In Wicca,
We often cast a circle before a ritual or working to serve as a portal to the spirit realm.
A circle is also for protection from outside forces or influences.
On a psychological level,
Casting a circle triggers our mind that something outside the realm of the mundane world is about to occur.
And while we do use a circle to communicate with spirits and connect with Source,
It's also a way of carving out time and space for our magical practice.
This is very similar to turning off your phone while inside a movie theater.
It means that something different is about to happen.
Within a circle,
We set our intentions and raise our energy.
Casting a circle is typically done by using your hand,
Athame,
Or wand to draw a circle in the air or sometimes on the ground.
Casting a circle begins in one direction and moves clockwise or diacel.
Releasing a circle is the same motion,
Only counterclockwise or wittershins.
When the circle is cast,
It is typical to invite in the elements,
As well as any deities we might be working with.
It is a place for all to be gathered in perfect love and perfect trust.
This can be done in public or private,
As a solitary practitioner,
Or with a group.
Circle casting can be an elaborate ritual or something simple.
On a formal rite,
I typically use something like this for each direction.
Guardians of,
And I state the direction,
I do summon,
Stir,
And call you up to witness these rites and guard this circle,
And I bid you hail and welcome.
A simpler and just as effective casting is something like this.
Spirit before me,
Spirit behind me,
Spirit to the right of me,
Spirit to the left of me,
Spirit above me,
And spirit below me,
Bless this working and keep me safe.
It is customary to begin in the north or east,
Depending on your tradition,
But there is no wrong way to go about this.
The elements or directions can be marked by candles,
Stones,
Or mental images.
Once a circle is cast,
It is important to stay within it until it is released,
Unless special circumstances dictate doing otherwise.
This is much the same as excusing yourself before leaving a room.
We always want to show respect for the elements,
Deities,
And others who might be gathered with us,
And who are there to witness and support the power we raise.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that,
When you're working within a circle,
This is your time.
This is not when we think about paying bills,
Or where we need to be on Thursday morning.
Those thoughts get plenty of our attention.
One of the ways to raise our energy within a circle,
Especially in a group setting,
Is through chanting.
I would like to share with you one of the chants I wrote that can be helpful for this.
Around the cauldron gathered are we,
Merry meet,
And blessed be,
To maiden,
Mother,
And the crone,
Make we now our magic known.
The night is ours at long last,
Hand to hand this circle is cast.
Love we reap,
And love we sow,
We tread where only wise ones go.
Upon the cauldron fix your eyes,
Through its smoke the truth will rise.
On the cauldron our intentions go,
Under the moon's blessed glow.
Through powers of the stars this night,
We watch our magic taking flight.
The power is ours,
Use it well,
Together we weave and craft this spell.
To the good of all and to the harm of none,
My sisters and brothers,
The spell has begun.
Whether you cast a circle or not,
Remember that you can always create a sacred space anywhere,
Be it your altar,
A study area,
A meaningful place outdoors,
Or any place that resonates with you.
Blessed Be.
