How To Cast A Circle

What Is A Circle?

Before casting any spell there is always prep work to be done and the main thing you need to learn is how to cast a circle. A circle is a place for you to work in that only holds positive energy and keeps negative energy out. The size of the circle is entirely up to you but is usually determined by how many people wish to be in it, if you’re working alone a size of 3-5 feet is sufficient.

You can cast a circle just about anywhere which means you are able to practice witchcraft anywhere you like. Your circle can be made from anything, whether it be drawn from chalk on the ground, flour, or in some cases simply visualized. Elemental correspondences vary when casting circle (pending on your location on the planet and what geographical features are in the area). This is a suggestion for each cardinal point within the circle:

• North=Earth, Midnight, Winter and touch, this can be marked by natural earth or salt
• East=Air, a place of dawn, Spring, sense of smell, this can be marked by a yellow candle, feathers, incense, wind chimes or fresh flowers
• South=Fire, noon, Summer, energy and sense of sight, this can be marked with a burning white candle
• West=Water, emotions, intuition, twilight, Fall and the sense of taste, this can simply be marked with a bowl of water.

Inviting The Elements

Now that you have marked your circle it is time to call upon the four elements. Standing inside your circle and visualizing a sphere of white light around you, holding your wand (or hand) starting with East then South, West and North you circle sunwise (clockwise) over each element while inviting them with these invitations.

• East: “Guardians of the watchtower to the East, powers of Air, you who are thought and wind, I call upon and invite your presence to witness this rite.”
• South: “Guardians of the watchtower to the South, powers of fire, you who are passion and heart, I call upon and invite your presence to witness this rite.”
• West: “Guardians of the watchtower to the West, powers of water, you who are emotions and pure love, I call upon and invite your presence to witness this rite.”
• North: “Guardians of the watchtower to the North, powers of Earth, you who are the stabilizer and nurturer, I call upon you to witness this rite.”

You have now invited all elements and it’s time so seal your circle.

How To Seal Your Circle

Now that you have cast your circle and invited all elements it is time to seal your circle and this can be done by saying “As above, so below- This circle is sealed- So mote it be!” Now stomp your foot on the ground to affirm that your circle has been sealed.

Never at anytime walk widdershins (anti clockwise) as this can bring bad luck and breaks the power of the magick, unless you are releasing (closing) the seal of the circle at the end of your ritual. Some beliefs are that even to release a circle it should be done in a motion rather than anti-clockwise. The main thing to remember is to release your circle and never leave it to it’s own devices as this can be destructive.

How To Close Your Circle

Once you have done whatever it is you were doing inside your sacred circle, you need to dismiss the elements and this is done by working backwards starting with North, West, South and East. Visualise your sphere of white light and with your wand or hand circle sunwise (clockwise) or widdershins (anti clockwise), whichever feels right for you (I prefer widdershins) over each element while saying:

• North: “Guardians of the North of Earth, I thank you for your solid presence here (today or tonight). Farewell and blessed be.”
• West: “Guardians of the West of water, I thank you for your solid presence here (today or tonight). Farewell and blessed be.”
• South: “Guardians of the South of fire, I thank you for your solid presence here (today or tonight). Farewell and blessed be.”
• East: “Guardians of the East of air, I thank you for your solid presence here (today or tonight). Farewell and blessed be.”

Now you know how to cast a circle and safely open and close it you are now able to perform rituals, spells, meditate and anything else you wish to do in a clean, protected energy space.

Blessed Be.

Disclaimer: This site is for informative purposes only and its contents should not be considered professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure it accuracy it is no replacement for the attention of a dedicated professional. The Sacred Willow cannot be held responsible for any damage and/or injury suffered resulting from actions and/or decisions based on information found on the site. Please do not self diagnose any condition regarding your own or anothers health. Always seek professional advice or arrange a consultation with a qualified professional.