How do I cast a circle?
There are many options for casting your circle. The purpose of circle casting is to keep your energy in, as well as keeping outside energy out. It allows you to build up your magickal energy as well as giving you a center to work from.Here is an example of circle casting. I encourage you to be creative and find your own special way. This is one of my own special ways.
You will need:
Four candles
Incense or sage
Choose a space in your home or outside where you will be performing your magickal works. Imagine that you are sitting with a circle around you. Place one candle in front of you, one behind you, and one on each side of you, leaving enough space to move around comfortably.
Your candles represent the directions: north, south, east and west. Light your incense and candles. Step inside and walk around your circle. By using the smoke, visualize that you are creating a force field around you. Continue strengthening your circle, by walking slowly and allowing the smoke to leave a trail. When you feel that you have created your barrier, you can begin your magickal working.
Some people like to create a doorway. This way if they are interrupted or need to step out to get something, the circle isn't broken. If you decide to use this method, create your door after casting your circle.
When closing the circle, some like to walk counter clockwise (or the opposite direction of opening it). I recommend using this way, or another way of your choosing. Another way is clapping your hands loudly and extinguishing your candles, then sweeping the area with a broom after clean up. Sweeping disperses the energy that you have created. It is important to close your circle when you are finished.
I discovered a fun way to make a powerful circle. By using personal belongings, such as hair brushes, clothes, books, CDs, tapes, or anything else that holds your personal energy, you create a circle that you can see which already has your personal energy in it. You can also use a sheet to sit on, shaping it into a circle. This is great for those who have trouble visualizing a circle of energy around them. It's a physical way to reinforce your circle.
Remember to be creative, and happy circle casting!