First, as always, what is a circle?
A circle is a method of protection that helps prevent entities from reaching the practitioner or those with him/her. It is also used to filter out negative energy and only allow positive energy in the workspace. There are numerous ways to cast a circle but for this article ill follow a more Wiccan Route. Even within the wiccan tradition there is more than one way to cast a circle so I would advise research into your tradition and make changes as necessary.
When do you cast a circle?
Many traditions cast circles for all or most of there ritual work. Some traditions Don't use circles at all. I generally recommend them whenever facing a strong negative force. which can be from summoning, banishment, or some other darker aspects of the craft such as curses.
Where can a circle be placed?
A circle can be placed basically anywhere. Some traditions have sizes for the diameter of the circle but for this method any size will do but I do recommend at least a couple feet for one person and for a small group 7-10 feet may be more appropriate.
What Materials do you need.
For this method you will need an athame or sword, something to represent each of the four elements for offerings water, fire, earth, and air. For water I usually use water in a small bowl, for fire ill use a lit candle usually, for air I use incense, and for earth ill use a stone. bring salt for the actual circle itself (if you desire to draw it out you do not actually have to).
Starting the circle:
Some people prefer to draw the circle out in salt or other materials. Do that first if you want. I usually only do so when I expect great confrontation. After you have a circle of salt and materials move everything you will need during your ritual inside the circle. If you can help it you don't want to leave a circle once cast. Now for the casting of the circle. Its important that only the one casting the circle stand inside it at this point. everyone else should be outside the bounds of the circle. once done put down an offering a each cordial direction. East is air, south is fire, west is water, north is earth.
Early Blessing or prayer:
At this point a prayer is said to the head deity that the person in charge follows. Usually it goes something like: Oh Great ---- Please come and grant this circle and all those within it your protection. Protect the ----- coven during this time. The prayer itself can change depending on tradition and belief and it is always best to write such things yourself to have more impact (unless your tradition has carefully worded prayers it uses). as I don't follow any deities I usually say an elemental prayer myself.
Evoking Watchtowers, Guardians, and deities.
Different traditions evoke different things at the 4 points of the circle. I would recommend looking into your specific belief to see what they follow. For this one ill invoke the watchtowers.
After the initial prayer walk to the east. Say something like
"Watchtower of the east, Guardian of air, I call you forth To watch over this circle and all those within". As your saying the prayer draw a pentagram into the air with your athame. At this point light the incense in offering. Head clockwise and repeat the prayer for each of the watchtowers changing the prayer slightly with each one. With this step coming to an end the circle is cast.
Allowing others into the circle:
In the method I use the person in charge of the circle moves to the east edge and uses his/her athame to cut open the circle at that point. now people can come in. As they do the person in charge asked them "how do you enter" Each responds in there own way and honestly. They the walk counter clockwise along the inside to the circle to sit or stand equally spaced out. When the last person is through reseal the circle. by pushing the energy together and visualizing a gap closing. If anyone needs to leave the circle cut open a door with your athame and close it once done.
Closing a circle:
When the ritual is done its time to close the circle. Starting east thank whatever you evoked and dismiss it. It may go something like Watchtower of the East, guardian of air, I thank and dismiss you at this time". Once done with all four watchtowers go to the center of the circle. Thank and dismiss whatever you evoked at the start. Now at this point the circle is gone. I usually take each of the offering and bury them though this isn't usually necessary.
And there is how you cast a circle. let me know if you have any questions. Be Well
