So you might be asking yourself, what is a circle? Why is a circle important? What does a circle general contain? These are all good questions when beginning on the magical path, because most of our time is spent in circles. Everything around us moves in the cycle of a circle, the seasons, life, the world turns in a circular motion thus everything is always connected and always moving. The circle in the most simple of terms is the space in which magical working is done. Once consecrated this space becomes a place in which us in the human world can commune with the Divine in the land beyond. One can create a sacred circle just about any place. The circle provides us with a symbolic ring of protection in which we can invoke the Divine. Inside of the circle, energy is raised, rituals are performed, and spells are worked. Inside of the circle, immense changes take place that can change not only ourselves but also the world around us.

Creating the Sacred Space

Before beginning with any magical workings, the space being used needs to be cleared before the casting of the circle. How large of a space you will need depends on how many people are intending to take part. Traditionally a circle is three to five feet in diameter for one person and nine feet in diameter for a thirteen-member coven.

Creating the Sacred Space begins with the consecration of the area for the intended magical purpose. Consecration is the act by which we make something sacred. The process involves the use of all of the elements to purify the area for magical working. To begin you will want to use a besom (magical broom) to symbolically sweep the area in a widdershins (counterclockwise) motion. The sweeping motions should be made from east to west as you are walking around the circle. Generally, it is good to work in sets of three so after three passes around the circle it is time to move on to the elements. The next step is to sanctify the area with each of the elements.

Beginning with the salt, take up your athame and insert it in the dish of salt you are going to be using to purify the area. As you do this, you may say a short blessing to state the purpose in which you are going to be using the salt. After you have blessed the salt, take three scoops and put it in the chalice of water. As you stir the salt with you athame, again say a short blessing to state the purpose for which you are going to be using this tool. Begin walking deosil (clockwise) around the circle sprinkling the salt and water combination on the ground. As you are walking, visualize all negativity dissipating from the area and that it is being filled with a positive energy to work your magical intention.

Next, you will want to purify the area using fire and air. To do this you will need a sage bundle. Lighting the sage, again visualize the dissipation of the negative energy from the circle and that it is being filled with the positive intention of your ritual. Starting in the center of the circle and spiraling outward in the deosil (clockwise) direction. In addition, it is a good idea to also pass the sage over anyone who is going to be joining you in the circle for the ritual.

The Elements of a Ritual

Establishing Intention

Every ritual that one does should have a purpose. The purpose of a ritual can be anything for which one is going to be holding a circle; a healing ritual, sabbat celebration, esbats, etc. The reason for the rite should be clearly defined before one is to begin. If good positive results are desired in magical working then the intention needs to be clear.

Creating the Ritual

This step is putting to action the intention that has been set for the ritual. Some may want to work astrologically, meaning that one chooses the ideal day and time of a ritual based on specific planetary influence. It is also important to set which correspondences you are going to be calling upon in your rituals when you begin. Chants and songs are chosen (if used), as well as any dancing or movements to be done. Some people will write out a list of what they have planned and use that in preparation for the actual working to be done.

Setting up the Sanctuary

In this step of ritual preparation, one is to cleanse the area for use during the ritual and prepare it as a sacred space. To do this follow what is outlined above under the section for creating a sacred space. The altar is also set up and any tools that are to be used for the ritual are set out upon the altar. The quarters are defined with candles or other items to represent the watchers who guard that direction. All of the clutter in the area is to be removed and everything is readied for the ritual to begin.

Also, during this time is when one prepares oneself for the actual act of the ritual. This is done by taking a ritual bath, donning ritual garb and jewelry, and doing a meditation to put oneself in the mindset for the spiritual working that is going to be done. It is here that one should take the time to center and ground oneself (to be discussed further under the Grounding and Centering section).

Casting the Circle

Casting the circle involves setting the boundaries of the circle for ritual working. The area inside the boundary becomes the sanctuary between the worlds where the working is done. One can cast the circle in many different ways; by using the wand or athame and visualizing a light coming from the tip outlining the circle, by placing salt a never-ending salt ring around the perimeter of the circle, or by walking around the circle with each of the elements and presenting them to set the circle space apart. To begin casting, begin in the East and walk deosil around the circle until you have come back to the Eastern direction. During the ritual, all participants should stay within the boundary of the circle until the ritual is complete. It is important when casting the circle to remember to visualize the shield of protection being built around your sanctuary. 

Calling the Quarters

Now it is time to call on the guardians of the directions to join in the ritual. Calling the quarters is important because it brings to the circle the balance of the elements and they prevent negative forces from entering the circle from their perspective directions. Depending on the tradition these spirits may be called guardians, mighty ones, the watchtowers, or in some more Judeo-Christian influenced traditions, archangels.

To do this it is simple one stands facing the direction of the element that is being invoked and states a simple prayer requesting the presence of the element guardian to join him or her. Some choose to draw invoking pentagrams that correspond with the direction as well when doing this. (For a Diagram of how to draw the pentagrams see the Invoking and Banishing Pentagrams section). Others choose to take and present the element that corresponds with the direction to it as an offering and request the presence.

Calling the God and Goddess

Once the circle is cast and the guardians are in place it is now time to call into the circle the god and goddess that are wished present to preside over the ritual. Some people choose to work with only the goddess, some only the god, whatever is the preference it is important to remember to ask them into your circle with sincerity. Many will choose to stand in the god and/or goddess stance when inviting the deity into the circle. The goddess stance is standing with your feet spread apart and your arms raised overhead. The god stance is standing with your feet apart and your arms crossed over your chest with hands resting by each shoulder.

The Working Phase

After all of the protections are set into place, it is time to begin the working phases of the ritual. It is during this time that the intention that was previously set forth is brought to fruition. Magic is worked, plays are done, dancing, singing, and drumming is performed. It is important to take the time needed to do the work that needs to be done. No one likes to feel rushed and the divine is no exception to that rule.

After the work is done, it is time for the ritual of cake and ale. This is the ritual where you have something to eat and drink within the circle and share it with the divine. The foods and drink are blessed and everyone participating in the circle partakes and shares some of what they have as an offering to the divine for their help in the magical working.

Thanks and Goodbye

Once the work within the circle is complete, it is time to start taking down the sanctuary. One should remember to thank the god and goddess for their attendance in the rite. Also, remembering to thank the guardians for standing watch at their perspective quarters and protecting the ritual. Each is offered thanks and goodbye as the time for the ritual is coming to and end. Again, as when calling each of these remember to be polite and courteous.

Closing the Circle

This is the stage where one remembers to take down the energy that was raised during the ritual. Many traditions choose to reverse the same way that they have cast the circle. If an athame was used to cast the circle then it is also used to take the circle back up. Others may just choose to state a simple declaration that the rite is over and ended and that the energy can return to where it came from.

All tools are picked up and put away. The libation from the cake and ale ritual is taken and placed outdoors. Everything is cleaned up and the space should be left with a deep sense of honor and thanks for its use in the magical process.

Grounding and Centering

Grounding and centering is important in any magical working. It is during this time that one takes a few moments to check in with the body and to become calm before attempting to work any magic. It is a way to reconnect and balance ourselves by using the element of earth. Doing this can help put things into perspective and will help to show the right track to follow not only for magical working but for life in general. When we are grounded and centered, we are able to really look within and work from within to create positive external changes. The process of grounding and centering can be done in a variety of ways. The most common however seems to be through guided meditation.

In becoming grounded one becomes physically aligned so that the bodies energies are centered and he or she feels in tune with the energies of the earth. Centering is when the mind becomes focused and clear. Grounding and centering makes one more receptive to energy when performing magic.