Casting A Circle: 2 Methods
In this post and video we will cover two different methods of circle casting for your magickal practice and the pros and cons of each version. These methods are just how I do it but there are tons of different ways to cast circles so feel free to take what you want out of this post and modify or adapt anything to your personal preference.
Why Cast a Circle?
Circle casting forms a magickal barrier between you and the mundane world. This barrier is both to keep your intentions focused and your energy during spell-work contained as well as to protect you from outside energies that could negatively effect your work. Casting spells and doing ritual work often raises a lot of energy, and circle casting is a way to make sure that energy stays within your circle.
Before Your Circle Casting
Be Clean: some will prefer will like to take ritual bath (or shower). If I don’t have time or just showered earlier and don’t want to waste water, I just make sure that I generally feel clean and don’t feel gross or sweaty or anything. I normally will wash off my makeup because having a clean face makes me feel refreshed.
Wear clothing that you are comfortable in: Some might have a designated a special ritual outfit. If you’re in a safe space and feel more comfortable being naked, you could do that too. I personally like to be shoeless so I can feel the ground beneath me, and wear something like big skirts or leggings that I feel comfortable moving around in.
Don’t Eat a Full Meal: You don’t want to feel faint or be absolutely starving yourself, but you really don’t want to be super full so you don’t feel heavy or sluggish. Food is also great way to ground yourself when you've finish your ritual. So if you can hold out, try to save the snacks until afterward
Circle Casting Method 1: The Full Ritual
You will need:
Salt Water
Incense/Herb Bundle Wand, preferably with protective herbs (or one of the fire/smoke alternatives listed below)
Matches or a Lighter
A compass or great sense of direction
Optional Tool: Athame.
Also Optional: Something to physically mark out a circle.
Fire/Smoke alternatives: if you want to avoid fire or smoke, you can replace incense/herbs with an alternative fire and air representation. My go-to alternative is to ring a bell (air) over a candle (fire), often without even lighting the candle. Other fire alternatives: charcoal or firewood. Air alternatives: a feather, or steam (like from a diffuser or humidifier). Simply "draw” the circle out with these alternative items instead.
Athame: I use my athame for this but if you don't have one or don't want to use one, you could just use your hands or a wand.
Physical Circle Marker: If you have trouble visualizing your circle, you could lay out a string or flowers or have a round rug or blanket to represent it physically
Make sure all of your supplies for your circle casting and any spells or rituals that you plan to do inside your circle are already inside of where your circle will be. I like to set up my space so I start facing the east and end facing the north, but if you were for example more of a sea witch and wanted to face an ocean when you are finished, you can alter your direction accordingly.
Casting Your Circle:
Start by dipping your fingers into the salt water and draw or sprinkle the circle on the ground, moving clockwise. If you don’t want to put any water on your floor, you can dip your finger and “draw” it hovering above the ground. The salt water here represents water and earth.
Now take your incense or bundled herb wand and do the same, drawing your circle clockwise. The incense or burning herbs will represent fire and air.
Now, facing the east I say: I invite the element of air as I cast my circle.
Moving clockwise, you will then do the same for each corresponding element and direction.
South: Fire
West : Water
North: Earth
If you work with deities or the element of spirit, you can invite them here.
Pointing my athame up toward the sky, I say "as above..."
Then pointing it down toward the ground, "...so below."
With my athame I will draw my circle one more time, this time finally cutting away my circle from the outside world.
“The circle is cast. And so it is.”
Closing The Circle:
To close the circle, move counter-clockwise thanking and releasing each element from each corresponding direction. I start with the North.
“North - element of earth, I thank you and release you from this circle."
Repeat with West, South and East.
Counter clockwise I will then hover or run my hand over the circle. healing, closing, blurring that line so it does not exist.
“The circle is closed."
Full Ritual Casting Pros and Cons:
PRO:
Great ritual practice
Puts you in the right headspace for magickal workings
Strong connection to the elements
Very centered/oriented to where you are in the world
Strong barrier protection from all of the effort energy raised.
CON:
Requires more items
Requires setup
Takes a longer time
Not very secretive/discreet
Circle Casting Method 2: The minimalist method
This version is perfect for when you are "on-the-go" and don't have time for the full ritual, if you don't have the necessary supplies or if you want to be more secretive about it (for example if you wanted to discreetly be out in a public park or are still broom closeted at home).
You’ll need:
Yourself
Optional tool: A compass, a phone with a compass app, or just a really good sense of direction
Casting The Circle
Get into a comfortable position and figure out where you are oriented with each direction. Close your eyes and start to visualize a circle barrier being formed around you. Some may visualize it as a white, yellow or pale blue light, or as a wall of tree roots, or even as a shadow. Whatever you feel resonates most with you and you are most comfortable visualizing.
Internally or externally recite:
“Air, fire, water, earth. I invite you to my circle.”
Feel each element coming from each corresponding direction, adding an additional strength to the circle barrier. Once you feel it has built up a strong enough circle say aloud or internally:
“This circle is now cast and protects me, my energy, my magick. It is my will, so it is.”
In the full casting I feel that it is less needed to say "it protects me" because we physically draw the circle with protective elements, which raises more energy. Since we don’t do that here, I replace that with a clear, confident affirmation that I am protected.
Closing The Circle
When you are ready to close the circle, thank and release each of your elements by saying:
"Air, fire, water, earth. I thank and release you"
Visualize your circle's energy being drawn back into the ground. Once the earth has re-absorbed it, you will say:
"The circle is closed."
Minimal Casting Pros and Cons:
PRO:
Quick to do
No tools required
Discreet enough to do almost anywhere!
CON:
Less physical energy is being raised so it may feel less strong
May require a little more confidence in your magickal craft
May take practice before you feel comfortable with it
Both of these methods could benefit from practice, especially method 2. Don't be afraid to open and close several circles just to practice it!
