Casting A Circle

There are many discussions on the casting of a Circle. I would like to present here a small overview of the different methods and some explanations.

Many times I refer to what you are taught. Many people feel that what they are taught is the right way, and it becomes the right way for them, the most comfortable. I do not shun the teachings of others, and I always respect what others believe. But there are many who have no guidance, or who are uncomfortable with what they do.  I only offer alternatives.

It is all agreed that we cast a circle. The shape is complete, no corners for magic to get trapped in.  It has oneness of being, not a triplicity.

The area we work in must be cleansed. This can be as involved as a complete banishing ritual, with smoking fires at each of the directions, calling upon the hosts of Angels for protection, and cursing of the deamons, to the gentile sweeping of the area with a broom, and the sweet smoke of a burning sage smudge stick.

Most cast the circle three fold, tracing the circle three times for strength. This can be done by whoever is chosen to lead.  It is done in larger covens by the High Priestess or High Priest, but anyone can and should be able to cast a circle.

Once the circle is cast, we call upon the elements, or cast the quarters. Variations on this are endless, and sometimes can provide confusion for the beginner when writing the ritual in advance.

It should be noted here that the circle, once cast, should not be broken till it is uncast. There are those who cut the circle with their wand or athame if it is necessary to leave the circle, but I am a firm believer that it should not be move, nor should any person inside leave nor persons outside enter. You have created a wall to contain your energies, to open this wall releases these energies with no direction or purpose, and the energies are wasted. I do not believe that animals violate this rule, as they as magical as the elements in my eyes. But persons charged with energy should not leave the circle to discharge the energies in a wasted manor.

Calling the Quarters can be as simple as inviting the elements, or as complex as setting the watchtowers and evoking Angels to stand guard and protect.

As a witch, my preference is setting the four compass points and the elements they represent. Even in as simple process as this, the variations are endless, and each group has their own design.

Arguments abound about what directions and what element. Some say north is earth, others say north is air, and if you live down under, everything is reversed. What were you taught? Do you feel comfortable with this? What feels natural to you? It has been noted else where in debate and discussion that the original orientation was North-Air, East-Earth, West -Water and South -Fire. This is due to the orientation of Northern and Western European peoples. I was taught North-earth, East-Air... so much for orientation, as i feel most comfortable with this. In the USA, depending on which coast you are on, could determine which directions is water, but for the central USA, it could be a problem deciding on which direction. Depends again on what you are most comfortable with, and what you were taught, and how subject to change you are.

What are the elements, why do we use them? They are symbolic for the most part, but represent a source of strength and power which we utilize.

AIR - symbolizes wisdom, knowledge and mental workings. In older traditions it is given the compass point of east, others north.

EARTH - symbolizes the body, the physical, usually attributed to the north, sometimes east.

FIRE - symbolizing spiritual workings, the fire of devotions, south is the direction usually used

WATER - symbolizing emotions in motion, the will, desire, usually in the west.

Candles are usually lit at each compass point, and there are colors attributed to these also. I am not a strict follower of the compass point colors, as i prefer sometimes to use candle colors to represent the Esbat or Sabat, or if I am working magic for a specific purpose, the candles may represent what I am working towards. The traditional colors are North - black, green or brown, East - red or yellow, West - blue or gray, and South - red or white. Again, what were you taught or what makes you most comfortable.

We also use symbols for the quarters, things to represent our workings. Incense for Air, Red candle for fire, bowl of water for water and salt for earth.

We call all these things to us when we cast a circle, and then we add the last, Spirit, ourselves, to the mixture.

Having gathered all the powers that be to our circle, we ask the God and Goddess to join us, and honor us with their presence.

Again, we do all this as it makes us comfortable. As I personally seek balance in what I do, I evoke both the God and Goddess, others evoke only the Goddess, or only the God, and for some it depends on what they are doing.... full moons, only the Goddess, Drawing down the Sun, only the God. Some traditions work with only one deity, depending upon the Sabat or Esbat. This is your own preference. Same with the names you call your God or Goddess, its a personal matter, for you to decide.

At this point, the purpose changes for each group or individual. Why have you cast this circle. Are you celebrating a Sabat or Esbat. The purpose of the gathering could be discussed, and all gathered join together to celebrate, singing, holding hands, or just group meditation. Have you gathered for a Full Moon, then those who have come may petition the Lord and Lady as is their right at this time.

Have you gathered for power raising, or magic. then this is the time to do the act of magic. Raise the energies, concentrate, feel it grow, create the cone of power, and nurture it. Then release it to its destination.

All these are discussed in dozens and dozens of books. Its for you to decide what and how. Its your circle.

We come to the fun part, cakes and ale. All magic should be followed by a cake and ale (or whatever you are drinking). the cakes are blessed, the drink is blessed, and is either passed around or consumed by the solitary. No circle is complete, I believe, without this part of the ritual. The food is to nourish our bodies after we have expended our energy. It joins the group together sharing, bonding to each other. It is the symbol of the fruitfulness of the Goddess (cakes) and the bounty of the God (wine, ale etc). For the solitary, it is a moment of oneness with the God and Goddess in the fulfilling of the work.  It is also an act of grounding, after the release of energy work, and is an essential part of that process.

Upon completion of the cakes and ale, give thanks to the God and Goddess for their presence, dismiss the Elements, and clear the residual magic left in the circle. It is very important to release the elements from their charge and to clear the left over magic, so as not to leave behind anything that could cling to the area and cause problems for others. Like walking in the forest, we should always carry out anything we may have brought in with us and never leave trapped any of the wild creatures we may encounter. Use your wand or athame, staff or hand to clear the area. This magic can be used later in your daily working. And always give thanks to all the powers that have assisted you.

A final walk around the circle in the opposite direction from which you cast the circle to release the circle. The circle is now open, but unbroken. your ritual is complete.

What is important to remember is that no matter what or how you do your circle, using these basics, you should be able to create a successful circle and enjoy yourself as well.

The only really essential part of this is the sincerity of the person or persons creating the circle. Alone or with a group, belief, desire, the will and the heart are all that is essential to truly cast a powerful circle and to achieve your goal, be it a celebration or the ultimate magic.