The Circle

The circle is one of the most widely used geometrical figure in the magickal world. But why a circle?  The circle is the symbol of the seasons, moon, sun, earth, universe, and so much more. Casting a circle is creating a link between all these things.

The circle to some isn’t necessary, but it does have great benefits. Casting a circle creates sacred space  in which to work in as well as create a way of keeping in built up energy, connecting with divine and provides a wall of protection.

The basic outline of circle casting is this:

The Outline of Ritual

(from Covencraft by Amber K)

1. Preparation of the space and any materials you will need.
2. Preparation yourself (bathing, centering, meditating).
3. Asperging the area (cleansing with broom, sprinkled salt water, or incense)
4. Casting the circle (drawing a circle with the athame or sword to create sacred space).
5. Calling the quarters (power of Air, Fire, Water, and Earth).
6. Invoking the Divine (into/from yourself)
7. Stating your purpose.
8. Raising power (through chanting, dance, song, drumming, etc.), channeling it toward your goal, and grounding it.
9. Relaxing with “cakes and wine” (refreshments).
10. Saying farewell to the quarters and thanking the Divine.
11. Opening the circle

There are several ways of going about this. Below is a not-so-detailed piece on casting a basic circle.

Find a space that you will not be bothered at. Draw a circle on the ground with about a nine feet diameter as is traditional or bigger if needed. You can use chalk, a stick, a circle of white candles, a wand, an athame (ritual dagger). As I said earlier, it can be done several ways. However do not close the circle all the way. Step inside it and then close it, and say something like, "I now close this circle."

After your circle is on the ground take some salt and sprinkle it around the circle saying, "With this salt I purify my circle."

Call on the divine to join your circle and aid in your work.

Also call on the elements, in the direction of which they related to. Earth (North), Air (East), Fire (South), and Water (West). You may want to place something that represents them in those directions. In a circle of candles you may use four candles that go with the colors of the elements, calling on them as you light each one. (Earth: brown, green. Air: yellow. Fire: red, orange. Water: blue-green, blue.) Or you could put out a small bowl with items that represent them like soil and leaves for earth, incense for air, a lit candle for fire, and water for water.

Those are the basics to casting one.  However at the end of whatever it is you are doing you must break the circle before leaving the area. Simply blow out candles, or use your foot to disband the circle on the ground after thanking the gods and elements. Say something like "I now break this circle." It's that easy.

However, there are a few extra specifics you should know about.

Casting the circle clockwise (deosil) or counter-clockwise (widdershins)? Clockwise is the normal way of casting the circle. The reason for this is because  it is the direction of the sun, the earth, and the moon move.  Counter-clockwise is the direction a circle is cast when the ritual pertains to working baneful magick, binding and banishing spells. They are against the natural flow of things so are cast backwards.

If one needed to leave or enter the already cast circle. Once a circle has been cast no one is to enter or leave by simply walking through it. That breaks the energy barrier. However, one can “cut a door” into the circle wall and enter or leave by that means. One can cut a door by using an athame, wand, or any other tool used to direct energy to trace a door into the wall of the circle and may enter through it. Close the door after use.

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