Leodis Pagan Circle hosts open rituals to celebrate the Greater Sabbats at Imbolc, Beltane, Lammas and Samhain.

The rituals are simple and broad-based because they're designed to cater for people who follow several different paths. Bearing in mind it isn't always easy to find a group who will accept newcomers, not everyone who follows a solitary path does so by choice so the open rituals are an excellent way for people to honour the changing of the seasons in a friendly communal setting. 

The rituals are held outdoors because we’re particularly lucky in Leeds to have access to a magnificent stone circle that was erected in 1997 as part of a scheme to revitalise the area. The circle was the brain child of a caretaker at Thwaite Mills Industrial Museum (Tony Douglas) but was taken up and developed by Leeds City Council who (in conjunction with the Groundwork Trust) commissioned a local artist (Melanie Wilks) to sculpt the larger stones. Four of the sculptures represent north, south, east and west and four more represent sun-rise, midday, sun-set and moon.

As you can imagine, we’re keen to hold our rituals at this very special site but unfortunately that means we often fall victim to the vagaries of the English weather. However, we're a hardy bunch and we don't let the wind and rain stop us - we just go ahead and hold the ritual anyway. The people who usually attend are extremely tolerant of the ways in which we're tested by the elements and the atmosphere is always a happy (if sometimes chilly) one. 

The actual rituals last for approximately 1 hour but, depending on the weather and the time of year, we often span it out by sharing a picnic. It's perfectly acceptable to turn up as the ritual is about to start and leave immediately afterwards though if you don't want to hang around. We don’t usually linger during the darker evenings but the circle looks magickal when it's all lit up (especially at Samhain when everyone brings a pumpkin lantern!). 

There's no particular dress code but some of us do dress in robes and cloaks (often with thermals underneath) - the area is open to the public though so we get some strange looks from dog walkers.  Also, it's advisable to wear stout footwear during inclement weather because the area can be a tad muddy.    We don't want to put you off by banging on about the weather but it's best to avoid surprises by being forewarned.  During the lighter, warmer months the circle is a glorious place to spend an evening but, rest assured, the colder, darker ones can be just as magickal.

There's no need to be nervous if you think you won't know what to do or that everyone else will be much more experienced.  We often have newcomers join us and we'll guide you through the whole process so you won't feel excluded.  You're welcome to take an active part in the ceremony if you'd like to but it's equally acceptable to opt out.  If you'd like to bring anything with you to place on the altar (eg, flowers or something representing the relevant season), they will be a very welcome addition.

The circle is situated by the canal side at Stourton. There's a regular bus service between Leeds (Nos 189 & 110) and Wakefield (No 110) and it's possible to park near the site.  However, it will be necessary to walk for approximately 5 minutes to reach the stone circle so, unfortunately, some people might find it challenging to access.  If you think you may have difficulty, it's best to [Contact Us] first to check.  

We meet at the top of Thwaite Lane and park our cars in the numbered bays belonging to DM Keith Skoda Dealership.  We have permission to park there so you may ignore the clamping signs (for the evening of the ritual only).  Please be aware we DO NOT use the enclosed car parks near the top of the lane nor Thwaite Mill's car park itself because, although they're accessible when we start the ritual, a barrier is placed across the road before we're finished so any cars in there will have to stay for the night.  So, just to make it clear, we park in the numbered bays that are owned by DM Keith Skoda Dealership at the top of Thwaite Lane as per the photo.

The rituals are usually held on a Tuesday close to (but not on) the actual Sabbat. This is so we don't clash with people wishing to celebrate in their own, more specific, way. 

We're easygoing and friendly so there's no need to feel nervous about joining us.  If you'd like more information, please [Contact Us] and we'll do our best to help. 

Below are some photos taken at previous rituals.  The faces of the people have been blurred to protect their anonymity on t'Net.