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If you’re at all familiar with spells and rituals within Wicca, you may have already heard people talking about the idea of a “sacred circle.” The processes of casting (or opening) and closing (or releasing) a sacred circle often act as a bookend for whatever ritual you’re performing—they come at the very beginning and end of a spell.
In this chapter, we’re going to be looking at what a sacred circle is, why we use them in Wicca, and how to cast one yourself.
Circles are an important symbol, both in and outside of Wicca. They represent a sense of completeness or unity, since they have no defined beginning or end. This simple shape is also a sign of protection or a barrier—since it’s created from one continuous line, there are no points in the shape that are weaker than others. This barrier that a circle creates works both ways, too. It keeps things out, but it also keeps things in.
Within Wicca, the concept of a sacred circle encapsulates all of the above meanings. The circle represents unity—of life, of the physical and spiritual worlds, and of humans and divinity.
It also represents protection from outside forces. When you work magick, you allow spiritual to energy to flow into the physical world. Unfortunately, not all spiritual energy and not all spiritual beings are benevolent or want to help you achieve your desired goal. By casting a sacred circle, you protect yourself and your ritual from forces that would like nothing more than to sabotage them.
Finally, the sacred circle is a means of containment. The purpose of magick is to control and focus spiritual energy. By creating a barrier between your sacred space and the “real” world, you help contain the energy you raise so that it can more easily be manipulated according to your will.
In short, sacred circles make your magick more potent than it would otherwise be.
However, casting a sacred circle is not the only way to achieve the goals I’ve just mentioned. Depending on the particular magickal tradition you’re working within, you may discover different ways of protecting yourself and containing the energy you raise.
For example, some witches may prefer to call upon a particular deity for protection when performing a ritual. And others may opt for calling upon the spirits of the cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) or the spirits of the four elements (earth, fire, water, air). And yet others may have practices that incorporate all four of these things.
That being said, if you’re just getting started in the world of Wicca and aren’t familiar with these diverse practices, casting a sacred circle is a good introduction to the concept of spiritual protection. It can be incorporated into pretty much any spell or ritual you’ll encounter.
Casting a sacred circle can be as simple or as complex as you’d like to make it. Some witches choose to physically represent their circle (typically with salt or chalk), but others prefer a more symbolic circle that’s felt but not seen.
To begin, clear the area that you’ll be performing your ritual in. Whether you physically mark it or not, you need to be able to walk the circumference of your sacred circle without any obstructions.
Traditionally in Wicca, a sacred circle is nine feet in diameter, but if that’s not a size that you can practically accommodate, it’s only important that the circle be large enough to accommodate you, your supplies, and any actions that the spell or ritual involves.
To begin, stand at the center of your space, close your eyes, and visualize warm, white spiritual light emanating from your heart. Take a few deep breaths and imagine this light as it begins to grow and envelop the space around you. This light is healing, protective energy.
Now, move to the northernmost point of your soon-to-be circle and begin to walk its circumference in a clockwise motion. As you walk, imagine a wall of golden light that begins to erect itself where your feet land on the floor. This is the barrier that will contain the energy you raise within the circle and protect you from negative energy outside of it. You’ll want to make three complete rotations around your circle for it to be sealed.
As you make these rotations, repeat the following:
This sacred place is bathed in the light of goodness. May all within this circle be protected by the barrier I raise. I cast this sacred circle by the might of my will.
Once you’ve made your three rotations, your circle is officially cast and you’re ready to move onto the ritual itself!
If at all possible, do not cross the boundary of your sacred circle until your spell is complete. However, I’d be lying if I said I’ve never forgotten a crucial item outside my circle once or twice in my life! In instances where it’s absolutely necessary for you to leave, you’ll want to cut a temporary door in the sacred circle. Never just walk through your barrier—as this will decrease its power or eliminate it entirely.
To do this, move to the easternmost point, and with your right index finger, literally trace a rectangle in the air that’s large enough for you to move through. And then step through it.
Once you have what you need, return through this space, face towards the door, and repeat the following:
I re-seal the door that I have opened. The circle is complete once again.
Once you’re finished with your spell or ritual, you need to close your sacred circle to allow the energy you’ve raised to enter into the physical world.
To do this, begin at the southernmost point and walk around it three times—but this time you want to move counterclockwise instead of clockwise.
As you walk, repeat the following:
The sacred circle is now released. May the energy within move into the world and work my will. So mote it be.
(FYI—“so mote it be” is a statement of affirmation within Wicca. It’s similar to when Christians use the term “amen.”)