Before you enter your circle you should cleanse yourself. Take a shower with a mix of herbs tied in a net material that you can tie over the showerhead; or use a magickal bath salt in your bath. Let the worries of the day wash away from you; focus on what it is you are going to do.
Now that you know the size of your circle there are three basic steps to prepare it for your magic. First is to outline it; by this I mean that you need to magically mark it. You do this by directing power down through the index finger of your power hand, or your athame or sword held in your power hand. Your power hand is your dominant hand, the hand that you usually write with. Start in the east; the direction of the rising sun and the beginning of the new day or night, focus your power, and the power of the things around you. If you are with a group have them focus the power and focus it on the person that is outlining the circle. Slowly go around your circle clockwise, see a white light going down your arm into your hand then down to the floor or ground. As you go around your circle repeat words similar to I mark this circle for a magickal rite. If there is more than one person then you can share the duties of setting the circle.
When you have returned to your starting point you will need to use some smoldering incense, usually sage, or cedar; a purification herb, to cleanse your circle. You start in the same place you did to mark your circle, now you go around swinging the incense to cleanse your circle. Words along the line of I purify this circle of all negativity. Feel the energies flow around you, and wash away lingering negative energies.
When you have once again reached your starting point you will need some holy water; made by mixing salt with water, and stating as you mix, that as it is mixed it is blessed and made holy. Once again walk the edge of your circle sprinkling the water as you walk around, saying that the circle is set, and made holy. Now your circle is set for either ritual magic�s, Sabbat celebrations, or other rituals where you want to connect with deity.
If you must leave your circle for any reason you will need to �cut� your opening. You do this by taking your index finger or tool and cutting across the circle six times; forming a �door�. You start on your inside right and cut back through from the outside left. Do this two more times. When you come back you will need to cut back again, opposite of how you left. This resets the circle.
When you are done, and are ready to leave the circle you will need to dismiss the energies used to create your circle. It is usually done by walking counter-clockwise around your circle thanking the elements and energies for helping you, and releasing them. You will need to walk around at least once, and depending on the amount of energy still focused in the circle, up to three times. Once you have done this you may cross the boundary you set for your circle.
You don�t have to have one; but it is handy to have if you are psychically attacked. For those that are beginning you should create a simple one; but for everyone, set �traps�; little things that are unique to you. Little things that anything else would not look at to recreate. Sometimes something will try to do just that, so that they can trap your essence. And the more of these differences that you have the better; but don�t go overboard, as you may forget something and get reminded when you enter. For example; a stream that has a certain flavor to it; or a small falls that runs backwards, or grass that has a certain feel. If at anytime you go to enter your zone and one thing is not right GET OUT! It is not yours, do not hesitate. And as you try if it keeps happening, and you can not reach your zone, stand in a doorway. Because it is neither one room or another you can not be attacked there. When you feel safe enough, or feel that you can make a break for it; head for a place that you know is safe; any type of hallow ground or running water. Running water is purifying.