Circle Casting
Circle casting is an important,
and at times, difficult activity. It involves the use of many
skills, and for the beginner it can seem like a pointless,
if not impossible, routine. How do you do it properly? When
should it be done? And perhaps most importantly: how do you
know if you've done it? (Keitha mentally rolls up her sleeves
and grins).
What is a Circle?
A circle is a boundary of energy extending halfway above the
ground and halfway below. It marks the boundary between the
worlds: inside the circle is a cleansed space where the two
worlds can interact. Outside is the mundane, 'regular' world.
That's the basics; more on this later.
Why do you need a Circle?
A circle is cast to create a clean space in which to do ritual
and magickal workings. It creates an area in which both worlds
are present; in a very real sense, it is between the worlds.
To invite a Deity, or an Elemental, etc. without a circle
(into the mundane world) isn't always such a great idea. It's
easier to interact inside a circle. It also acts to keep magickal
energy inside until it is ready to be released, or to keep
negative energy outside.
What do I need to know to
cast a circle?
Well, you must have a lot of focus. You must be able to clearly
visualize what you are doing, and how you are doing it. You
should be able to feel the energy you are attempting to move,
and have a clear idea of where you want to put it. Here are
a few things to keep in mind:
1. What is the purpose of
your circle? To protect from outside negativity; to contain
magickal energy; to create a space between the worlds; another
purpose; a mixture? The nature of your circle will depend
on the ritual you are planning on doing.
2. How big will your circle
be? If you are casting the circle for practise, then all you
need is a circle the size of your own body. For a larger group,
no big surprise, a larger circle. In my personal opinion,
it should be large enough that you don't keep wandering to
the edges and sticking your head through it.
3. How will you visualize
your circle? If you are just learning, it might be best to
stick with simple colours. Later on, you can learn funky patterns
and effects. Practice casting a circle in your mind during
meditation. You must learn how to visualize things clearly,
hold them in your mind, and focus while you rotate and move
them. At the beginning, stick to the basics: there's no substitute
for them.
4. Can you keep your focus
for as long as it takes to set up the circle? If you are constantly
second-guessing yourself, you can't maintain your concentration.
Trust yourself.
5. Treat it with respect.
Constantly walking in, through, and out of the circle without
cutting a door, or otherwise ignoring its boundaries doesn't
really help you much. You can't really expect to cast strong
circles if you can't create and keep it in your mind first.
The circle is real because you make it real. You make it real
by believing in it and acting on it.
6. Finally, don't be disappointed
if you don't get it the first time. Or the second. Or the
30th. It takes time; it takes self-trust; it takes PRACTICE.
When do I cast the circle?
I've found that the best time is right after you have cleansed
the space (by blessing, sweeping, or making lots of noise),
and before you invoke any elements or Deities. If you have
others with you for the ritual, save up jokes, and try to
make each other laugh really hard just before you create the
circle. This further gets rid of any negativity that might
be present, and provides enough positive energy to cast a
good circle. My friend and I have had some fascinating rituals
this way.
So, how do I cast a circle,
exactly?
Well, there are many ways. If you're reading this for information,
then you'll probably want a simple one.
First, ground and center yourself.
Stand with both feet firmly on the ground, and relax your
arms at the sides of your body. Simply feel and visualize
the energy of the Earth below you, and the Sky above you.
Face one of the directions, and physically reach down with
your arm and gather the energy of the Earth into your hand.
Reach up to the Sky and gather the energy of the Sky into
your other hand. Now scoot down near the ground and face your
palms outward, sending that energy into a smooth wall of colour
that will spread itself into the shape of a circle. Rise up
as you do this, shaping and smoothing the wall at this corner.
Repeat this at the other three directions, constantly smoothing
and shaping it with your hands. At each direction, the circle
gets stronger and thicker; there are no gaps because the energy
of the circle constantly swirls around evenly. See the energy
as a thick, fluid stream of colour. It also flows under the
ground, to even itself out as a complete sphere. You can shape
it underground by visualizing it through the floor. Solidify
it by visualizing the energy of the circle as sticking together,
like hot glue or warm honey. When you feel the circle is 'set',
all you have to do now is keep it in mind, and perhaps make
minor re-adjustments if you feel it is necessary. Take as
much time as you need, and don't rush. No-one's holding a
stopwatch. Don't be afraid to move around spontaneously; no-one's
marking you on grace or coolness. And most importantly, don't
be afraid to screw up; that's an important way to learn.
Casting A Circle - How do
I know if I did it?
This is the fun part. Everybody has their own unique way of
sensing circles. Some people can see the circle; as a band
of colour, or a thickening of the air. Some people can feel
it as a spark of electricity, or again as a thickening of
air. Some people can hear it as a low hum. Everybody is different.
One thing is certain, however: circles get really hot. In
a strong circle you can feel the cold air rushing in when
you cut a door. When you take it down, you can practically
feel a breeze. In the beginning, you may not be sure whether
or not you've succeeded; don't let that bother you. When you
really get the hang of it, you'll know for sure.
Casting A Circle - What's
this about cutting a door?
Cutting a door basically means opening a hole in the circle
so you can leave it. It's best to stay in the circle the whole
time it's up, but there are times when you've forgotten something
important in another room (like a lighter), or there's something
you have to deal with. My personal favourite way of cutting
a door is to hold your fingers and hand in a straight line,
and move your hand around a rectangular outline large enough
for you to walk through. Visualize the energy of the circle
inside that rectangle being sucked into your forearm where
you can store it until you get back. When closing the door,
do this in reverse, and then smooth out the edges of where
the door was. Visualize the energy of the circle swirling
around until the location of the door is lost. Still, cutting
too many doors in a circle can also weaken it eventually.
I live in an apartment; will
the people downstairs walk into my circle and mess it up?
I just added this question because I've wondered about it
myself. Yes, the circle does extend halfway below the floor,
and yes, someone downstairs could walk right through the bottom
part of it. All I can suggest is that you either do your rituals
after you're sure they're out or asleep, or just try not to
think about it. :)
When and how do I take the
circle down?
At the very end of ritual. After the Deities are gone, the
Element/als have returned to their respective realms, etc.
etc. etc. The only thing that generally follows taking down
the circle is eating, drinking, and chatting. Take the circle
down exactly the same way that you set it up, in reverse.
Take as much time to take it down as you took to set it up.
Send the energy back into the Earth, the Sky, or wherever
you chose to get it from. If you used the energy from the
Earth and Sky, then it's a good idea to change it into healing
energy for our planet and our skies before you channel it
back.
What's the best way to practice
casting a circle?
Actually: alone. If you can do it alone, then you can do it
in a group; it doesn't always work in reverse. Working alone
also lets you develop your own style, and you don't need to
worry about people staring at you. You can work on your concentration
more easily by yourself, and you don't feel like you're boring
people if you take a while. Write your own visualizations
and keep track of your results in a journal. But above all,
learn to trust yourself and your instincts; it's one of the
most valuable gifts you can give yourself.
| Authors Details: Casting A Circle -
Keitha (FireWind) |
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