: respect all participants, including those different from you in spiritual tradition, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, race, or in any other way.  You must be quiet in designated quiet areas and ritual spaces and at designated times; be honest, trustworthy and considerate in dealing with others including Circle Staff and PSG Staff; respect the site, plants, animals, and all the Nature Spirits that dwell there.  All participants must abide by PSG’s privacy policy and photo guidelines as posted on the website and in the program guide.

Safety

PSG’s Guardians and administration work to keep everyone at the gathering safe at all times.  If anyone does anything that makes you feel unsafe, or you witness a situation that may become unsafe, please contact Safety or PSG administration immediately by finding a Guardian or going to the Info Tent (during the day) or Safety Camp/First Aid Center (all hours).  PSG, Circle Sanctuary, and the Safety team take all safety concerns very seriously and promptly investigate all incident reports.

Medical Emergencies

If a person passes out or becomes seriously ill, do not move them unless they are in physical danger.  Contact Safety immediately to get help by locating a Guardian and/or sending someone to the First Aid Center.  Only professionally trained persons should deal with these emergencies.

Harassment & Touching

It is your responsibility to monitor your own behavior and ensure that your words or actions do not harm, harass or threaten other PSG participants. Harassment can include, but is not limited to, offensive comments, unwanted touching, stalking, unwanted flirting or sexual behaviors.

Always ask before touching anyone and be mindful of others' comfort and boundaries at all times.  Many Pagans can be very touchy-feely in a caring way, but don’t assume – always ask before touching!  During a cathartic experience it is particularly important not to assume that someone may want or welcome a hug or other contact.  Ask before touching, and be willing to take 'no' politely.

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 or PSG administration by finding a Guardian or going to the Info Tent (during the day) or Safety Camp/First Aid Center (all hours).  Please make this report as soon as possible after the incident occurred.  Guardians and PSG staff are on-call at all hours.  

Sexuality & Consent:

Pagans have many differing comfort levels regarding flirtation and sexual behavior.  What one person can intend as playful banter can instead come off as harassing or threatening.  Be mindful of the comfort and boundaries of those around you at all times, and if someone expresses discomfort change your behavior immediately!

Only sex between consenting adults is permitted!  Make sure that you have unambiguous consent before initiating any sexual activity.  Be aware that inebriation can impair the ability of people to give consent.  When in doubt, err on the side of stopping all sexual activity until the safety and consent of all participants has been clearly established.  "If it's not Hell Yes, then no"  is a good guideline.

If someone behaves in a sexual manner that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, ask them to stop.  If the person does not stop after you have requested this, then please notify Safety or PSG administration by finding a Guardian or going to the Info Tent (during the day) or Safety Camp/First Aid Center (all hours).  Similarly, if you observe a situation going on where you feel someone else may be unsafe, please let us know immediately.  Please make this report as soon as possible after the incident occurred – including late at night if necessary. Guardians and PSG staff are on-call at all hours.  

PSG takes the safety and comfort of all participants very seriously – please let us know about any problematic situation or incident so that we can help keep PSG as a safe space for all.

All sexual activity must be done in private, personal space.  Please be discreet.  Practice safe sex and insist that any partners you have practice safe sex too!  If you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), be responsible and discuss this with any partners before having sex.  Be aware that people can be carriers of AIDS and/or other STIs without knowing this. Preventative devices (condoms, dental dams, etc.), when used properly, help prevent the spread of STIs. 

Sometimes participants, excited by the freedoms and possibilities at Pagan gatherings, get involved in new sexual relationships without considering how it will impact themselves and existing relationships after the festival ends.  Take time to reflect on the implications of new relationships before you act. 

Fires & Fire Emergencies

Should any kind of fire start to get out of control, shout for help immediately, radio for help on Channel 1, and also find Guardian and send someone to the Safety Center.   Fire extinguishers are in the buildings on site. 

Campfires are permitted in fire rings and above ground apparatus only.

Please be aware that extreme caution must be taken when kindling fires of any size and kind, including campfires, candles, and lighting cigarettes. Do not leave open flames unattended! 

Alcohol

Some restrictions on alcohol use apply, including compliance with local laws which do not permit alcohol consumption, even in a ritual context, by those under 21 years of age.  If you choose to drink, either socially or in a ritual context, please do so in moderation, and remain mindful of your surroundings and your behavior toward others.  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 Messina.  

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 Sweat Lodge, Family Center, Teen Center, 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.