Rituals and magical workings take place within a constructed circle. The circle defines the ritual area, holds personal power, shuts out distracting energies and basically creates the proper atmosphere for the rite.
How do you know if you cast it right? If you do the visualisation right and you follow all the instructions correctly, you will be able to sense the boundary of your circle. You will know when it has been properly cast.
Some kind of marking should be made on the floor to physically define the space (a cord, circle of salt, etc). The four directions should then be marked off with candles (the candles should correspond to the cardinal direction and should also be lit). The alter should be as close to the middle as possible.
Stand in front of your alter with your athame or wand raised above your head. Ground and centre to relax and become focused. Say:
I conjure ye, oh circle of power, so that you can be for me a boundary between the worlds of men and the realm of the mighty spirits. A meeting place of trust, love, joy, containing the powers I raise herein.
Now go to the North side of the circle. Walk around the boundary three times with your athame or wand. Visualise a white energy or light coming from the tip to energise the circle and form a sphere of protection around you.
Return to the alter. Light the incense. Let the smoke fill your circle and visualise it cleansing the atmosphere. Say: The circle is cast. I am between the worlds, beyond the boundaries of time. Where night and day, birth and death, joy and sorrow, meet as one.
Go to the eastern quarter of the circle. Raise your arms in high salute. Say: Hail to the Guardians of the watchtower of the East. By the air that is Her breath, send forth your light. Be here now.
Trace an invoking pentagram in the air (start at the top point and move to the bottom left point)
Now move to the South and say: Hail to the Guardian of the watchtower of the South. By the fire that is Her spirit, send forth your flame. Be here now.
Trace an invoking pentagram in the air.
Now move to the West and say: Hail to the Guardians of the watchtower of the West. By the waters of Her living womb, send forth your flow. Be here now
Trace an invoking pentagram in the air.
Now move to the North and say: Hail to the Guardians of the watchtower of the North. By the Earth, that is her body, send forth your strength. Be here now.
Trace an invoking pentagram in the air.
Return to the alter. Say: Welcome all kind and wonderful spirits The circle is cast. Let the ritual begin!
Perform the desired ritual.
Close the circle by walking counter-clockwise around near the boundary with the athame or wand. Draw the circle’s energy into the tool. When all is absorbed, ring the bell and say:
Let the circle now be open. Thank you wonderful spirits, Mother and father for attending my circle. May we all go in peace and love. Blessed be!
