Casting

In simple terms, a circle is cast by walking on the inside in a clockwise, or deosil [day-o-sil], direction. The circle is usually walked one or three times using either your right hand or a ritual tool (athame, wand, or another tool depending on the tradition) to trace the circle. It is usual to visualise a white or blue light coming from your hand or tool, and it is this light that marks the circumference of the circle. Your circle can also be laid out ahead of time using string, coloured yarn, paint on the floor, a circle in the earth, with dried herbs, or any other way you can think of. However, this is only a physical presentation of the circle, you will still need to empower it through ritual.

Circle rituals vary, with some being complex and others being very simple. They all generally contain a request for the presence of the elements, and for the attention of the deities. Not all traditions recognise the elemental spirits, whereas other traditions treat them almost as lesser deities. In my circle, I invite in the positive aspects usually assigned to the elements and directions. (I do not call on the elemental watchtowers, such as you might see in other Wiccan/Pagan circle castings. The watchtowers are actually Christian constructs from Ceremonial magic.)

My Circle Ritual

This is the circle ritual was adapted from one of my first circle lessons for Coven of the Far Flung Net.

• place your altar in the centre of the area where you will be casting your Circle; I like to have my altar facing North, but some traditions perfer East
• place any representations of the elements, Lord, Lady, or working tools on your altar
• sit in from of your altar and take a few moments to relax and think about what you are planning to do
• light a candle and position it in the centre of your altar
  
  
• walk to the East and invite the powers of Air
  May the power of Air be with me.
  May your speed and purity
  Be present in my Circle.
• walk to the South and invite the powers of Fire
  May the power of Fire be with me.
  May your energy and creativity
  Be present in my Circle.
• walk to the West and invite the powers of Water
  May the power of Water be with me.
  May your emotion and protection
  Be present in my Circle.
• walk to the North and invite the powers of Earth
  May the power of Earth be with me.
  May your stability and solidness
  Be present in my Circle.
  
  
• walk one more time around the Circle, clockwise, using your hand to draw the Circle
• imagine a white light coming from your hand, forming the edge of your Circle
• return to the centre of the Circle
• take a moment to feel the presence of the elements
  
  
• when ready, light the two candles representing the Lord and Lady
• raise your head high and your arms (if so inclined) and invite the Lord and Lady into your Circle (use specific names if desired)
  Lord and Lady, I, your daughter/son, invite you into my Circle.
  I invite you to join me in my works and celebration
  So that I might feel your presence and You may feel my love
  
  
• state the purpose of your Circle
  for example: “Today is the day we celebrate Beltaine. I have cast my Circle so I might celebrate the Lord and Lady on this day.”
• end with “This Circle is cast, my place of peace, my sacred space. May no one come to harm from the work I do within it.”
  
  
• perform your ritual, work, or celebration

Return to Page 1 - Purpose
Continue to Page 3 - Closing the Circle

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Last updated May 16, 2006.