Circle construction

I am fortunate to be able to spend time chatting with both new and seasoned students of the Craft every weekend in my little shop. Whether we have been practicing our craft and exploring the Old Ways for a few days or a few decades, we are all students in the ways of metaphysics. One of the most common questions I receive both in person and via email, concerns the right way to cast and construct circle. To be blunt, there is no one right way to do so. It's simply a matter of what works for you and the people you work with and what does not.

Most new students of the Craft begin with a trip to the bookstore in one fashion or another. They usually find a few commonly referred authors and then the confusion sets in. After reading several books from several authors on different paths and from different traditions, they are invariably confused about where to begin to cast their own circle and the details involved. One detail is always the same. Circle is always cast for three reasons: to establish sacred space, to provide an energetic barrier to keep unwanted energies out, and to provide a space to raise and later release energies working toward a specific goal. How, then, is the best way to do this?

The way someone casts will depend upon their tradition, their path, and their comfort zone. Some are simply not comfortable working within a ceremonial setting, others thrive on it. Some like a spot somewhere in between. Usually a person beginning their study is seeking a path, but until they find it they are usually working with a pentacle, a five point star within a circle. However, someone following a Druidic path may use a triquetra (sky, land, sea), while someone else may use the 7 point star (sky, land, sea, fire, metal, magick, and ether).

The first step in circle construction is finding a location for circle to be cast and consecrate the area. It may be indoors or outdoors, but it must belong to the person doing the consecration. In short, if you do not live there do not consecrate the land or other area as sacred space. The one exception is land available for public use such as a beach or other area that is not privately owned. Consecrate with spring water and salt, and an offering of herbs. The area may be swept with a besom, crossed with a staff, and charged with a wand. All are correct. Herbs such as white sage, lemongrass, lavender blossoms, rosemary, sweetgrass, rose petals, yarrow, jasmine, or resins such as dragonsblood, benzoin, frankincense, myrrh, copal, or sandalwood or any combinations of these are just a few that may be used to bless and honor the spirits of that area and the gods you wish to serve.

Before circle is cast, the caster will want to offer details of circle. For instance, the purpose of circle, what the working will entail, how this will be carried out, and may determine whether the circle will be cast by a singular person or whether the group will be active in casting. The caster will also want to consecrate the tools and have the ready within the circle before casting begins. The circle should be swept, smudged, or otherwise salted to purify the space prior to the rest of the group, or the solitary, entering the circle.

Generally, the recommendation is to begin casting with physically expressing circle. This begins with an alert such as ringing a bell, a gong, chanting, or drumming, smudging each person before allowing them to enter circle and participate, placing items that physically express the elements of circle, and setting the physical boundaries of the circle. This may be done by walking the circle, seating individuals according to elemental invo/evocation, with connected besoms, staves, grasping hands, tree branches, or with stones outlining the outer diameter of the circle.

This physical expression is done to set the tone for the circle, to act as a tool for the rest of the ritual, and to activate the connection between our physical and magickal (higher) selves for the purpose of energy work. It allows participants to feel safe and protected during energy work and places a kinetic barrier between the space and the rest of the space. It establishes the space as being more than something physical and transcends into a sacred temple space. For instance, in our coven energy is raised from the Earth into a ball which is then sent out clockwise from one Sister/Brother to the next with a simple “Hand to hand we cast the circle.” until the ribbon of energy has come full circle. The circle is then cast.

The next step is to invoke or evoke the elements and deity to become active partners and guardians in the evenings festivities. The difference between invocation and evocation is varied, depending upon tradition and location. Generally, invocation invites the elemental or deity to merge with the individual doing the quarter calls and work with/through the person. Evocation invites the elemental or deity to attend circle and participate without merging with the individual. The difference is in the wording of the invitation. Some traditions use physical representations of the elements during quarter calls, some require flowery expressions of welcome and blessings, others are very simple. Elements may also be invited using the bardic tradition of story telling, such as the relaying of the story of Creation from a Pagan perspective. As each element is brought into being in the story, the elemental association is presented (such as the lighting of a candle).

Traditions will vary, but most learn to begin inviting the elements with the Northern (Earth) element. Elemental association vary from tradition to tradition and in accordance to path as well. For instance, someone using a triquetra point would associate Earth with the Southern/SouthEastern point rather than the Northern point which would be associated with Sky/Air. Some associate the Northern point of the pentacle with Spirit and the elements begin with the next which is usually Air or Water depending upon the tradition. When the last of the elements being used have been invited to attend, the circle is then cast and sealed.

After the circle is sealed, the main purpose of the working may be introduced and begun. If deity is to be invoked the time to do is after elemental invocation and before starting the energy work. One deity may be invoked or each one may invite a deity of their choice. The energy work should not begin until this has been done. A simple calling of general deity such as the Goddess, or none at all, may also be done. Either is perfectly correct. When deity is invoked it should be with reverence and love. If you are wary about working with a specific deity don't. Wait until you have a better relationship with that deity.

After the work has been completed you will want to close the circle beginning with releasing the circle counter clockwise. If brooms or staves are used, they should be raised still connected, lowered, and then separated to show the circle is broken. The extra energy raised should be released into the Earth and grounded out. With the circle released, the elements should be released as well in the order in which they were called, deity should be properly thanked, and all items involved should be removed. The space should be as clear as it was when you began circle. Herbal offerings should be buried in the center of the circle or cast around the perimeter.

Casting with a group versus casting as a solitary will be different. The solitary must consecrate the circle and all of the tools within the circle, smudge, call the corners, seal the circle, and release the circle and elements, then ground excess energy into the Earth alone. Regardless of how many people you work with or if you choose to work as a solitary, how you cast should always be personal. If a formula doesn't work with your energy or if it makes you feel as if you're reading from a script, don't do it. You should never feel uncomfortable or uneasy when honoring your gods. You higher self will always be the best guide for your work.