This brief history of the symbolism of a circle will start at Stonehenge. It was built around 2000 B.C.E. It has been shown to be an astronomical clock and cosmic calculator. Stonehenge follows the movement of the moon, sun, and planetary constellations. Many stone circles such as Stonehenge are found around the world. These circles were also used as sacred sites. Celebration rituals and dedications took place there.

At that time astrology and astronomy were considered the same. The zodiac we know today is derived from the study and practice of these arts. The word "zodiac" is taken from the Greek word zoidiakos, meaning "signal" or "circle" and is incorporated into the word ziodion, meaning "animal circle".

For nearly all early civilizations, the circle represented ultimate cosmic order. Early people believed that the universe was held together by a binding force, or thread. This was represented by the ouroboros, a snake swallowing its own tail. In this way the circle became the symbol of perfection, representing the unity of self; the heart of humanity; the seed; the womb.

The circle became synonymous with the spiritual Wheel of Life. It represents the conscious and subconscious; heaven and earth; nothing and all; the psyche and the universe.

In ancient Egypt the mathematical number 0 was thought of as the number of Nut, mother of Osiris, Isis, Nephthys and Set. It was considered holy, a place where all knowledge came from. It was the ultimate symbol of fertility and the feminine.

Native Americans have the medicine wheel or sacred hoop.There are four cardinal directions which represent various stages of growth and enlightenment. The soul must pass through these stages to complete the "Good Red Road" of physical life.

The life, death, and life cycle is symbolized in the circle.

Wiccans usually cast a circle which is about 9 feet in diameter. This size evokes the power of Mars. The circle is usually opened by walking counterclockwise around it. The counterclockwise movement is called going widdershins, against the sun. Some wiccans construct the circle with their wand, athame, or their finger. The circle is closed by walking clockwise or what is known as deosil, the path of the sun. Some Wiccans open and close a circle by reversing these, opening deosil and closing widdershins. It depends on the tradition followed or ones solitary practices.

Make sure you will not be interrupted when casting your circle. Interruptions dissipate the flow of energy. If you are working inside, the room needs to be well ventilated because of the burning herbs or incense.

If you are working outside, be sure it is private. You do not want anyone to interrupt.