 |
 |
|
|
|
|
CIRCLES, WHY USE THEM?
By Mel White, Distributed in the public domain.
They say that the longest journey begins with a single step. So, too, the exploration of Magickal studies begins with a single step. Though the first step in a physical journey is often self-evident, the First Step on a Magickal journey is often not quite so clear. While formally organized groups often have a path of lessons to instruct newcomers, the solitary or isolated student is often left standing in perplexity on this broad plain of knowledge, wondering just where in the heck to begin. And wondering, too, if it's "okay" to start just anywhere.
While it is true that studies can begin in any direction that attracts you, the necessary first step must be learning to make psychic shields. There are "Things of the Dark" out there. There are any number of explanations for what these things might be - ghosts, demons, or simply uncontrolled urges of the subconscious mind. In truth, it does not matter what they are. What does matter is that their effect is very real and unless they are put under your control, they will drag you over the borders of sanity into psychosis. You are most vulnerable to them while you are in an "open" trance or meditative state. That is why the wise practitioner always begins by taking steps to define exactly what will be permitted through the portals of their psychic shields - no matter how simple the ritual. And this, in a nutshell, is what "protective magic" is about.
There are a number of ways to do this. The most common is to begin by drawing a circle (around a group or yourself) and invoking one or more protective powers. Generally, this is done by candlelight, in front of an altar that holds certain magical objects. The circle may be further "secured" and "cleared" by using salt, salt water, rum, incense, or some other method. You may be wearing a special robe and will have taken a bath (or performed a cleansing ritual) earlier. The powers that protect you will be called on and THEN you will begin your ritual.
Is it psychological? Absolutely! Is there a reason why protection rituals always take this form? Positively! Let us take a step back and see what you are actually doing and how the process works - from a psychological standpoint - and how to use this knowledge to help you refine your circles to enhance your rituals.
Psychologists and psychics alike view the mind's structure as a three-part entity: The ego that which you think of as yourself), the superego (the "higher self") and the Id (the child within). The Id is, in a sense, a computer. Like most computers, it operates on the "garbage in-garbage out" principle. There's an old superstition "as you name something, so will it become." Tell yourself that you're very unlucky and your id will obligingly give you bad days by enhancing any negatives in your environment. Tell yourself that you are clumsy, and your id-computer will obligingly arrange for you to break a leg while stepping off the sidewalk. The bad news is that the Id cannot make a judgment as to whether or not this is a good idea. It only knows that it is received these "instructions" and must carry them out. The good news is that you can actually program/reprogram this portion of your mind.
You begin programming this Internal Servant of yours by first drawing its attention to what you want done and then explaining what you need done in a simple and clear manner. Repeating the instructions in a chant help fix the goals for the Id - rhymed chants seem to be easier for it to process. Each time you perform the ritual and repeat the chant, the programming is strengthened. Never mind that your ego and superego understand that you're going to program the child-like Id. It works just the same.
To direct the Id's attention to the process, you first have to impress it. Using special tools and clothing alert it that something unusual is going on and that it must pay attention. Acquiring hard-to-obtain items, drawing symbols, performing a symbolic sacrifice (donating money, say, to a good cause) are all ways of reinforcing the Id's impression that this ceremony is very special and that the result will be very powerful. Organized, meaningful symbols, speak to your subconscious mind in ways it understands, reinforcing the goals you have set.
Drawing the circle itself establishes boundaries within your environment ("The rest of the world can do what it likes Out There. All within this circle is in MY control"). Purifying the circle and consecrating it (sprinkling water which has been blessed and salt added) further enforce your territory, defining the borders where you are "safe". Nothing can enter this area except what you invite inside. You further tighten these borders by calling on certain Powers.
You can call on any powers you like. Some use traditional Christian images. Others call up deities from the religion they are most comfortable with. And many people use the thought/image of a beam of light that represents either God/Goddess (whichever one they like) OR The power of light and life and goodness in the Universe.
The number of powers called as guardians varies. You may choose to invoke one powerful being to protect your circle. Or you might call on the Universal Being/Light AND four guardians (one for each quarter of the compass). A third approach is to use a guardian for the four quarters of the compass and no higher being. There is no "absolutely correct" system; the correct system is the one that YOU are comfortable with.
Take time to choose the guardians of your circle carefully. You should select guardians (gods or animals or some form of life) which have a deeper meaning to you and whose qualities are in harmony with your goals. For the new student, it is best to have all your Powers and Guardians from the same belief system/religion/mythic universe so that the symbols will be consistent and not confuse the Id.
You CAN use people - saints, movie actors, figures from favorite books as guardians. DO, however, pick someone who's dead or non-existent. The dead cannot argue with your interpretation of them, whereas the living may be highly offended to be approached as gods/guardians).
As your studies continue, you will find that your totems or guardians change. This is to be expected; as you explore new realms in your studies, you may find you need guardians ho deal with very specific areas to strengthen and guide you in these new fields.
But do not make the mistake of assuming that you will become so powerful that you will never need the protection of the psychic shielding circle in some form. And do not assume that you will not need a circle for "positive" magicks such as healing. Open is open - and open is vulnerable. And circles strengthen and protect you by defining what psychological influences will be allowed to work with you.
CREATING SACRED SPACE
In many books that you have read, no doubt you have been instructed to 'create sacred space' or 'cast a circle' and may have felt confused about just what, exactly, you were supposed to do and why. Creating sacred space or casting a circle means that you are changing the energy configuration of a room or space within a room to an energy which is neutral, cleansed of any extraneous vibrations that may not be helpful or may even be jarring to the ritual or ceremony that you are about to perform. Casting a circle contains, focuses and intensifies the energies that you will raise during your rite. By clearing, cleansing and sealing a space for your rites, the magickal energy can be contained and built up for the proper moment of release into the universe.
You cleanse and focus the energies within the shape of a circle because it is in a circular motion that magickal energies move. Just as our planet is round, it also rotates in a circular motion each day and moves in a circular motion around the Sun. Haven't you noticed that when you let the water out of your bathtub, the water swirls in a circle as it moves down the drain?
The creating of sacred space or casting of the circle can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be. The main components regardless of the way you choose to do it are that you lay out the size of your space, mark the perimeters, cleanse the interior and take it down or release the energies at the end of your ritual.
Before you begin your ritual, you will need to decide if it is an internal or external working. In other words, is it a working that affects your subconscious mind like one to recall past life memories or to rid yourself of bad habits? Then it is an internal working - it affects you internally. If it is a ritual to affect the world around you - a prosperity spell or one to find the perfect job or home - then it is an external working. The reason you care is that for internal workings you will create your sacred space by directing the energies in an anti-clockwise (widdershins) direction which help to draw the energies inward. For external workings you will create your sacred space by moving and directing the energies in a clockwise (deosil) direction which spread and send energy outward.
If you will be casting your circle inside, clear the room of chairs, tables and anything that might obstruct your movements in any way as you move around the circle. If you will be outside, clear the area of rocks and sticks that you might painfully step on and choose a location which is relatively flat.
Assemble all the necessities of your rite (your candles, incenses, oils, magickal tools, charcoal, matches, salt, water and any odd & ends you want) on your altar which will be set up in the center of the circle facing north. When you set up your altar, place all of your tools on it in a balanced manner and put one lit white candle (called the Flame Candle) in the center of the altar. In each of the directions, place a candle at the edge of your circle for the Quarters.
You will begin by going to the north or east quarter of your circle. You will decide for yourself which quarter or direction you begin in - some people who practice a Nature oriented spirituality begin in the north, others who follow western ceremonial magickal traditions begin in the east for it is there that the sun rises). If you use a ritual knife (athame), raise it high into the air above your head and begin filling it with energy from the universe around you, then drop your arm pointing the knife at the ground and send energy out of the knife into the ground, tracing the perimeter of the circle in a line of energy as you walk the inside of the perimeter, making sure you are marking out enough space to work in comfortably. If you do not use a knife, simply raise your writing arm over your head, fill yourself with energy and then drop your arm sending the energy out of your hand as you mark the perimeter of the circle.
Go to the altar in the center of your circle and pour some spring or distilled water into your chalice, then add 3 or 4 pinches of salt (for the element Earth). Go to the North or the East (wherever you started when you drew out your Circle - and sprinkle the salt/water as you walk the Circle completely, feeling the elements of Earth and Water cleansing the area and balancing it. If you wish to add a chant as your cleanse the Circle, it can help you to concentrate and visualize the cleansing even better. Return to the altar and light your charcoal in your incense burner with the white Flame Candle. Let the charcoal ignite completely then drop a small amount of incense onto it (this can be the incense specifically for your rite or a traditional cleansing incense such as frankincense or sage leaves). Go to the same starting quarter in the North or East and cense the circle as you walk the perimeter again with your incense burner. This represents the elements Fire and Air. Again, feel the elements of air and fire cleansing the area and balancing it.
Now it is time to invoke the Quarters. This means that you are inviting the energies of each of the elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water, to bring power and balance to your circle. Earth is associated with the North quarter, Air is associated with the East quarter, Fire is associated with the South quarter and Water is associated with the West quarter. Once again, go to your starting quarter. Meditate on the qualities of that element (see energy associations below). There are many ways that you can invoke the quarters. You may wish to concentrate on the divine nature of that quarter and verbally or mentally address a deity of the element in your invocation. For example, you may wish to invoke the Earth goddess, Danu, for that quarter. Or you could address the quarter as 'Lord of the Earth'. Or, perhaps the animal correspondence strikes a responsive chord in you. Then you could begin by saying 'Great Bull of the North'. Use the correspondence that means the most to you and that seems the most appropriate to the rite you are doing. Don't mix correspondences, though. If you begin with a deity, invoke a deity for each quarter; if you begin with the animal association, use the animal associations for each quarter. As you are meditating on the element, light the candle in that quarter with the flame candle, pause and then go on to the next quarter. Again, meditate on the qualities of that element and then light its candle. Do this at each quarter.
After each quarter has been invoked, return to the altar and light the altar candles. Put out the Flame Candle and set it beneath the altar. Now your sacred space is created, cleansed and balanced - it is time to begin your rite. When your ritual is finished, it is time to release the energies creating the perimeter of your circle. Go to the quarter in which you began (north or east) and either verbally or mentally thank the powers of that element for attending your rite, then extinguish that quarter's candle. Do this at each quarter and finally extinguish the candles on your altar.
Those directions were for a more formal casting. If you wish to create sacred space in a less formalized fashion, you can stand in the center of the space that you will be using for your ceremony and connect your energies with those of the earth. With steady, quiet breathing, absorb into your body the energies of the earth and then project from your solar plexus (diaphragm) this energy while slowly turning until you have completed a circle around your self. As you turn, visualize the energy flowing from you in a band of light and project it far enough into the space to give yourself plenty of room to work. After you have completed your ritual, stand again in the center of the space, turn slowly and release the energy which has formed the perimeter of your circle back into the earth.
QUARTER CORRESPONDENCES
NORTH: Stabilizing, grounding;
Color = Deep green; Animal = Bull; Element = Earth
EAST: Clear thought, comprehension;
Color = Yellow; Animal = Eagle; Element = Air
SOUTH: Energizing, transforming;
Color = Scarlet; Animal = Lion; Element = Fire
WEST: Compassion, intuition;
Color = Blue; Animal = Dolphin; Element = Water
CIRCLE CASTING SUGGESTIONS
These circle castings are offered by Lady Bridget in the event that you do not have one, or want to use a different one for whatever reason.I cast this circle three times round
And by it's energy we are bound.
This circle is cast in love and light
For all who join with us tonight
I cast this circle three times three
And by my will, So Mote It Be.
Here this circle now be cast
With elements designed to last
With spark and scent and salt and sea
As I do will, So Mote It Be.
Around and around the circle is cast
Time out of time, future and past
In a place that is not a place
Between the worlds, in Sacred Space.
FORMAL CIRCLE CASTING
This casting is suitable for "formal circles" - in other words, community Sabbats, Handfastings, or other Rituals where the circle casting is public. Certain traditions do not allow for their words to be used in public, and so although this is rather long and formal, it is useful for many occasions.I cast this circle with Will around
To be the boundary underground.
To form a space between the spaces
Time out of time, reaching all places.
To hold our magickal energy so
Until we decide to let it go.
I cast this circle with Will around
To be the boundary underground.
I cast this circle with earth and tide
To be the boundary on our side.
Joining the boundary below
As our circle begins to grow.
To form a space between the spaces
Time out of time, reaching all places.
To hold our magickal energy so
Until we decide to let it go.
I cast this circle with earth and tide
To be the boundary on our side.
I cast this circle with flame and breeze
Now overhead will be complete.
Joining side and ground below
As our circle energies flow.
To form a space between the spaces
Time out of time, reaching all places.
To hold our magickal energy so
Until we decide to let it go.
I cast this circle with flame and breeze
And now our circle is complete.
So mote it be!
CIRCLE CASTING AND CIRCLE STRUCTURE
A circle is a safe, sacred space that we create. It is "between" the worlds, the magickal and the mundane worlds. It marks a "place that is not a place, in a time that is not a time". What we mean by this is that it is sort of a nexus, a place that can touch and reach all other places and people in time and space.
By intent and the will of the person or people who "cast" the circle, the circle "happens". This vision is created so strongly on the astral plane that we can manifest it in the physical plane, and it creates a boundary past which energy will not pass, unless you send it out. The circle is used as a container, to hold the magickal energy that you raise (also called the "cone of power") until you are ready to send it out for a purpose. Ceremonial magicians will also use a circle at times for protection, to keep unwanted energies or spirits out. You can use a circle for both containment and protection, if you choose, since the protective element is good to have there anyway along with the containment of magickal energy. Under some circumstances, you may want only a protective manifestation involved (such as walking late at night in a unsafe neighborhood or any other place you feel you need to have a protective globe of energy around you).
There are many reasons to have a circle, but they generally come down to one of three:
- To work.
- To worship.
- To play.
Work would be magick, healing, self inner work such as meditation, or whatever you are doing that has a specific purpose, and these circles would mainly be done at the times of the Full Moons, New Moons, or Dark Moons, and are called Esbats. Sometimes, in a situation of great need, a working circle may be done regardless of moon phase or other correspondences. However, it is always better to try to work with the various correspondences suggested since these seem to help to make the working easier to accomplish.
MoonDragon's Pagan Pathways: Esbats
Worship can be done at Esbats as well, but is always done for the Sabbats which are the Wiccan Holidays, and there are eight: The four greater Sabbats and the four lesser Sabbats. Some believe in their traditions that they should avoid doing magick for personal gain at the Sabbats, but that magick for greater spiritual growth, and growth in our lives, or for healing the earth is all right. On these eight days, we give back to the Gods and Goddesses thanks for the blessings that we receive and celebrate the seasonal changes in nature and growth changes in ourselves as well as honoring the various aspects of the God and Goddesses often associated with the various times of the year.
And to play, well, those circles are mainly for fun, or learning, and can be done at any time. They are also called Esbats, and can be done anytime and anywhere you like. Wicca is a religion that allows for play, indeed ritual is mostly to have younger self (the Id or inner child) come out and play and be active.
So now you may want to know how to actually cast a circle for yourself. Well, there are dozens of books on the subject, all giving you different directions for the four elements, and all giving you different words to say, etc. I have to tell you that the directions of the elements and the words used to cast the circle do not really matter - what matters is what goes on inside of you! Do what feels right for you.
What should be going on in YOUR head is a strong visualization of what you are doing, not worrying about if you have gotten the words correct or not. Words do not cast a circle, strong intent (will) does!
Before I begin to give instructions on this, I have to emphasize that each group and each individual that I have performed circles with does things their own way. No one way is always right. I will be telling you what MY tradition follows, without giving away anything that I have vowed to keep secret (sacred), and offer you some ideas for words that you can use. Please do not email me to tell me that I am doing it the wrong way! Each person, group and/or tradition has it's own way, and if there is another way that works better for you then by all means, use it. This way works beautifully for myself and the people that I work with, and I am simply sharing it with you. Nothing here is written in STONE and is open to individual changes! Please use only what works for you.
You should always cleanse yourself and your ritual area before beginning any ritual. To cleanse yourself, take a ritual bath. This may involve using herbs or salt in your bath or shower to cleanse your body. As you do this, visualize all the mucky, muddy negative energies you are packing with you to flow off your body and down the drain. To cleanse your ritual space, you will take a besom (or broom) and astrally "sweep" the space clean of any unwanted energy. This is especially important if you are using a room that is otherwise used by the family, such as your livingroom, or bedroom, or office. Start at the back of the room, and going widdershins (or counter-clockwise) and visualize and clouds or muddiness in the atmosphere being swept away, take it all around the room, to the door, and sweep it all the way out the front doorway. If there is a lot of negative energy in the area you need to use, then go around first with sage, burning it strongly and smudging the area well prior to using the besom (broom).
Note: It never hurts to periodically do a cleansing on your entire home as well as your sacred ritual space. It helps to keep the home atmosphere peaceful and serene. This is especially important if you have occupants or visitors in your home that tend to pack a great deal of negativity with them. This is also helpful when you also have unwanted "invisible/unseen" or "psychic" occurrences happening in your home. When I do a cleansing, I begin at one end of the house (or room) and work towards the door, making sure I get up along the ceilings, in closets, and around the windows. Often times, I will then take a blessed oil and "seal" windows, mirrors, and doorways by anointing them with a pentagram and saying a blessing against negative energies intruding upon the space. After all, you have to remove the negative energies before positive ones can be invited into the space.
There is a chant that can be used for doing this:"Tout, tout, tout
Within and without
All negativity
Get out, out, out."
Another verse that can be used for this purpose is a bit longer:"Besom, besom, long and lithe,
Made from ash and willow withe,
Tied with thongs of willow bark
In running stream at moonest dark,
With the pentagram indited as the ritual fire is lighted.
Sweep the circle deosil,
Sweep out evil, sweep out ill.
Make the round of the ground where we do the Lady's will."
"Besom, Besom, Witches broom,
Sweep out Spirits, sweep out doom.
Rid the Lady's Hallowed ground of demons, imps, and hell's red hounds.
Then stand thee down on her green earth,
By running stream, or Mistress' hearth
Till called upon for Sabbat's rite,
To cleanse once more the dancing site
To guard us all from evil might."
Or you can say something simple like:"By my will,
I do hereby cleanse this space of all negative energies.
Allowing only positive energies in this space.
(Repeat with each sweep of the broom).
I suggest using something simple, along the lines of the first one, for Esbats, and if you have others present, or are doing a more elaborate Sabbat ritual, you might want to use the first, or both, verses of the second invocation.
Next you can set up your altar area, being sure to double check that you have everything you plan to use in the ritual. It interrupts the energy flow if you suddenly find you forgot something. Do not worry, it will not "ruin" it, it is simply better if you have everything at hand. It never hurts to make a list of supplies needed for your specific ritual and check them off as you assemble them.
Think of ritual work as if you were cooking from a recipe. You read over the recipe first to see if it sounds good to you, then you check your cupboards to make sure you have all the ingredients before you start. Ritual is the same way! Read it over first to be sure it sounds good to you, then assemble all the "ingredients" so that you know you have everything the "recipe for ritual" calls for.
One other note here, the steps above are not necessarily done in that order. For example, often I will get the altar and all the tools ready first. Then I will take my ritual bath, then cleanse and besom the area. Sometimes I assemble the tools, then cleanse the area with my besom, then to relax and get in a completely magickal frame of mind, I will take my bath last. The order, in other words, does not necessarily matter. Do it however it feels right. If you use the same room over and over again for ritual, and it rarely gets used for any other purpose (like a spare bedroom), then you can forgo doing the besoming every time. The room will remain cleansed and charged from all the rituals done in it. You may want to besom the room again after someone else has been in the room, though. If you show it to friends, or if you do end up having to use it for when company sleeps over. Take a moment to stop and FEEL what the space feels like. You can tell if it needs to be cleansed or if it is fine. Use your own judgment - that is how you will develop your knowledge of these things. If it feels fine to you, then it probably is. If you are unsure, then besom it anyway.
CASTING THE CIRCLE - BASIC INSTRUCTIONS
The circle is usually cast three times, once with the staff, wand, sword, or the athame (it can also be done with your finger or hand, if you do not have tools available), then again with the salt and water, then a third time around with incense in the censor.
While you are doing this, it is most important for you to SEE in your mind's eye the power or energy flowing out from your staff, wand, sword, or your athame, or hand and creating a blue or blue-white "flame" or barrier, which is the boundary of the circle. You will see this boundary being created each time you go around and cast the circle. And remember, that this circle is not a flat two-dimensional circle on the floor, but a complete globe that encircles the entire room, both below your feet and also over your head. Make sure that your visualization is complete in that respect. And remember, practice makes perfect.
Start in the east (or north, depending on preference) and walk slowly, deosil (clockwise or sunwise) around the circle, visualizing blue-white light being released from your staff, wand, sword, athame or your hand and say something like:"I do hereby cast this circle
By my will
In power and strength
To be a place between the worlds
For protection (if needed)
and a place of magickal energy.
Let no negative energy enter this space.
So mote it be."
(Repeat as many times as necessary to complete the casting. Some people make one trip around the circle for a circle casting, others prefer to make three trips around the circle.)
You can then take the salt and bless it by saying:"Oh creature of Earth,
By my will,
I do hereby bless you
And remove all impurities and negativity from you."
You can then take the water and bless it by saying:"Oh creature of Water,
By my will,
I do hereby bless you
And remove all impurities and negativity from you."
You then combine the two in the water dish and gently stir. Then next you will go around with the salt and water, completely around the circle. I take my fingers and gently sprinkle the circle with the salt-water and say something like:"I cast this circle with water and salt,
That this circle shall be cleansed and purified."
(Repeat as many times as it takes to move around the circle).
Then lastly you will go around with the incense burning in the censor (you CAN use a potholder if this thing gets hot - just consecrate the potholder also!) and say something like:"I cast this circle with air and fire,
That this circle shall be cleansed and purified."
(Repeat as many times as necessary to get around the circle. You use your hand or a fan, possibly made of feathers, to gently spread the incense smoke around the circle,)
Casting the circle is the beginning of the ritual, and so by definition has more power the more often you do it the same way. If you are working alone, this is no problem, you just find a way that you like to do it, and memorize that way. Do it the same way every time, and soon you will feel the words and the power flowing out without any trouble at all. When you decide to work with a group, however, you will all need to be casting the same way, so that all can participate in your "vision" and help create sacred space. So, whatever way you decide to do this as a solitary practitioner, do not get so "set" in your ways that you cannot change or adapt later if you happen to find a group you want to work with.
PURIFICATION OF SELF AND SPACE
Now that you have cast the circle, you will want to purify yourself. The space has been purified by your actions, (and you may have swept the space astrally beforehand with your besom or broom as well.) Some groups do this after they call the elements, some do it before. Either way, it is done BEFORE you would invite in the Lord and Lady (or Deities).
To bless and purify yourself and the other participants, you can use oil mixed with salt water, and mark a pentagram on your forehead and ask:"May the blessings of the Lord and Lady (or Goddess/Deity of choice) be upon you." ("me", if solitary)
BLESSING OF SELF AND OTHERS
Or you can say other words that are appropriate to the rite you plan to do. Either way, this is a simple blessing, which is sealed with a kiss, say "Blessed Be" and hug. Some groups do a much more formal and head to toe blessing in which they anoint each other starting at the head, and bless each part of the body for the purpose it was created, and then also end with a "Blessed Be" and a hug. I will often use a variety of these methods for self blessing. In most groups with both sexes, the men bless the women and vice versa. If this is not possible, it is alright to have the same sexes bless each other. The power and magick in Wicca is traditionally passed on from one sex to the other and uses the power of the sexual tension thereby created, however, as in everything else, different groups will have their own way of doing things, and this is also fine.
CALLING THE QUARTERS
After the Ablutions (the blessing of the participants), then you can call in the elements, or rather, we call in the Guardians of the elements. You see, the elements, or elementals, in their natural state, can be difficult to control by a novice, or even a long time initiate at times. So for our own safety, we call upon the Guardians of the Watchtowers of each direction to which we have assigned an element in our tradition. So, for example, we would call (starting in the east) the "Guardian of the Watchtower of the East, the power of Air." Here is an example of how I call the Guardians of the Elements:"I call upon the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East,
Element of Air
(visualize the air blowing gently in your face and the color of yellow)
Come forth and attend our ritual.
Hail and welcome!
I call upon the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South,
Element of Fire
(visualize fire burning and feeling the heat against your face and the color of red)
Come forth and attend our ritual.
Hail and welcome!
I call upon the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West,
Element of Water
(Visualize the ocean and waves and feel the water mist against your face and the color blue)
Come forth and attend our ritual.
Hail and welcome!
I call upon the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the North,
Element of Earth
(Visualize the dark brown earth and the green trees and flowers, smell the aroma of the earth and of the plants and the color brown or green) Come forth and attend our ritual.
Hail and welcome!
(Some traditions differ with many published books regarding the placement of the elements in the directions, but there is no ONE right way to do this!)
We will also list some of the attributes we wish to share, or say a few words regarding the rite or the magick we are about to do. We ask that they come at our command, and we end with "So mote it be", a phrase which means "So it must be."
Go around to each of the directions in the circle, the east, south, west and lastly north, and call upon the Guardian of the element you have assigned to that direction, according to the system you have decided to use. When you have finished, return to the center of the circle, or to the place where you have set up your altar.
CALLING THE DEITIES
Calling for the presence of the Lord and Lady is different than the elements. We "command" the elements to come, but we invite the Lady and the Lord, or the Goddess and God. They are actually always with us, within us, and so we are actually evoking from inside of ourselves their presence so that we can feel them manifesting in the circle. This can be a very powerful and strong feeling, and the more strongly you can evoke these energies, I believe the faster your spiritual growth can progress. To invite the Gods and Goddesses, we will sometimes use poetry, sometimes read something beautiful and reverent or just close our eyes and say the words from our hearts. Personal Deities may be invoked as well as a general invocation. The last method is the one I prefer for private worship and for my group's inner circles, but for Sabbats I will often use poetry or read something. That way all who attend can participate and call upon the Lord and Lady also in their own ways, privately.
Now that the God and Goddess are present, this is the time that you would do the work, or the purpose for which the circle was intended. Magick, healing, psychic readings, private meditations, inner work with the Goddess, creating something, channeling poetry or songs; whatever your purpose for the circle will be done at this time. You are only limited by your own imagination!
AFTER RITUAL WORK IS DONE - GROUNDING AND CENTERING
After the work is finished and you have sent out your energy, you will need to ground and center. This may be initiated by simply bending down and touching the ground (or floor) and sending any leftover residual spell-casting energy back into the earth.
Some practitioners may have an energy or power object they place on the altar, such as a stone, that they will send residual energy into, charging it for later use. Others may simple use the residual energy left from spell-casting to reinforce safety precautions they have on their sacred space or their home by pushing it out and reinforcing permanent barriers to negative forces, adding to their personal protections. (See more about opening the circle below and releasing the energy of the circle.)
To start to bring yourself out of the "altered state" of the circle and back into the mundane state of regular day to day living. This is best accomplished by sharing what is commonly called "Cakes and Ale" or "Cakes and Wine". This is where you will bless and consecrate the wine (or beverage) and the cakes (or food) that you are going to eat and share with all the participants. Before you eat, however, many use this time to perform the Great Rite symbolically.
THE GREAT RITE
The Great Rite is the union of female and male that is sacred to all life, and is the basis for all life. This is done symbolically in the circle by using the symbols of the athame to represent the male, and the chalice to represent the female. Wine (or some other beverage) is poured into the chalice, then both are held up for all to see, with the two people performing this rite (usually the High Priestess and the High Priest) facing each other in front of the altar. The athame is plunged into the chalice, but gently, and this symbolizes the sacred union. There are many, many different words that can be said at this point, and most will be along these lines:"As the athame is to the male
So the chalice is to the female
And joined together, they are one
For the greatest magick is Love."
CAKES AND ALE (OR WINE)
After this is done, the cakes are also blessed, and the wine and cakes are passed out to all participants. Many people will say as they pass them out "May you never hunger" or "May you never thirst" which comes from the book by Robert Heinlein called "Stranger in a Strange Land". These are used by many groups, and are wonderful for the message they convey. Other groups may simply say "Blessed Be". Use what you prefer, or create your own special blessing. I also save a bit of both the "cakes and ale" to use as a libation for the Deities and Spirits and set this aside for after we close the circle. This is also a time for sharing, and bonding, for telling stories, for laughter, and for answering any questions that might arise. Do not be fooled into cutting this time short, this is an important part of the ritual too, and should be enjoyed to the fullest.
Now that the work is finished, you are properly on your way to being grounded, it is time to thank the Lord and Lady and give them leave to depart. This is done respectfully, and often with a wish that they aid us and guide us in the work we are doing, or in the coming season. Remember we do not command them, we simply invite them.
CLOSING THE CIRCLE
To dismiss the Watchtowers is next before the circle can be opened and completed, and this is done in the same manner as they were previously called. Some groups will start in the North and go widdershins (counterclockwise) to do this, and some groups will still start in the east and end in the east as they did for casting the circle. Use either way, whatever feels right and comfortable for you. Please do be sure, however, to thank the elements and to send them safely on their way. Failure to do that can sometimes result in "accidents" happening for a few days around the house, depending on how well you called them in. Our group also adds a "harm ye none on your way" to the end of our dismissal along with "Hail and Farewell", and end this with "So Mote it Be".
To dissipate the energy of the circle, to take it down, or open it, is to visualize the energy that you put down, either being expanded out and into the earth to be absorbed and used by the earth, or as being taken back into your tool (staff, sword, wand or athame) and being absorbed or stored there. Both are valid, and are used by different groups. We send the energy out to the outer edge of our "covenstead" to protect our members as they drive home, and then to dissipate naturally into the earth from whence we called it forth.
At this point, you have started in the east and ended in the east and taken up or opened the circle, and the rite is ended. Many people will use the traditional:"The circle is open, but never broken,
Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again!"
Which is also followed by a lot of hugging, and saying "Blessed Be" to each other, and in general making sure that everyone gets hugged. It's also customary after Sabbats and sometimes Esbats to feast. This is because you should eat very lightly before a circle where you plan to do magickal working, or even fast for a time (not long, consult your health care provider or if you are pregnant, consult with your midwife if you have any health concerns). And magick is hard work! Raising energy and sending off that cone of power is a lot of work, and a hearty appetite is usually to be expected after a long circle, so feast is pot-luck and self-serve most often. After the circle is opened, we take the "libation" we set aside during our feasting and take it outside, pouring the "ale" (or other drink) onto the earth and placing the "cakes" beneath a specific tree or in some other "special" spot in nature. We leave it there as an offering to the Earth, Gods, and Nature Spirits (most often the animal critters will help themselves to the libation). We give a little back to Mother Nature in appreciation of what she gives to us.
CIRCLE ETIQUETTE AND PROPER CONDUCT
Circle etiquette is pretty elementary, and usually just plain common sense and consideration. Unfortunately, some people leave that at the door when they come to circle, or so it would seem. So here are a few do's and don't's:
- DO bring something to every circle you are invited to, such as a dish for feast, or some wine, or soda. Or ask the hostess what she would like you to bring.
- DO stay and help clean up afterwards! Your host or hostess are not your servants, and they were kind enough to invite you into their home, be kind enough not to leave it messy. Pick up, and wash if necessary, dishes, or glassware you have used. If you borrowed a robe or a tool (such as a chalice or athame) make sure it gets properly put away where it belongs.
- Show proper respect for other people's belongings, especially their altars and tools. Touch nothing without permission. Some people are very sensitive about someone handling their tools.
- DON'T be late! (I know we all seem to run on what we call "Pagan Time" but, if you are running late and it's unavoidable, at least call to let them know you are late and just how late you think you will be. Many times we have waited rituals for people who had decided at the last minute they weren't going to attend. If you do find that you can't come and you had committed to coming, the courtesy of a phone call is always appreciated.
- DON'T bring guests without permission! This is especially important if you are having a "closed circle" not open to the uninitiated public. If you know that it is an "open circle", it is still wise to let your host/hostess know that you are planning on bringing someone with you.
- DON'T put anything on the altar unless you ask first! Most of us will hold our ritual tools during the ritual or place them on a special table or a place beside, under or other than the altar. This varies, however, with each group and may vary depending on the location of the ritual (such as out-of-doors where you may use a rock or a tree stump for an altar). The altar usually should have those tools and supplies that will be used by the high priestess/high priest during the ritual. You also do not want the altar to be cluttered and accident prone (such as knocking candles over trying to reach for a tool). Often times we will put the cakes and ale, extra tools, extra supplies under the altar (such as, if it is a free standing table) to be out of sight and out of the way until they are needed.
- DO make sure you say "Thank You" to your hosts!
CHILDREN AND PETS
A word now about children and household pets... children are our future, and they should certainly be invited to attend Esbats and Sabbats, when they are old enough to know what is going on and to behave accordingly!
Our pets are often attracted to the energy workings of a circle and may often wander in and out of the circle during a ritual.
However, if you do not want pets to be "underfoot" or they may cause an accident by knocking something over, be sure to put them into another room closed off from the ritual site.
If you do bring your children to circles, please do not expect everyone else to keep an eye on them. They are your responsibility, and your problem. Before anyone gets put off by my attitude, please be aware that I am a mother, and a grandmother, and my children (and grandchildren) have always attended any circles that they were allowed and asked to attend AND they had to behave themselves. I have had to leave the circle before to take care of a child (or children).
Children can either be the most wonderful addition to a circle, or the most disruptive. You as the parent have the obligation to see that they know what is going on beforehand and will be comfortable with it. If they are disruptive, and will not behave, and are bothering other people, then please ask for a door to be cut in the circle and take them out, and go with them to supervise them.
If the circle is not appropriate for children, and they are old enough to be left to their own devices for the time, maybe they could watch a movie that would be appropriate for them, or have some kind of activity planned for them.
Sometimes, if there are a number of children expected, an assigned "babysitter" may be used to keep the children occupied while the adults are in the circle. This may be a teenage child or an adult. Those attendees can always pool funds to "hire" a babysitter for the evening, if needed. If there are several members in the group that routinely have children present, they could take turns being the babysitter each time a circle is done (like carpooling rotations, depending on how many children you have you are required to be the babysitter for that many circles before it goes on to another parent).
Some groups with lots of young children take turns in supervising activities for them that are Wiccan related, while the other adults have their circle. I have also done circles exclusively for the children, and they have been some of the most fun too! In one we "pretended" we were each of the elements in turn and acted as we thought that element might act. In another, each child had a percussion type instrument, like maracas, cymbals, drums, etc, and we had our own "cone of power" through chanting nursery rhymes and drumming. These directed activities will be more meaningful for your child than a ritual aimed at adults, and are a wonderful way to introduce the "sacred circle" to them, before you expect them to be able to sit or stand still for any length of time. These work for very young children as well as for older ones.
In closing, I would just like to emphasize again, that these are the practices that our coven chooses, and in no way mean that you cannot do/see/feel something very different! The strength of Wicca, in my opinion, lies in it's diversity, and in the ability of the practitioners to adapt to whatever circumstances they need and abilities they have. So use this information in whatever way is useful to you, and do not use whatever does not feel right to you. Most importantly to me, though, is that you ENJOY your circle! Remember that things can and will go wrong, people will forget what to say, and the Goddess will not strike you with lightening for it.
Blessed be!
Let
The Truth
Be Heard!
Often a Book of Shadows begins with a book blessing.
This poem is adapted from Silver Ravenwolf's "To Stir a Magick Cauldron"
reminds us of who we are and why we keep this book.
BOOK OF SHADOWS BLESSING
I will serve the Great Goddess
And give reverence to the Great God
I am a Pagan Witch
A stone in the ancient circle
Standing firmly
Balanced on the earth
Yet open to the winds of heaven
And enduring through time
May the old gods witness my words
Blessed be.
HELPFUL PAGAN PARENTING LINKS & RESOURCES
PaganParenting.net: The Pagan Parenting Page
PAGAN RITUAL SUPPLIES
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
A Source For Medicinal & Ritual Herbs & Supplies
Aphrodisiacs Aromatherapy Bath & Body Care Bulk Herbs By The Pound Capsules, Tablets & Extracts Chinese Herbals Electronics Extracts First Aid Products Food Products, Mixes, Seeds, Snacks & More! Hair Care Products & Supplies Herbs & Oils, Kilo & Ton Hydroponics & Gardening Kava Products Kitchen & Housewares Mushrooms Musical Instruments Oral Care & Dental Products PC & IT - Computer Supplies & Assessories Skin Care, Cosmetics, & Gift Sets Smokes, Seeds, Cacti Spices, Salts, Sweeteners, & Seasonings Sports, Toys & Games Sweets, Candy, Chips & Snacks Stimulants Sedatives Teas & Coffees
Shaman Shop Home Page
WEB SITE BLESSING
May the powers of The One,
The source of all creation;
May the Goddess, the Lady of the Moon;
And the God, Horned Hunter of the Sun;
May the rulers of the elemental realms, Earth, Air, Fire and Water;
May the powers of the Stars above and the Earth below,
Bless this web site, and this time, and I who am with You.
I ask for you to protect these pages,
And that no harm to those who visit here.
So mote it be.
I am always looking for new material to add to my web site. If you have Pagan-friendly stories that you would like to submit to moondragon.org, please e-mail me the story and I will place a page for each story along with your name, as author, and a link to your web site, if you have one. If you already have stories on your website, please e-mail me your link with a description of your story and I will be happy to include a link to your pages with your stories. I have many Pagan parents looking for stories for their children and this is a great way to get some recognition and bring some people your way. If I supply a link to your website, please inform me if you change links or take down your website so I can make corrections.
Thank you and Blessed Be.
Leather Dupris, Domiciliary Midwife & Pagan Priestess
Web design by Leather Dupris
MoonDragon Birthing Services & Dragon's Lair Pagan Parlor
Salem, Massachusetts
E-mail: moondragon2@aol.com
