What is a circle and why do you cast one?

A circle is a sacred space, free from outside influences and stray magickal energy. It is a space that stands between the world of the spirit and the physical world. A null point in time and space where magick works best. As to the casting of a circle. There are as many ways to cast a circle as there are solitaries and traditions. I myself use two different ways. The first is a formula derived from the tradition of Ceremonial Magick and is called the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. I use this whenever I want to create a working space for divination, astral projection, meditation, or exercises in mental and physical self-control. It serves mainly to "clear" the area of negative energy. The other I use is closer to what might be called a tradtional Wiccan circle, in which I draw up the triple circle, invoke the Lord and the Lady and call the quarters. This I use during sabbats and esbats, and anytime I am working a spell. Times when I wish to influence the outside world, and I require the help and guidance of the God and Goddess. The basic formula behind this type of circle is as follows: 1. Cleanse the body~ a ritual bath to free oneself of stress and daily worries and to get into a spiritual mind set. 2. Center and ground oneself~ this step is essential to creating an effective circle. I do it by visualizing a beam of energy entering my head and exiting my feet into the earth, and then another crossing through my shoulders and intersecting with the first over my heart. The intersection is my center, and the place where the energy for the circle emanates from. 3. Invite the Lord and Lady into your space~ this is the point where I ask my deities to join me in my sacred space and help and guide me. 4. Draw the circle~ the actual size is unimportant, so long as it is large enough for you to perform your ritual in relative ease and encompasses all participants. The circle can be a real one outlined in sea salt, or a purely visualized one, once again a thing up to the preference of the caster. 5. Call the Quarters~ this is where you ask the elemental spirits of North (Earth), East (Air), South (Fire), and West (Water) to come and protect your circle. The circle is now complete and rituals can be done without unbalanced energies either entering or leaving until all is ready. To undo a circle you simply reverse the procedure: dismiss the quarters, draw the circle in the opposite direction and the thank the Lord and the Lady for attending. For the actual rituals I use, see my book of shadows.

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