Magic circle
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In many branches of Ritual magic, and particularly in Wicca and other neopagan traditions, there exists a practice known as casting a circle or "circle casting". In modern witchcraft circle casting is generally done with salt, crystals, candles or other purifying materials, and requires special rituals to be considered effective.
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[edit] Setup
By tracing a circle the practitioner consecrates an area within it for either temporary or permanent protection. This circle affords those within it to carry out magical rituals or spells without interference. Some traditions will say that one must go around the circle deosil three times: once to cleanse the circle with salt, a second time to cleanse it with water, and a third time to cleanse the circle with incense.[citation needed] A common incense to use is frankincense or myrrh.[citation needed]
The most common set-up for a Wiccan circle would be with four (4) candles, one at each cardinal direction:[citation needed]
- North: green for the element of Earth
- East: yellow for the element of Air
- South: red for the element of Fire
- West: blue for the element of Water
[edit] Purpose
The main reason for casting a circle is to contain any energy raised by the ritual that follows. As more and more energy is raised from chanting and dancing the energy becomes more concentrated. After the circle has been cast it is believed that if forms a "cone of power"; which starts on the ground as the circle shape and extends upwards to make a point, thus creating a cone shape. When magic is done being performed, the energy is then released through this point to enter the universe and serve its purpose.
The purpose of circle casting isn't always for protection. The caster often uses it to meditate or host rituals or even pray.
This circle is also believed to be an area which straddles two dimensions or realities. It becomes a sacred space between the mundane world and the otherside. Also known as the "veil between worlds".[citation needed]
[edit] Maintaining the circle
The barrier is fragile and sensitive to things passing through it. Leaving or passing through the circle often weakens or dispels the barrier.[1] Most Wiccans agree[2] that animals and small children do not disturb the circle and can pass freely through it, although dogs have been known to acknowledge the boundaries of the circle and will not enter it.[citation needed]
In order to leave a circle and keep it intact, Wiccans believe a door must be cut in the energy of the circle. Using the athame, an archway is "cut" in the circle, at which point anything may pass through without harming the circle.[citation needed]
[edit] Closing the circle
The circle is usually closed or "grounded" by the practitioner after they have finished by drawing in the energy with the athame or their hand (usually in a widdershins fashion), then sending it back into the ground. Sometimes the effect of the barrier may remain after closing it. The term "closed" or "grounded" is used[citation needed] since the circle is not seen as being "broken".[citation needed] Rather, the practitioner will close down the circle as a kind of retirement instead of breaking the circle.
