The
Purposes of a Circle A sacred circle has
several purposes, the most significant of which is to define an area
where formal ritual work can be performed. A circle is a place in which
the rules and conditions are different to that of the everyday world. A
circle is not a barrier, but a doorway to another world. To contain any
magickal energy raised and to prevent its dissipation until it has been
used up is another purpose of the circle. The sacred circle does not
need to be physically represented (drawn or marked on the ground), it
just needs to be visualised. The circle is a spiritual entity.
How to Cast a Circle A circle can be cast for
all magickal acts. The size of a circle varies vastly – it should be
able to comfortably fit those using it. Certain actions must be
performed and certain words said in a loud, clear voice. An altar
should be placed in the circle – in a north, centre or east position.
1. Cleanse yourself and you
chosen area. You should have a bath and clear the area completely. Set
up an altar with the following items: a flat pentagram symbol, two
black candles, an athame or sword, a small bell, a bowl of salt, a bowl
of water, a chalice and a saucer.
2. Light your altar candles.
Holding blade, walk around your circle, and say: "With this sacred
blade I cast the circle of my craft. May it be a doorway to a sacred
circle beyond time and space. Let it be a meeting place for all good,
and may it deter all wickedness.”
3. Stand in front of your
altar, pick up your bell, and say: "In the names of the Goddess and the
Horned God, I cast this my working circle.” Afterwards, ring your bell.
4. Return to the North and
raise your blade high before you. Call out: "Bear witness, Spirits of
the North, guardians of Wicca.” Go to the East, South and West and
repeat at each.
5. At the altar, put your
bowl of salt on the pentagram and lower your blade into the bowl of
salt, saying: "I exorcise thee, so that it may be purified and may aid
me well.”
6. Put your bowl of water on
the pentagram and take a pinch of salt and sprinkle it into the water.
Lower the blade of your athame into the water, saying: "I cleanse and
consecrate thee, Water of Life, and ask you to bless this circle. In
the names of the Goddess and the Horned God, so mote it be!”
7. Pick up and hold the
consecrated water and walk slowly around the circle again (still
clockwise), and sprinkle a few drops along the line of the Circle,
saying: "I consecrate this sacred circle by the powers of Earth, Air,
Fire, and Water. May the Goddess bestow her love herein, and the Horned
God his honour.” Pick up your chalice, pour a small amount in the
saucer for the Goddess and the Horned God, then take a sip yourself.
After, place the chalice back on your pentagram.
This completes the casting
of your circle. Specific activity can now be performed here, such as a
Sabbat ritual, making a charm, or healing. It is absolutely crucial you
do not leave the circle until your activity is complete, and without
properly closing it. When your chosen focus is complete, move on to
closing the circle.
How
to Close a Circle
Go to the North, hold up
your blade, and say, "Guardians and spirits of the North wind, my
ritual is now complete. I bid you hail and farewell. Hail and
farewell.” Repeat counterclockwise from North to West, to South, to
East, and back to the North again.
Extinguish your altar candles and
bow your head at the altar, saying, "I declare this scared circle
closed. So mote it be.” Ring a bell to complete the closing and stepout.