I do regard the importance of casting a protective circle very highly. Not all paths do and I respect their practice as that, theirs. Not every one is going to agree with everyone else’s methods.
It is my hope with these lessons to bring out discussions, opinions and ideas so that others can have a starting point, or even a finishing line to how they desire to walk their path. There are traditions that are rather strict in their practices, so yes there are right and wrong ways to practice in that traditional path. There are also deities that request to be worked with in a particular way. There are some correspondences that work best for certain tasks. It really is best to know all the foundations of the path you wish to work with before jumping into casting.
⚠️*Please note there is not a ‘universal correspondence’ that can act as a replacement or be used for anything. This is a very bad rumor and form of advice. Know your correspondences before trying to work with an item.*⚠️
When working with a circle of protection keep these things in mind: a circle should be cast before you perform any spell or ritual, a circle protects you from any outside forces while you are conducting your spell, one should never step out of the circle once cast. It is a good idea to have all your tools on your alter before casting a circle. If you do need to step out of the circle use your athame, staff or wand to “cut a door”.
The Circle
You can either: A) Make a physical circle using materials such as sticks, crystals, candles, salt, holding hands of those you are casting with and so on. B) Envision a circle surrounding yourself and the space you are working in.
If you need a tool to to help you project your energy you can use something like a wand, staff, athame, crystal or what every you use to help you direct your energy.
You then cast your circle. There is no set way for you to cast a circle. These are a few I have used myself just to give you an idea. Feel free to write your own so that it fits your needs.
A simple Circle
“I call the light of the starry heavens I ask the lady to weave for me A boundary encircling me in love and trust A circle woven of stars and moonlight and morning dew I seek power I seek protection I seek empowerment I seek magick Thus I do conjure thee, O circle of power So mote it be” (I have no source for this circle casting it was given to me from a friend when I started on my path.)
Sacred Space
“Here we create this sacred space Here in love adore this place Together work, together play And love the only rule we say
The Circle’s wide enough for more Inside the Sun illumes the door Wider still and then we see Another Circle merged with me
Shed the flesh that veils the light Strip away the mirror’s blight Open wide and shine within Look around, we all are kin.” (By Mischa from Creating Circles & Ceremonies)
Circle of Power
“O Circle of Power, I conjure thee, That thou may be a boundary, ‘Tween realms of flesh and Ancient Ones. This shield ‘gainst bane and harm becomes A meeting place of Truth, Love, Joy, Containing the power that we employ. By God and Goddess, we conjure thee This is our will, So Mote it Be!” (By Crow Dragontree from Creating Circles & Ceremonies)
Cast/ing: Simply put the word casting means to ‘put forth’ energy or focus your will for a specific purpose like a spell or ritual.
Yes spells are fun and the term used when pagans/witches desire to speak or commune to their higher power. The ability to spell cast can be for some the reason they started looking into paganism.
What people don’t always know when it comes to casting is that there can be rules attached. Not really a “right or wrong” sort of rules but more of an understanding as to what it is you might be getting into and trying to do.
It is my advice that you don’t ever just jump into spell casting without reading every set in the spell carefully and make sure you feel comfortable with it before casting. Feel free to add or take away to a spell. It is a good idea to keep to the laws/rules/guidelines that are in place with your sacred path in mind when writing a spell.
Next week I will be talking about casting a circle before doing magickal workings.
Herbs, stones, potions, rituals, elements, readings and so much more. Come follow us on a journey of what the world of nature, wonder, and magick has to offer.
