Circle Casting
There are many methods of casting a proper circle, all of them correct.
This is simply the method I prefer. I believe it is very important in
all aspects of ritual that you be comfortable with what you are doing.
Preliminary Preparations
Purification of self - this is a ritual washing and/or smudging.
Purification of Working Area - using the besom, ritually "sweep"
the are clean of all negativity.
Marking and Aligning the Circle - before the ritual, mark out your
circle. I use a 6 ft diameter circle with large quartz crystals set at each
cardinal point (N,E,S,W) just outside of the circle boundary.
Set Up the Altar - include all your working tools and any decorations
and other items needed for the ritual.
The Ritual
Standing at the North edge of the circle, holding the athame in your power (dominant)
hand, trace your circle by moving deosil (clockwise) around the circle and
arriving back at the North point. As you do, say these words or those of your
own choosing:
In the name of the Goddess and the God
I construct this circle.
Visualize energy coming from the athame (I visualize a blue-white light) marking out
the circle boundary.
Place the athame on the altar and taking the salt water, sprinle it around the circle,
beginning in the North, moving deosil, and ending in the North. Place the salt water back
on the altar, carry the lighted incense deosile around the circle, once again beginning
and ending in the North. As you do, say these words or those of your own choosing:
By Earth and Water
By Fire and Air
I consecrate this circle
That no negative thought or being
May enter herein.
So Mote it Be.
You are now standing in a ritually purified and charged circle.
You are listening to "The Lark in the Clear Air" by Loreena McKennitt
