Circle Casting When you are ready to begin your spell, it is important that you cast a circle, or create a Sacred Space, to provide protection, keep out undesirable energies, and contain the power which you will raise until it is time to release it to the Universe. Depending upon your own personal preferences, you may create this space by performing a ritual as simple as walking around your altar three times, visualizing a blue circle of flames, or something a little more elaborate, such as the following ritual: Beginning in the East, walk deosil (clock-wise) around the circle, sprinkling a salt-water mixture (which has been previously cleansed). While doing so, say "salt and water by casting thee, no spell nor unknown purpose be, except in true accord with me, and as my will, so mote it be!" Next, take the incense and, beginning in the East, walk deosil around the circle, allowing the smoke from the incense to cleanse the circle. While doing so, say "I banish from this circle, all unclean and evil forces". Back in the East, draw an Earth banishing pentagram in the air. Next, pick up the sword (or athame) from the altar and again, starting in the East, walk slowly deosil around the circle. Say, "I conjure thee O circle of power, that thou be as a boundary between the world of men and the realms of the mighty ones. A guardian and a protection to preserve and contain the power that we/I shall raise within until such time that we choose to release it. Therefore do I bless and consecrate thee." The circle is complete... It is important NOT to leave your circle until it has been uncast. If you do need to leave the circle for any reason, you must first cut a "doorway". Standing in the East, take athame and cut straight down through the air, come back up, and go down again. Now take and put hands together in front of you, and move the three circles (saltwater, incense, sword) apart (as if you are parting a curtain). Walk through the circle, turn and, facing the circle, close the opening with your hands. This will seal the circle so that nothing can enter or leave while you are gone. To leave a circle open would be an open invitation for an entity (good or evil) to enter. Keeping evil out of the circle was the reason for making a circle of protection in the first place, so make sure not to leave it open!!! When you return to the circle, follow the same procedure. Cut the circle, open (pull it apart), step through, and close again.
The Cone of Power
The cone of power is a vortex of magickal energy which is raised within a circle by one or more witches working for the same goal. One of the most common methods of power raising is dancing. Tradition dictates that one dance deosil (clockwise) for spells of increase or attraction, and widdershins (counterclockwise) for decreasing or banishing spells. Start the dance at a steady pace using whatever music you wish as an accompanyment. Then slowly begin to speed up the pace, continuing in this manner until you can feel the mass of energy raised above you. Then, concentrating on the goal, release the energy to go to where it is needed. Other methods of raising power include drumming, chanting, and others...
