Casting a circle is the act of setting up a temporary protective space for a spell or ritual. This circle acts as a psychic bubble, which is not visible to the naked eye, though it is felt energetically. The circle is said to be present in different astral planes as well as our own. Generally, the circle will be cast at the beginning of the rite, and then released at the end.
So why cast a circle? There can be many distractions from the real world that can interfere with magick spells and rituals. These can present themselves in the form of entities or another’s energies as an example. Trance work may also be done in a protective circle because it leaves the practitioner psychically vulnerable to other influences. Another reason for circle casting is the focused energy. Many spells require a focused stream of energy, and a circle can help deflect energies given off by the spell back into it, and to hold onto that energy for a longer time. According to Grove and Grotto, “We can summarize all this by saying a magick circle has two main purposes: To keep disturbances out, and to keep the energy of the ritual in.” As important as circle casting is to magick, it is not technically necessary as many traditions do not use a circle at all. Norse, Egyptian, and Shamanic religions never work with a circle, and they are fine without one. It seems that the extra protection of a circle is something that is up to the user.
The tradition of circle casting comes from the western ceremonial magick traditions, sometimes called Solomonic Magick. The circle in this tradition was originally thought to keep entities like demons and angels out, and to strengthen the relationship with God within its protective boundaries. Among Wiccans and others who practice the craft, a circle may not be needed for small things like meditations or offerings. Instead they choose to use a circle for extra protection during larger spells and rites for an extra layer of protection.
Some witches experience a sensation similar to a circle casting itself when focused on their aura or a personal shield. The auras of many people can also conglomerate into one giant circle-like experience if everyone is working with the same energy. It is almost as if the energy of many people come together and creates its own magickal circle.
So how does one cast a circle? This is something that can be done in many ways, and is often left up to the user. All methods of casting a circle do require visualization, concentration, and a commitment to making a real energy circle. In traditional practice, there are two parts to circle casting: casting the circle, and calling the quarters. Casting the circle is done by directing energy at the ground, and walking in a clockwise direction around the circle. Energy can be directed by pointing a finger, using an athame or wand, or any other way. Often, the caster will walk the circle three times to represent the three aspects of the Goddess and God, visualizing the boundary getting stronger and stronger each pass. The quarters are the four elements, and during the circle casting these are called to aid in the protection and magickal workings that will go on inside. Each cardinal direction represents and element and it is traditional to start in the east with air, south for fire, west for water, and finally north for earth. The movement of calling the quarters and casting the circle is the same, moving in a deosil direction. Both of these aspects of circle casting are highly personalized, so it is important to practice and find the way that is best for you.
Closing a circle is just as important as opening the circle. The closing allows pent up energies from the spell or ritual that was stuck in the circle to dissipate. This can happen either as a slow fade, or as a short rush of energy, depending on how the circle is taken down. It is typically advised to use the same method as the circle casting for the circle closing, but in the opposite direction. Failing to close a circle may have a few negative effects. An unclosed circle can be used as a portal for which an entity might travel through, and it could also create a less than desirable effect from your spell or ritual. Circles left unclosed may dissipate over time just through foot traffic, but it is still important to close them for the best protection.
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