As a pagan minister, Touch plays a semi-important role in my practice. From the holding of hands or touching the bare skin during a ritual. The key for us is consent. Before any ritual, healing service, or anything that requires physical touch Those involved are spoken to and explained exactly as to what will be happening. We explain the parts of the body to be touched and make sure that all participants are comfortable with it. This comes especially true with certain spell work and healing rituals where certain parts of the body may be exposed in order for crystals or herbal bundles to be applied. We have a long-standing rule that is non-negotiable and that is a safe word. If the person we are working with feels scared unsure, or unsafe, whatever they can say the safe word or safety signal we will stop the ritual or whatever is being done and they are escorted to a separate room with someone they trust and are made to feel safe. Later in private, we discuss what happened and find a compromise, or a different ritual or treatment altogether. We care about consent and the well-being of out members.
