Many Pagan groups say all are welcome—but what does that look like in practice?

We know that many groups talk about everyone being welcome. But is that really true?

I think we’d like it to be – it’s good hospitality (something a lot of us see as a sacred act). It’s what we want to be true. It shows that we value community, and that we’re not ableist, sexist, racist, or any number of other things. And we’re really good at including some types of people.

But…that doesn’t actually mean that everyone is welcome. Sometimes we miss the mark, and sometimes we don’t think of things that aren’t within our experience.

When we schedule a ritual in the woods, who are we leaving out? Likely anyone with mobility challenges – those with physical disabilities, elders, those with chronic illnesses.

What about a loud drumming circle? Are we prepared if someone is overwIts’helmed by the sounds? Have we provided a safe way for someone to leave?

Even people who are new to our event or ritual can feel unwelcome if they don’t know what we’re expecting of them. If they have never had cakes & ale, will they know what to do? Or if we use a chant they’ve never heard?

It’s worth stopping and thinking: if someone from a marginalized or vulnerable group attends your next gathering, will they feel welcome?

There’s a difference between an open door, and a space that’s accessible.

And while welcoming language is a good start, it’s not enough. We have to back that up with action (just like spell work – if we say it, but don’t do the mundane things to back it up, our work is less likely to be successful.

“All are welcome” requires us to make sure that those who show up can participate. “Everyone belongs here” requires us to think about rituals that take everyone’s needs into account. And we don’t have to be perfect, but we do have to make an effort, and keep getting better at it.

At a minimum, we need to consider physical access (that open door means nothing if the only way to get to it is up three steps), sensory access, cognitive access, cultural respect, and social safety.

Inclusion is intentional design, not just an invitation.

A lot of the most common gaps in accessibility don’t happen intentionally. They’re things people just don’t realize. Bringing our attention to them helps us do better next time. Here are some examples.

Accessibility

• Outdoor rituals with uneven terrain
• Lack of seating options (especially during rituals)
• Ritual tools placed where some people cannot reach them
• Situations where we make motions that people cannot see

Sensory Environment

• Loud drumming
• Strong incense
• Unpredictable noise or crowd levels
• Lighting

Social Dynamics

• Inside jokes or long-established traditions that confuse newcomers
• Gatekeeping knowledge
• Unspoken expectations
• Clique-like behavior among existing attendees

Communication Barriers

• No clear explanation of rituals
• Lack of clear schedules or structure
• A need to make written text easier for people to understand
• Lack of interpreting services

Missing these points of accessibility are normal – that doesn’t mean they need to continue happening. When we know better, we do better.

What does a truly inclusive Pagan space look like? Let’s envision it together.

A newcomer is greeted at the entrance, and introduced to a specific person who can help with questions. That person is genuinely helpful and glad to meet them. They provide an explanation of what to expect – the schedule, what the ritual will look like, and details of how the event typically works. They’re offered opportunities to be active participants or to sit back and watch if they’re not comfortable with that.

A disabled participant would find accessibility information online before they decide to attend (not just a comment to email to ask about them). When they arrive, they find places to sit, and room to maneuver and park mobility devices. They see from the schedule that the ritual pacing will allow them to participate, and that there are opportunities to do alternative actions to those that they mgiht find difficult.

A neurodivergent participant finds a known ritual structure, and notes on sensory elements so they can decide whether or not to participate in them (and a clear explanation that they are welcome to skip them if they want). They are told where they can go if they need a sensory break.

Welcome is experienced through thoughtful preparation.

There are small steps that every group can take to start improving access.

• Add accessibility to web sites and event listings
• Provide seating at rituals or other places where participants are expected to stand or to sit on the floor
• Offer written ritual outlines whenever possible (note this does not need to be a detailed script)
• Designate a quiet space at larger events
• Ask participants what supports they may need
• Ask participants after the event what worked and what didn’t and use that information in planning future events

Start where you are, and move forward.

When it comes to accessibility, leadership matters.

For festivals, that means the organizing committee. For temples and circles, that means clergy or group leaders.

Leaders shape the culture. Culture is not the written agreements that govern an organization. It’s the unwritten rules and standards that people are expected to follow or allowed to do.

Inclusion is an ongoing practice, not a one-and-done action. That means that leaders have to keep asking questions, and keep learning more.

Communities evolve as awareness grows. Leadersr shift culture, and culture includes awareness and a willingness to change what doesn’t work.

The most welcoming communities are the ones willing to learn.

Think about an event you participate in. Envision the event as it is, and then answer these questions for yourself:

• When you say “all are welcome,” who do you envision attending?
• Who might feel hesitant about attending?
• Who isn’t in attendance?
• What does that tell you about the invisible barriers that exist at the event?

Inclusive communities don’t happen by accident. They evolve from non-inclusive communities that decide to change, intentionally learn more, and actively work over time to remove barriers.

If you’re interested in making your community or event more inclusive, follow the blog and watch for upcoming classes and free resources.

Pagan traditions generally honor the sacredness of the Earth and the diversity of life upon it. When our circles truly reflect that diversity, our rituals become stronger—and our communities more magical.