General Community Guidelines

These guidelines help keep our land safe, our rituals protected, and our community thriving. Deeply Rooted is an off-grid Pagan sanctuary, and many people who visit have never experienced life outside modern infrastructure. These expectations are here to help you feel prepared, supported, and grounded.

Minor Children

Children are welcome at Deeply Rooted, and we honor them as part of our community. However, our land is rustic and forested, and we do not have modern safety features such as fences, on-grid electrical lighting, or indoor plumbing. For this reason, adult supervision is essential.

Guidelines for Child Safety:

  • Children under 12 must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian.

  • Children 13–17 may explore with permission, provided they remain in eyesight or earshot of their responsible adult.

  • The woods, trails, shrines, and stone circles contain uneven terrain, sinkholes, and wildlife.

  • Sheds, fire pits, sharp tools, or ritual equipment should be avoided unless supervised by an adult.

  • Inside the lodge, please help children maintain quiet and respect shared sleeping spaces.

We encourage magickal exploration and connection with nature. Your guidance ensures they do so safely.

Pets

We love animals; however, our land is home to wildlife, sacred sites, and other guests who may not be comfortable with animals approaching uninvited. This includes people with allergies, mobility concerns, or trauma histories.

Pet Guidelines:

  • All pets must remain leashed or secured at all times — no exceptions.

  • Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals immediately.

  • Aggressive behavior, excessive barking, or chasing wildlife is not permitted.

  • Pets are not allowed in ritual space unless previously approved by clergy.

  • If your animal causes damage to the land, lodge, or another guest’s property, you are responsible for repairs or restitution.

  • Under no circumstances are cats allowed in our shared indoor space.

If you are unsure whether a specific animal will do well in a communal, off-grid environment, consider leaving them at home or arranging care.

Respect for Ritual Space

Ritual spaces — including the Main Stone Circle, Druid Grove, Hemlock Grove, and shrine areas — are living sacred sites.

Visitors are expected to:

  • Enter ritual areas with intention and awareness

  • Keep voices low near shrines

  • Avoid climbing, moving, or removing stones

  • Never leave plastic, foil, or non-biodegradable items as offerings

  • Follow clergy direction regarding where to stand, sit, or move during ritual. All rituals are practiced with informed consent.

Ritual space belongs to the land first, then the community. Treat it with reverence.

Respect for the Land

Deeply Rooted is an active ecosystem. Our responsibility is to protect it.

  • Stay on trails when possible to avoid damaging plant life

  • Do not cut live trees or gather green wood without the permission of the caretakers or a member of Buildings & Grounds.

  • Avoid disturbing animal habitats

  • Keep all trash packed out or placed in designated containers

  • Never dump greywater or dishwater near shrines, stone circles, or camps

Leave the land better than you found it.

Behavior & Community Conduct

We value a culture of respect, consent, and community accountability.

  • No harassment, manipulation, or disruptive behavior

  • No gossiping or interpersonal conflict brought into the ritual space

  • Treat all community members, clergy, and caretakers with courtesy

  • If you experience an issue, speak to clergy or a board member privately

  • Alcohol is permitted for adults; intoxication that disrupts others is not

Our community thrives when we act with integrity and intention.

Fire Safety

Fire is sacred at Deeply Rooted, however it must be treated responsibly.

  • No open flames except in designated fire pits or ritual settings

  • Keep water near any active fire

  • Do not leave fires unattended

  • Follow caretaker instructions during dry or windy conditions

Fire is a tool of transformation — and a shared responsibility.

Tools & Weapons

Deeply Rooted is a nonviolent sanctuary.

  • No firearms or weapons unless cleared by the caretakers of the land.

  • Ritual blades (athames, bolines) may be used safely.

  • Tools such as axes or saws may only be used during work weekends.

Safety comes first for all who walk our land.

Overnight Stays

When staying on the land:

  • Lodge sleeping areas are communal; maintain quiet and respect

  • No food upstairs at any time

  • Tent and car camping are welcomed; choose sites respectfully

  • Keep scented items sealed and stored safely; wildlife is abundant

Nighttime is part of the magic here. Move with intention and care.

Substances & Medication

  • Only legal, prescribed medications are permitted.

  • All medications must remain in the original prescription containers.

  • Illicit substances are not allowed on the property.

  • Alcohol is permitted for adults; however, alcohol-related disruption is not.

  • Guests with medical conditions must bring their own emergency medications.

Your well-being matters to us. Prepare accordingly.

Consent Culture

Consent is foundational to our community.

  • Always ask before touching another person.

  • Always request consent before offering energy work.

  • Respect personal boundaries without question.

  • Stop immediately if someone withdraws consent.

Consent ensures our space remains safe for everyone.

If You Have Questions

Ask. Truly — ask. No question is too small, and we want newcomers to feel empowered and comfortable.

Our clergy, caretakers, and board members are available to clarify guidelines at any time.