Magic circle

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For the British organisation dedicated to magic, see The Magic Circle.
For other uses, see Magic circle (disambiguation).
A solomonic magic circle with a triangle of evocation in the east. This would be drawn on the ground, and the operator would stand within the protection of the circle while a spirit was evoked into the triangle.
A solomonic magic circle with a triangle of evocation in the east. This would be drawn on the ground, and the operator would stand within the protection of the circle while a spirit was evoked into the triangle.

A magic circle is circle or sphere of space marked out by practitioners of many branches of ritual magic, Wicca and other neopagan traditions, either to contain energy and form a sacred space, or as a form of magical protection, or both. It may be marked physically, drawn in salt or chalk, for example, or merely visualised. Its spiritual significance is similar to that of mandala and yantra[citation needed] in some Eastern religions.

Magic Circle, by John William Waterhouse (1886)
Magic Circle, by John William Waterhouse (1886)

Contents

[edit] Casting a circle

Creating a magic circle is known as casting a circle, circle casting, and various other names.

There are many different techniques for casting a circle, and covens will often have their own unique methods. The common feature of these practices is that a barrier of energy is traced in a circle around the working area. Some traditions say that one must go around the circle deosil three times. There are also various starting points based on cardinal directions. A typical size for a coven circle is nine feet and an individual's circle is five feet in diameter, though the size can vary depending on the purpose of the circle, and the preference of the caster.[1]

According to the Wiccan Rede it is said to: "Cast the circle thrice about To keep unwelcome spirits out"

Some practitioners choose to mark the physical boundary of their circle, either before or prior to the actual casting. This can be done using a cord, a chalk line, a line drawn in the soil, or small objects such as stones.[2]

Some practitioners mark the four cardinal points with candles, either white,[3] or of colours representative of the elements:[4]

  • 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

Though some practitioners, associate North with Air and East with Earth.[5]

Generally, as with most magical practices, an incantation is recited stating the purpose and nature of the circle.

[edit] Purpose

Traditionally, circles were used by ritual magicians to form a protective barrier between themselves and what they summoned.[6] Nowadays, the circle has taken the more benign function of containing the energy raised during 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 it forms a sphere of energy, which intersects the ground at its equator[7]. This shouldn't be confused with the cone of power, a method of raising energy.[8]

Circles can also be used as barriers for non-magical work such as meditation.

[edit] Cutting a door

The barrier is fragile and sensitive to things passing through it. Leaving or passing through the circle often weakens or dispels the barrier.[9] This is referred to as "breaking the circle".[10] It is generally advised that practitioners don't leave the circle unless absolutely necessary.

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, a doorway is "cut" in the circle, at which point anything may pass through without harming the circle.[11] This opening must be closed afterwards by "reconnecting" the lines of the circle.

[edit] Closing the circle

The circle is usually closed by the practitioner after they have finished by drawing in the energy with the athame or their hand (usually in a widdershins, that is counter-clockwise, fashion). This is called closing the circle or releasing the circle.[12] The term "opening" is often used, representing the idea the circle has been expanded and dissipated rather than closed in on itself.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  • ^ Buckland, Raymond (2002). Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, Second edition, Revised & Expanded, Llewellyn Publications. ISBN 0-87542-050-8.
  • ^ Cunningham, Scott (2001). Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, 29th edition, Llewellyn Publications. ISBN 0-87542-118-0.

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, pp. 43, 64. 
  2. ^ Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, pp. 55. 
  3. ^ Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, pp. 65. 
  4. ^ Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, pp. 115. 
  5. ^ Re-thinking the Watchtowers. Retrieved on 2007-08-27.
  6. ^ Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, page 55. 
  7. ^ Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, pp. 56. 
  8. ^ Occult 100. Retrieved on 2007-06-09.
  9. ^ Starhawk. The Spiral Dance, pp. 83. 
  10. ^ Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft, pp. 224. 
  11. ^ Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, pp. 119 - 120. 
  12. ^ Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner, pp. 120.