Chapter 13: Casting a Circle

The circle is your safety zone, where you and everything you do is protected. The circle is created with personal power and encompasses the entire working area. The circle marks the ring where it touches the Earth and continues through to form the other half. You can use a marking on ground or floor for by placing a cord, or drawing it with chalk this may help you to be able to visualize it better.

The circle should be 9 feet in diameter. If you do not have that much space whatever you have will do. Use a compass so that you know where the exact directions are. You will start in the East where the sun rises each day and end in the North. Mark your directions with your candles choosing the color that is associated with that direction.

Direction: East
Tool: Censer
Element: Air.
Represents: The mind, communication, movement, divination and ascetic spirituality

Direction: South
Tool: Candle
Element: Fire.
Represents: Transformation, passion, change, success, health and strength.

Direction: West
Tool: Chalice
Element: Water.
Represents: Emotions, psychic mind, love, healing, beauty and emotional spirituality.

Direction: North
Tool: Pentacle
Element: Earth.
Represents: Fertility and nourishment

The circle is used to represent the Goddess and the Earth. Your circle can be one that you establish each time you need it or a permanent one. If you are going to have a permanent circle you will want to put it somewhere that is not used often, an extra bedroom, the attic or the basement. You do not want to have people walking all over it. If you are going to make a permanent circle you can paint it on the floor and mark your corners.

When you are ready to begin you need to gather all the tools and supplies you will be using in your ritual. Place all the items on the altar. Light candles around the room for some light, but not the candles that will mark your points. Once you have done this you can consecrate your circle. I will explain this in steps so that it is easier to read later. Once you are comfortable with this you can change it up to fit your needs. You can re-write the sayings and create your own.

1. Ring the bell three times, to clear any negative energy that may be in the room.
2. Using your athame or wand start at the East Point; visualize sending energy from your body into the East point with your athame or wand. Make a complete circle going from East, South, West, and North back to the East point.
3. Back at the East corner light the candle, then move to the South, West, North and then back to your altar. Finish by lighting the altar candle.

Your circle is now cast and you are ready to hold your ritual. There are various forms of circle casting, some are very elaborate and some are simple. I prefer the simple ones. But for the Sabbats you may want to be a bit more elaborate. You can find various versions of rituals on line if you are interested in seeing how others do it.

When you are done with your ritual you will need to close the circle, this is very important in order to finalize the ritual. Start by thanking the God and Goddess for the assistance with the ritual. To close your circle you simple walk the circle in the opposite direction you did casting it. Visualize the energy being returned to you.

Just a few simple pointers, when you are holding a ritual we refer to the God and Goddess as Lord and Lady. Some covens allow members that have reached a certain degree to refer to themselves as Lord and Lady. You will notice the saying “So Mote It Be” this is simply our version of amen. It states this is what we want so let it be.

If you were to hold a ritual or participate in one with a full coven there are several more things that are done. The High Priest and Priestess are the ones who lead the ritual; they will usually have a maiden and squire as their assistants. Many times depending on what the ritual is there are parts for members of the coven to play. You will have readings or you could be in charge of a direction and you would be responsible for everything that is done there. This is nice because everyone is a part of the ritual versus just watching.

There is not a time limit on your ritual; they can be as long or short as you want them. Just be sure they are exact and complete. Many people will hold a little festival meal afterwards and continue the celebration.