When we worship, do ritual, or magic, the first thing we create is the Circle, the Sacred Space we work in. It has been noted that it is not necessary to build a Circle each time we worship, or celebrate a Full Moon or Holiday, but many of us do it as a matter of habit. Some, who do not use it regularly, seem to think it is only for special purposes. The origins of the Circle has been speculated upon by many, and we see evidence of Circle gatherings as far back as the prehistoric cave paintings. When you ask someone why they create a Circle, the answer is usually "for protection". When you think about that for a minute, you have to wonder. Protection from what? We do not believe in demons or evils walking the earth. Why would you need protection? Having gone back into the history, I found evidence that the Circle was considered protection during the times when witches and pagans were persecuted for their faith. The Circle was drawn to conceal them from the prying eyes of outsiders who may betray them. Going back even further, beliefs were colored with stories of mischievous spirits who disrupted ritual and magic. But the idea that there is something very evil wanting to get hold of you while you worship is a Christian attachment to the idea of hell spawn and evil spirits. Todays pagans recognize this and do not acknowledge these as pagan ideas or ways. The final reason for protection is from persons who may have harmful intent upon the group or individual. It is truly sad that in this day and age, we have to still protect ourselves from each other, no matter what the reason. Asking what else a circle is for, another answer is that it is a cone formed around the group or individual to contain the magic and power they build during their ritual which, when it reaches its peak, is released. This is the most common reason for the circle, the building of the cone of power. Basically, it shields outsiders from the power buildup, till we have had time to focus and identify the recipient of this power. I don't do that much magic, and I have never felt the extreme need to form a Circle for protection sake. But I do find that creating a Circle for ritual is a way I can distinguish between being in the earthly world and moving myself to a higher plane to be closer to the God and Goddess. I see the Circle as a doorway to a Sacred Place, to worship in a Grove of my own making. Next time you worship or make Ritual, visualize your Circle as the meeting place of you and your God and Goddess. See if it gives a special meaning to the event you celebrate.