Moots Advice

What To Expect
At most pub moots there will be people following different Pagan paths; Witches, Druids, Shamans, ceremonial magicians, healers, diviners, astrologers, or people who are more interested in ecological aspects of being Pagan than in magical ones, and people who aren't sure exactly what they are looking for yet. You may not actually find someone whose Paganism matches yours, but most Pagans are interested in other spiritual outlooks and you can enjoy a good discussion even if you don't agree.

Here are some helpful hints about attending moots:

•   Use as much common sense as you would at any other gathering of folk you don't know.

•   Most moots advertised give a contact phone number. Ring them up and have a chat before you go along, so that the organisers will look out for you, and tell you how to recognise them if they haven't got a specific room booked.

•   If possible, go with a friend, or arrange to meet the organiser for a chat before you go to the moot for the first time. Most moot organisers will be willing to do this and will try do what they can to help you.

•   Have your own transport home sorted before you go - know public transport times and details in advance if you aren't driving yourself or being picked up by a friend or family.

•   Don't give anyone your address and phone number details or any other personal information unless you feel absolutely comfortable about doing so. (Pagans can be great folk, but they are still strangers to you.)

•   Don't give out personal information you may know about others at the pub moot to anyone without their express permission.

•   Don't let yourself feel pressured to go to a private address at any point.

•   Anybody who seems overly interested in sex or nudity, is probably a prat - just as they are at work, a club, a party or a disco.

•   Overt sexism (in jokes or language) is also generally a bad sign, though there is often a more relaxed attitude towards sexuality generally within the Pagan community.


Warning:
There are a few extremists in the Pagan scene, and there are a few folk who think that the 'sensational' aspects of following a Pagan path are worth pursuing as ends in themselves. There have also been folk who have joined Pagan groups or gone to pub moots simply to gather information for the purposes of 'outing' in the press, the folk they meet. These are the sad realities of life. So if the folk you meet are a bit cagey about telling you about themselves at first, be patient, they need to assure themselves you are a genuine seeker. Likewise, be sceptical yourself. Listen to your intuition. Ask a lot of questions, but the best advice is be patient - finding Pagan friends (like finding any other kind of friend) takes time, but is really worth it!