circles and castings

7/27/2019 Circles and Castings

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Circles and Castings


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A Circle for CathrsisIntroduction:Introduction:Introduction:Introduction:One of my near and dear once spent an hour in a therapist's office kicking aninnocent throw pillow around the room and screaming out rage at his abusive father.At the end of the hour, he had a broken foot -- and the first beginnings of a healedmind.

But we have learned that magic works through symbols. Calling an object by your abuser's name and then abusing that object is sympathetic magic used for the purposeof cursing. To throw a curse is to project one's worst feelings out into the world of form, and to invoke upon oneself the inevitable karmic feedback.

It is not our way to blast the crops and sour the milk. Wiccan tradition and plaincommon sense both tell us to avoid the practice of baneful magic. But, as usual, it'snot quite as easy as just saying no.

Rape and child abuse, loved ones killed by muggers or drunk drivers, emotionalmanipulation and betrayal, economic exploitation and dishonest office politics -people hurt and victimize other people in many different ways every day. We are notimmune.

At some point in our lives, probably every single one of us will feel violated by someother human being. Often our feelings will be based in fact. Whether they are or not,however, we need and deserve a safe way to discharge them.

Symbolic baneful actions are also cathartic actions. They drain and clear our poisonous feelings and allow our own emotional healing to begin. If we denyourselves this outlet, what happens to the grief and pain and rage?

If projection is bad for us, introjection is even worse. Unreleased bad feelings are amajor source of stress. In a very real sense, stress cripples and kills. Ulcers, strokes,

heart attacks and more are all heavily stress-related. A simple refusal to engage inbaneful magic could easily amount to punishing a victim by adding serious illness tothe original harm.

I am part of the All. "An it harm none" is about me too. Release of my feelings is myright.


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Figure out whether you can either cast a Circle to include your bathroom, or leave acast Circle for a period of time. This will depend on your particular training. If possible, have a warm scented tub waiting for you. If not, a basin of warm scentedwater and a washcloth within easy reach just outside of your Circle will suffice. Also,a ritual meal should be prepared and waiting outside of Circle, and this shouldinclude something green and growing - I favor sprouts - and something sweet.

Procedure:Procedure:Procedure:Procedure:1. Waning moon is a good time for this Circle, and the Dark of the Moon is evenbetter. Cast the Circle and invoke the Watchers in your usual manner. Call on theCrone, on She who weeds and prunes and disposes of the obstructive andunnecessary.

2. Just inside the Circle, like the membrane in an eggshell, cast a grounding shield.One possible image for this shield would be a black absorptive chain link fence,supported at regular intervals by fence posts that are lightning rods. Whatever happens within this space will be contained and grounded.

3. Make clear to yourself what wound you seek to drain. Say it out loud, even if youare alone. Recall what happened to you in detail and let the feelings grow strong.

4. Now, let go of your feelings. Do whatever will help you release what is in you. Beaton a pillow or rip up a doll. Scream till you cry. Don't stop till you are emptied. Thenfling the thing you used as a symbol out of your Circle.

5. When you are sure you are all done, all drained, contract the shield into a tight ballin the center of the Circle. As it contracts, it will gather all the negative energy fromthe Circle. Ground it. Affirm that you are sending this energy to the fire at the heartof the Earth - to Jarnsaxe or to Pele - to be purified in that blast furnace and cycled towherever strong energy is needed. Know that what you now let go is gone. Affirmthis out loud.

6. Wash or bathe in a ritual manner, feeling the last traces of your bad feelingsdissolve away. If others are present, allow them to wash and serve you.

7. Rest a few minutes. Feel the peace of emptiness.

8. Then invoke the Maiden's energy for new beginnings. Have your ritual feast, andotherwise indulge your senses. Gentle and joyful music would be effective, and youmay want to switch to a sweeter smelling incense. This is a time to dream dreams andplan plans. You have removed an energy drain from your life, now you will be able


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to?

9. Thank and dismiss whatever Beings you have called on, throughout the wholeritual. Close your Circle as usual. Do not do any other kinds of working or worshipwithin this particular Circle.

Follow Through:Follow Through:Follow Through:Follow Through:The final part of any effective magical working is "acting in accordance" on thematerial plane. By doing this, we give the magic a channel through which tomanifest. For this working, there are three forms of follow through, and all areimportant.

1. Remember that painful feelings are partly habitual. Acting in accordance withmagic to banish such feelings requires you to stop feeding the habit. Don't talk aboutthe pain with anybody until at least the second full moon after the working. Thisgives the habit a chance to fade out. As much as you can, eliminate the topic fromyour internal dialogue as well. When you notice yourself dwelling on the old pain,gently and firmly change the subject.

Thinking about action to change your life in the here and now is perfectly OK. Theproblem is reiteration of old feelings of frustration and helplessness that actuallyimpede change.

2. If the hurtful situation is current and ongoing, continue with any steps you were

taking to change the things you can change. In fact, you will probably find you havemore energy than you did before to devote to your projects.

3. Be sure to use some of your newly freed emotional energy to reward yourself. Taketime for friendship, love, and pleasure. The object of the exercise is to clear space for the enjoyment of life, so start right now.


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Casting: How and WhyHow I cast a Circle depends on whywhywhywhy I am circling. But that's not real helpful adviceto someone new to magic, so I'll try ramble a bit about the subject.

First questions are usually about 'stuff and tools'. I lovelovelovelove all my witchy things, butnever confuse them with the Source of Magic. Wands don't make magic.

If I am outside because it is a full or new moon, or a Solar Holy Day, I tend to bringlots of stuff with me. I don't necessarily bring everything you might see in a groupritual, just what I feel like having according to the moment and the occasion. I'vebeen known to spend the entire day taking things outside to set up a circle inpreparation for a ritual just for myself. The preparation, the tools and objects, thecreation of an alter, all appeal to the artist in me. It is something I find great pleasurein.

If the reason I am circling is more than celebratory, if I have a specific personal goalin mind, I tend to take less stuff with me, choosing only things I feel mostappropriate, and those sparingly. I guess I see a division between 'celebratory' and'working' ritual. I see 'tools' of ritual as more important in Celebratory Circles and tothe working of magic in a group ritual rather than a Solitary one. They help to createthe boundaries of sacred space, they add a sense of mystery and help to bring a groupinto the focus that is needed for working together. Tools have less to offer me in

Solitary ritual, I just don't need them as much as in group work.

In any ritual, regardless of the purpose or number of people, I start by grounding andcentering. These two are similar, but I see them as distinct from one another.Grounding is more of establishing a connection. I see magic, the use of power andenergy as a gift, a loan, the source being the Earth and the Goddess, Grounding isestablishing the connection. I can offer you a visualization that I used to use if youwant, (it is one of a tree, sending roots deep into the earth) but I recommend you seethis as another 'tool' and use it only as an aid to finding your own source/feeling of power.

I don't use a visualization, and I'm not really sure how I can accurately describe whatI do other than to tell you I look within, find inside myself the source of connectedness and power and then let it resonate. This resonance is what I callcentering.

The feelings of calling and focusing the Energy of the Earth are powerful ones,


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centering is becoming adjusted to that feeling, finding your own silence in the midstof a tornado of Power.

I ground and center sitting on the earth, hands touching the ground, eyes closed. Thealter and anything I need will already be set up, there may already be a candleburning, sometimes I will open my eyes and stare into the candle before I go anyfurther to cast a circle. I think of this time as waiting to see the circle that wishes tobe cast. I don't usually plan ahead what I'm going to say or whom I will invoke, I waituntil these moments and follow my instincts.

I usually use smudge, but rarely do a cleansing or banishing in solitary space (andeven in group ritual if I remember to add salt to the water its with my Goddess givenfingers not some ceremonial knife).

To cast the circle I stand in each of the directions E, S, W, N, and call in the spirits of that direction. My roots are Dianic, I invoke only the Feminine as I call the quarters. Ido not in Solitary ritual separately invoke the Goddess, instead I invoke Her in eachof her aspects as I come to each direction. At times my words, my intent is to callmore upon an essence of a particular direction, other times I directly invoke aparticular Goddess that represents to me what I am doing and which direction I amfacing.

I know this is sketchy. Here's an example of what I mean: In the East, I usuallyinvoke the essence of the direction, that of beginnings of birth and rebirth. This is the

direction in which I see my Friend and Guide the Owl and the direction of my birth,therefore I usually do not invoke a particular Goddess here. In the South, I willusually invoke a particular Goddess, one who represents either emotion or theemotions that I am feeling in regard to the work I am doing. In the West I willinclude both the essence of the direction as well as a Goddess Aspect, this direction isan introspective, reflective one and comes easily to me. The North is the direction of the greatest Mystery, I linger the longest and speak the least here, usually invokingusing an Ancient Goddess name or names.

To call each of the directions I face them from the edge of the circle and raise my

arms in what I call the Goddess sign, others call a yonic symbol. I will draw aninvoking Pentagram in the air when in group ritual, but in Solitary I drawPentagrams on my body instead. I draw one over left breast for E, vulva for S, rightbreast for W and forehead for N, womb for Center. This symbolizes my belief thatmagic comes from within, and that every woman's body is as the body of theGoddess.


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I continue around the circle twice more, pausing in each direction, it is a bit of atrance inducer for me and the belief again that we create magic with our actions -casting the circle as I walk it's path three times.

Yes, my circle casting does blur the lines between casting the circlecasting the circlecasting the circlecasting the circle and invokinginvokinginvokinginvoking.I'm sure there are many traditionalists who would look down their pointy lil noses atthis. But after a decade of walking this spiral path I am inclined to smirk atcomments from Rigid Witches. If you take any advice from these pages, let it be tofollow your ownownownown sense of Magic and Mystery.

Spirits of the Mystery Realms, both known and those un-met I call as Priestess of the Mother, daughter of Diana, daughter of Astarte, daughter of Artemis,Mother of All.As my Grandmothers before me From time out of mind In this place that is not a place I dance between the Worlds The Circle is Cast


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Casting a Solitary CircleCasting the Circle: Place white or appropriately colored candles at the compasspoints, the altar may be at the center of the circle. A small white or beeswax candle,two larger candles, the censer with unlit incense, the Athame, a dish of salt, a gobletof water, small cakes or cookies for "cakes and ale," a goblet of wine, an offering dishand any items for work to be done within the cast circle.

Take a short moment, eyes closed, to become "At peace" before standing before thealtar. Light the small candle and walk toward the east. Light the yellow or whitecandle from the small candle, saying:"Here I call forth the powers of air from the east, that I may be like the air, unfettered and pure."

Take a moment to remember the air visualization, and to contemplate the meaning of the east, air and freedom before continuing onward.

Light the red or white candle to the south with the small candle saying:"Here I call forth the powers of fire from the south, that I may be like fire, enduring all hardships to become strengthened."

Recall your own "trials by fire" and contemplate the possibility of more, the meaningof the words spoken is thought on, and the caster continues.

Light the blue or white candle to the west, saying:"Here I call forth the powers of water, that I may be like water, supporting and

protecting all that I encounter,"

Contemplate the water visualization and the meaning of the west in your life.

Move on to the North, lighting the green or white candle, saying:"Here I call forth the power of Earth, that I may be like earth, grounded at all times."

Here ground and think before moving to the east to say:"Welcome Air, Fire, Water, Earth, shine your light and lend your strength to this my circle to night/day."

Still moving clockwise, return to the altar, and light the incense saying:"Negative forces be gone, you are not welcome here."


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Breathe deeply of the incense and banish away negative forces within before circlingclockwise thrice with the censer, visualizing hate, jealousy and the like fleeing fromthe smoke.

Returns to the altar, pick up the Athame and pick up a measure of salt with its tip.Inserting the tip of the blade into the water saying:"As man to woman so blade to chalice, I purify this water with love, light and power."

Walk around the circle, sprinkling the salted water about the circle thrice. Returningto the altar, raise the Athame to the sky and visualize a beam of blue light filling it,walk once around the circle, using the Athame and its light to "cut" a space betweenthe worlds.

This done, move to the altar and light the two candles.

"Lord and Lady, I invite you to this my worship, that you may look upon my devotions and celebrations and be heartened and strengthened by them."

Turn toward the west and announce:"Now is my circle cast, unbreakable and without harm. Thus is sacred space decreed,and no act goes unnoticed. So mote it be."

Closing the circle: Thank the Gods for their attentions, snuff their candles. Dismissindividually each element and thank it for lending its strength, Walk around the

circle, drawing the blue light back into the Athame, breathe deep, and take some of the power back. A closing statement usually follows, ending in:"The Circle is open, but ever unbroken. So mote it be."


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Centering and GroundingWhen performing meditation, or preparing for a ritual or rite, often it necessary for you to allow yourself a way to clear out any doubts or wandering thoughts. This iscalled centering and grounding because this process is approached in two separateparts. First, before beginning anything else, note surroundings and make sure you arecomfortable if you are planning to meditate, and then steady your breathing.

CenteringCenteringCenteringCenteringCenter yourself by slowly bringing you awareness inward. Since we spend most of our lives focusing outward it may take some practice to become comfortable with thisidea. This is also the time when you have the wandering thoughts those things that

just pop into your head, like what to make for dinner, the meeting you have nextweek, etc. The hardest part of centering is letting these thoughts come for a time,then simply putting them aside to focus on yourself and what you are about to do. Itsounds easy, but think of it another way how many times have you tried to fall asleepand couldn't because these thoughts kept popping into your mind. Same thing, onlyyour goal is to remain awake! Or at least, to relax enough for meditation but not so far as to fall asleep.

GroundingGroundingGroundingGroundingGrounding is a two part process: first to allow any lingering negative thoughts to flowharmlessly away, and second to provide yourself a stable link while you are working.

One way is to start by connecting to the Earth through your feet. See it as a cord of energy from your body that reaches down into the Earth, and a similar cord thatreaches up to you from the Earth, with the two cords weaving together. Through thiscord allow any energy buildup to drain down into the Earth, Knowing that it will beharmlessly dispersed, and feel the stability of the Earth. This is also a major point toremember when working magic: if you do not allow yourself an outlet for the excessenergy you have built up, it will remain with you. This is why many Witches castcircles for magical workings; it contains energy until released.


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Circle Casting Dragon StyleI just thought I'd drop a note on the traditional Dragon Tradition Circle casting. Thecircle is cast with the Blade, the Cup and the Censor. The Priest starts with the Bladein the north and draws the boundary of the circle. As he does he recites: "I tread this Path for the Elements, that which comprises all that we see."

The HPS takes to sprinkling the boundaries with the Cup filled with salted water. Sherecites: "I tread this Path for Self, a reflection of the Divine."

The HP then takes the censor and carries the smoke to the boundaries of the circle ina deosil direction. He recites: "I tread this Path for Spirit, that which unites all things."

The HP or HPS then state the charge of our Circle. It is as follows:

"Our Circle is a place where hearts and minds can meet and share in the wonder and empowerment of a living and loving Goddess. We are a coven of friends, but above all things we are Family. Our Love and our Magick binds us together and our Circle keeps us and nurtures us. We are blessed. Blessed Be!"

The Dragon Guardians are then invoked.

EastEastEastEastMighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the East. Your tongue is a sharp sword,cutting with the knowledge of the arcane. Your spirit flows as graceful as a swift in flight. Purify us with truth. Blessed Be."

SouthSouthSouthSouthMighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the South, your breath is aflame with the fires of inspiration and passion. Your spirit is searing and fervent. Purify us with Love. Blessed Be."

WestWestWestWestMighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the West, your coils are the cleansing healing waves that nurture the soul. Your spirit lunges, leaps and splashes like a Talbot at play. Purify us with pulsing tides. Blessed Be."

NorthNorthNorthNorthMighty Dragon, Guardian of the realms of the North, your talons run like roots into


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the earth, giving you infinite strength. Your spirit is substantial, hard and pure like a clear crystal. Purify us with persistent wisdom. Blessed Be."

Each of these Dragons has a secret name that they are also invoked with. A suggestionis that anyone using these invocations meditate to find an appropriate name for eachGuardian and use it along with or instead of the words "Mighty Dragon".

I find that the Circle charge sets the mood for the Circle and I change it to suit thesituation. If anyone has ideas for a Circle charge, I'd like to hear them. I have anumber of Circle charges that I use but fresh ones always are nice.


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CirclesIt is a Sacred space set aside for Ceremonies and Rituals of High Magic. I am not goingto go into major detail here. I am going to give you just the basics for your Curiosity.

Within the circle one can transcend the physical world and take the mind to deeper and higher levels of consciousness. It acts as a protection barrier from all Evil andunwanted Entities. From within this Magical Circle the Magician can Invoke and or conjure up any Demon or Angelic being that is desired for their bidding. Now takenote that the Entities are conjured to appear outside of the circle and into theTriangle of the Solomon (Triangle of the Art). The Magic Circle is for the Magician tostand in along with those who might wish to witness a Magical operation as such. TheCircle must always be cleansed and Consecrated to make it a Sacred Protectionbarrier.

There are many different Magic Circles that have been found throughout time frommany different Grimoires. Most all have Sacred names of God and symbols that areinscribed all around the inside border of the Circle. By looking at the different Circlesyou will see that some have many many names that are hard to read these Circleswould be impossible to make because if you can't read it then you can't be sure youhave the right names and this will serve as no protection. You will see that there arealso ones that are much easier to read and comprehend a much wiser choice.

Which Circle is the best? That is for you the Magician to decide. I myself prefer oneof my own making that contains names of God that I am used to invoking for protection not too intricate and not too simple. It must be right for you for all your energy will be built up within this circle.

Now many of you whom think you know it all may want to write me and tell me thatthey have to be certain colors and so forth. I say Bullshit. What I am telling youcomes from trial and error that is Experience. A Magic circle can be drawn in thesand or carved in concrete or painted on fabric. If they are painted on a surface theyare usually in Black and White. All these methods of using a Magic Circle have

worked for many famous Magicians/Sorcerers for decades. If Aleister Crowley werealive today he would tell you the same.

Below are some of the Famous Magic Circles that have been used throughout time.There are others that can be found in different Grimoires, but these are enough togive you an idea of how they differ from each other and their similarities.


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Circles: Why Use Them?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 journeyis 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 plainof knowledge, wondering just where in the heck to begin. And wondering, too, if it's"okay" to start just anywhere.

While it's true that studies can begin in any direction that attracts you, the necessaryfirst step must be learning to make psychic shields. There are "Things of the Dark" outthere. 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 doesn'tmatter what they are. What does matter is that their effect is very real and unlessthey are put under your control, they will drag you over the borders of sanity intopsychosis. You are most vulnerable to them while you're in an "open" trance or meditative state. That's why the wise practitioner always begins by taking steps todefine 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" isabout.

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 the one or more protective powers.Generally, this is done by candlelight, in front of an altar that holds certain magicalobjects. 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 willhave taken a bath (or performed a cleansing ritual) earlier. The powers that protectyou will be called on and thenthenthenthen you will begin your ritual.

Is it psychological? Absolutely! Is there a reason why protection rituals always takethis form? Positively! Let's take a step back and see what you're actually doing andhow 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: Theego (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 operateson the "garbage in-garbage out" principle. There's an old superstition "as you namesomething, so will it become." Tell yourself that you're very unlucky and your id will


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obligingly give you bad days by enhancing any negatives in your environment. Tellyourself that you are clumsy, and your id-computer will obligingly arrange for you tobreak a leg while stepping off the sidewalk. The bad news is that the Id can't make a

judgment as to whether or not this is a good idea. It only knows that it's receivedthese "instructions" and must carry them out. The good news is that you can actuallyprogram/reprogram this portion of your mind.

You begin programming this Internal Servant of yours by first drawing its attentionto 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-- rhymedchants seem to be easier for it to process. Each time you perform the ritual and repeatthe chant, the programming is strengthened. Never mind that your ego and superegounderstand 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 specialtools and clothing alert it that something unusual is going on and that it must payattention. Acquiring hard-to-obtain items, drawing symbols, performing a symbolicsacrifice (donating money, say, to a good cause) are all ways of reinforcing the Id'simpression that this ceremony is very special and that the result will be verypowerful. Organized, meaningful symbols, speak to your subconscious mind in waysit understands, reinforcing the goals you have set.

Drawing the circle itself establishes boundaries within your environment ("The restof the world can do what it likes Out There. All within this circle is in my mymymy control!").

Purifying the circle and consecrating it (sprinkling water which has been blessed andsalt 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 theseborders by calling on certain Powers.

You can call on any powers you like. Some use traditional Christian images. Otherscall up deities from the religion they are most comfortable with. And many peopleuse the thought/image of a beam of light that represents either God/Goddess(whichever one they like) or or or 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 onepowerful being to protect your circle. Or you might call on the Universal Being/Lightandandandand four guardians (one for each quarter of the compass). A third approach is to use aguardian for the four quarters of the compass and no higher being. There is no"absolutely correct" system; the correct system is the one that youyouyouyou are comfortablewith.


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Take time to choose the guardians of your circle carefully. You should selectguardians (gods or animals or some form of life) which have a deeper meaning to youand whose qualities are in harmony with your goals. For the new student, it's best tohave all your Powers and Guardians from the same belief system/religion/mythicuniverse so that the symbols will be consistent and not confuse the Id.

You cancancancan use people-- saints, movie actors, figures from favorite books as guardians.DoDoDoDo, however, pick someone who's dead or non-existent. The dead can't argue withyour interpretation of them, whereas the living may be highly offended to beapproached as gods/guardians).

As your studies continue, you will find that your totems or guardians change. This isto be expected; as you explore new realms in your studies, you may find you needguardians who deal with very specific areas to strengthen and guide you in these newfields.

But don't make the mistake of assuming that you'll become so powerful that you willnever need the protection of the psychic shielding circle in some form. And don'tassume that you will not need a circle for "positive" magicks such as healing. Open isopen-- and open is vulnerable. And circles strengthen and protect you by definingwhat psychological influences will be allowed to work with you.


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Creating Your Sacred SpaceSetting up your Space:Setting up your Space:Setting up your Space:Setting up your Space:Before any spiritual even can occur, you should create or designate a place that canact as your "Sacred Space". Your personal area where only spiritual work andinteraction will be conducted. Once you have designated an area, inside or outside,you will need to cleanse the area, energize it and create a "gateway" for spiritualcommunication and work.

SeleSeleSeleSelecting a Space:cting a Space:cting a Space:cting a Space:Designate an area in your home or outside where your sacred space will be. Thisshould be a place that is undisturbed by other members of your household. If youdon't have the space in your home to designate a room as your spiritual area, then setaside a corner or portion of a room. You can use curtains, an attractive room divider or just a special arrangement of furniture. If you decide to create a space outside, thesame considerations apply. You want this area to be undisturbed by other people. Aplace where your ritual objects will be safe if you leave them outside.

+Decorating your Space:+Decorating your Space:+Decorating your Space:+Decorating your Space:Decorations add to the "essence" of your spiritual space, but they also serve assymbolic reminders and tools for your work. If you have a close affinity to the energyof a particular animal, then add a statue or picture of that animal in your area. If youhave a particular connection to a pentacle or medicine wheel, then give that object a

prominent location in your space.

Some people like to set all natural materials in their space. A solid wood table andchair(s) with natural fiber coverings and so on. These additional practical items areentirely up to you. But if you feel that natural objects help you connect with thenatural forces around you, then add these specific items to your space.

Some things you may want to include in your space are:Some things you may want to include in your space are:Some things you may want to include in your space are:Some things you may want to include in your space are:Table and at least one chair A small table for a permanent altar

Candles of varying color Crystals and stones for future ritualsIncense for cleansing and clearing (don't forget the matches)And any other magickal tools you wish to use.

Preparing your Space:Preparing your Space:Preparing your Space:Preparing your Space:Before you begin any ritual or ceremony, you should clear and cleanse the area where


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the work is to be done. This is especially true when you're first consecrating your sacred space. You should re-cleanse this area each time you begin a ritual or use of this space, but these later efforts will all be affected by how you first set the intentand use of energy in this space for the first time.

Creating your Altar:Creating your Altar:Creating your Altar:Creating your Altar:An altar helps a Witch centralize her personal power and focus. This space should bealive and teaming with energy. In other words, don't use it for decorative items, onlythose items that are used in each ritual should be maintained on this space. This isyour work space and it should be large enough for you to create many spiritualobjects as well as conduct your spiritual work. And lastly, the altar should be gearedtoward your personal beliefs. This is a spiritual altar and you will want to honor your beliefs and the Divine energies that are present in your space, whether you there or not.

Sacred Clothing:Sacred Clothing:Sacred Clothing:Sacred Clothing:Many Witches will not enter or use their sacred space unless they are cloaked in aspecial garment created by their own hands and consecrated for spiritual use. Thisrobe is unique and special to each Witch who desires to honor their beliefs in thisfashion. A robe is more then just material that dresses up a ritual. It is symbolic of thelove, devotion and honor of spirit and purpose.

Self clothing isn't the only garments you want to consider for your space. An alter cloth is also called for. You can use more then one cloth in varying colors and

patterns, depending on the work at hand. But consider the use of the cloth before youcover the altar. If you are going to be mixing herbs or creating spiritual objects suchas handmade candles, smudge sticks or spiritual tools, then you want the cloth to beinexpensive and practical. If however, you are conducting a ritual to celebrate aholiday, then you might use a more formal cloth, anything from crushed velvet toblack satin. The cloth should reflect your personality, your beliefs, and one that youfeel comfortable using.


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Cutting a DoorwayAt times you may have to leave the circle. This is fine, of course, but as previouslymentioned, passing through the circle dissipates it. To prevent this from occurring it'straditional to cut a doorway.

To do this, face Northeast. Hold your athame point downward near the ground. Seeand sense the circle before you. Pierce its wall of energy with the athame and trace anarchway, tall enough to walk through, moving counter-clockwise along the circle for about three feet. Move the point of the athame up at the arch's center and down theother side until it is near the ground.

As you're doing this, visualize that area of the circle's energy being sucked back intothe athame. This creates a void, allowing passage in and out of the circle. Pull theathame out of the circle's wall. You're free to walk outside.

Once back inside, close the door by placing the athame at the lower North-Easternpoint of the archway. With your athame trace the circle's perimeter clockwise, as if redrawing that portion of the Circle of Stones, again visualizing blue or purple energyflaring out from the blade and converging with the rest of the circle. It is done.


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Cutting the Little GateOnce youve called the elemental powers into the circle, you need to cut a littlegate. This gate is an energetic gate from which you can enter and exit withoutdisrupting the magickal energy of the circle. Cut this gate just below the East point of your circle either with your athame, holding it in your power hand, or with asweeping gesture of your dominant hand. Just imagine cutting an energetic gate asyou do this.

Open and close the little gate each time you enter and exit the circle by using your athame or a sweeping motion of your power hand. Whenever possible, I suggest thatyou cut the gate at the door, when working indoors, so you can easily come and go.


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Grounding and CenteringThere are several techniques for grounding and centering, including meditations thatcan encompass the four elements, the planetary energies, and archetypes (gods andgoddesses). The act of grounding and centering itself can take only a few moments or blossom into a full meditation. These practices become easier each time you use them,and will enhance and strengthen your psychic and magickal abilities. There is anadded benefit to learning grounding and centering -- anytime anyone treats youunfairly, or you lose your cool, or you feel that you are disconnected and lost, floatingin this big universe all by yourself, practice the technique.

Use grounding and centering techniques:Before and after meditationBefore and after any spellcasting procedureBefore and after ritualWhen you are angry, upset, or sickEach morning as part of your daily devotions. Some Witches perform groundingand centering at the four sacred hours (dawn, noon, dusk, and midnight).

Grounding and centering can be done while standing or sitting, and doesn't take verylong to do. The more you practice, the faster you will be able to ground and preparefor magick by centering yourself -- sort of like a diver preparing to make the jump of his or her career into the magickal waters below. It is easier to learn grounding and

centering by going outside the first few times.

To Ground:To Ground:To Ground:To Ground:Take three deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. Close your eyes and imagine that you are a tree and that your feet (your roots) grow deep intoMother Earth. Feel the stable, secure energy of the planet.

To Center:To Center:To Center:To Center:Imagine that your energy is merging with that of the universe. Allow the sounds andsmells of the world around you to pass through you, like you are floating in a

magickal pool. Let your concentration center on your solar plexus area. Imagine thereis a beautiful sun burning there (some prefer to visualize a ball of light). Slowly, allowyourself to become one with the universe. That is the still point.


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Grounding BasicsDescriptions and ExercisesDescriptions and ExercisesDescriptions and ExercisesDescriptions and ExercisesGrounding is an exercise that many witches and magicians overlook in their study of ritual magick, but it can be very helpful in keeping the current of energy withinyourself in proper balance. It is also an integral part of the Grounding-Centering-Shielding process which keeps foreign entities and energies from attaching to theenergy shell that surrounds each of us.

Definition of Grounding:Definition of Grounding:Definition of Grounding:Definition of Grounding:The process of releasing accumulated energy from your body and energy shellthrough conscious direction of the mind.

This process should be performed before and after ritual workings and after any kindof psychic activity in which you mobilize and direct energy from within yourself (or from outside sources) outward towards some goal. This can involve complicated ritualwork, simple spell work or any other workings of Low Magick that you need toengage in when operating in the regular world. Since magick is not performed only atthe altar, we sometimes need to correct imbalances that grow in us from all sorts of outside influences in the everyday world. For example, crowds of people can easily"overload" our energy centers making us feel sick or just plain out of sorts. Sometimesit does not even take a crowd to affect us. Sometimes all it takes is an overly energeticor boisterous person to overload our energy sensors thus weakening us against

infections and emotional instability. Furthermore, there are even some individualswho can (consciously or unconsciously) drain our vital energy away from us the waya mythical vampire drains blood from his victim.

This is where the process of Grounding can come in handy. When we ground energy,we release accumulations of energy from rooms we have walked through, argumentswe may have had, people we have come into contact with, etc. It is almost likeemptying a bathtub filled with dirty bath water. We are cleansing away all the debristhat attracts and houses parasitic thought forms and unwanted entities. We are alsoremoving things that make us seem (unconsciously) unpleasant to others we run into.

Have you ever run into someone who was normally friendly and positive after theyhave had a fight with someone? Did you happen to notice that something was wrongbefore they mentioned the argument or altercation? This awareness may reflect thepersons resultant bad mood, but it also reflects the errant energy they raised andcarried away with them from the fight. Grounding can remove that energy and withpractice, it can be performed anywhere and anytime.


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After ritual work, Grounding is especially important because of the massive amountsof energy that are raised. Though we cannot see the energy, it hangs around us fillingthe room and weighing us down. We may not consciously feel the energy, but it doeshave an affect on us and our behavior and it also attracts foreign entities to us like thesmell of cooking food attracts wild animals. Whether the energy hanging on us isharmful or beneficial, spirit entities and though forms can feed on it making ustargets for opportunistic beings with no concern for our welfare.

Fortunately, Grounding is a relatively simple process that builds on creativevisualization techniques that are necessary for just about all magickal workings. Somedifferent techniques are listed below. Find one there or another of your choosing thatworks well for you and stick with it. Whether your technique is extremelycomplicated or fairly simple, do what works for you. Of course with time you maywant to have a more simple approach that you can do quickly if the need calls for it,but in the beginning expose yourself to both the complicated and simple techniquesand use what works.

1. Imagine you are standing outside on a very hot day and you step under arefreshingly cool (notnotnotnot cold) shower. Feel the water rushing over your skin asthough you were standing under a cool shower. When you step out from under the shower, you are not cold or hot, but pleasantly warm. Balanced.

2. Make a circle on the ground with the tip of your toe and make an X through thecenter of it. This symbol opens a visualized vacuum point in the earth. Thevacuum sucks all the unwanted loose-energy from your body the way smoke races

out an open window.3. Imagine that your body is coated with a shell of electricity (It is, actually. You justcant see it). It crinkles over your hands and your sparks everything your touch.Now touch something metal that also touches the ground. Metal grounds excesselectrical energy in a flash sending the energy back into the earth where it isrecycled.

4. Walk in the woods or on along any beach. Nature has an automatic affect onimbalanced energy and will remove it all on its own. This is a good technique for beginners who need to build up their confidence before relying on their ownabilities with Grounding.


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Grounding Shields1. Cast your Circle as usual2. Then place a grounding shield withinwithinwithinwithin your Circle, like the membrane just inside

the eggshell. You can use the visualization I shared yesterday for the shield or anything at all else that works for you.

3. Invoke Grandmother Earth into the Circle, and ask Her to take the energy to bereleased there, cleanse it, and recycle it to wherever it is most needed. Do not tellHer where.

4. Let the healee do whatever cathartic procedure seems appropriate. Sometimessimply yelling and screaming will do it. But, in this context, even destroying arecognizable image of the person who has done the harm is safe and Ok. Whenthe healee has finished releasing the poison s/he will feel drained and empty.

5. Then invoke the Maiden Earth, to fill the newly created space with fragrant,green energy that will welcome and nurture new and beautiful growth in thehealee.

6. Thank everybody.7. Specifically let the grounding shield itself melt into the ground.8. Close the Circle as usual.


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Honi Circle Method1. Ground and center 2. Cast the circle3. Pronounce the Honi conjuration (below)4. Continue on with your working5. Release the circle6. Ground and center

Conjuration"Master/Mistress of the universe! I am (state your name), your magickal son/daughter (State your request) for all that is good. I know you will do this for me."


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How to Cast a CircleWhy bother, and how to do it? These questions probably cross your mind from timeto time.

The "why" has a few answers: Some cast a circle for protection, some to shift betweenthe physical and etheric planes, some see the circle as a container used to store energyuntil the right moment to release that energy towards a certain goal.

Now, everyone casts a circle in his/her own manner. A circle casting can be very veryelaborate, or very simple. We'll start simply:

The idea behind every basic circle is like a child setting up a tea party. Cleansingequals the set-up, calling in the deities/elementals/beings you wish to have present islike inviting the other children (or stuffed animals!) over, and the ritual is the actualparty. The act of "casting the circle" part of casting the circle (if that makes any sense)is like setting a boundary between the attendees and the uninvited.

Setting up involves cleaning the area, physically, psychically, and energetically. Cleanyour practice area so you can move as you see fit. Cleansing with elements can bedone by smudging with incense, carrying a candle around, asperging with blessedwater, setting out stones around the boundary of where you plan to work, or acombination of any of the above. My method? I start in the northeast with my besom

(broom) and walk counter-clockwise (widdershins) to "sweep out" negative energyfirst. Then I go back to the altar, take my incense (fire and air combined), bless it,then walk with it clockwise (deosil) to replenish the freshly-blessed air and fireenergy. Back to the altar, consecrate and bless water (and add in 3 pinches of salt tomake earth and water combined) so sprinkle that around clockwise to replenish thefreshly-blessed water and earth energy.

I personally call in the elements before casting the circle, then cast, then invite thedeities.

Calling the elements (watchtowers, elementals, etc) can be really simple: "I welcomethe Air to my circle", you can say this in your head while visualizing a breezeblowing or whatever makes you feel like "Air" is specifically present. Traditionally,people go to the East side of the circle to call the Air first, then South and Fire, thenWest and Water, then North and Earth. Some people do it differently, that's wherereading and research is necessary to find out different methods and decide whatworks best for youyouyouyou. However, there's nothing wrong with trying it different a few


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times until it feels right, something might sound perfect when you read it, but howyou feel when you actually do it is the key.

Casting the circle, you can use a tool (wand, athame, sword, staff, etc.) or just your finger. I begin in the northeast again, point to the ground with a tool or my finger,and visualize a beam of light flowing from the tip to the ground. I walk clockwisearound the circle, say something simple like, "I cast this circle to create a boundarybetween the world of man and the realm of the divine" while visualizing that beam of light trailing behind, forming a wall or shell that the divine and energies I allow canget through, but nothing that I want to block out can cross. When I get to the startingpoint, I sometimes will bend down and tap the starting point like I'm connecting thetwo ends, and say something to the effect of, "My circle is now cast and whole!"

Now that everything's all set up, I invite my guests of honor: The God and Goddess.Sometimes I choose particular deities, but usually I just work with them as "God andGoddess." I light a candle and welcome them in. Don't demand that they join you ("Isummonsummonsummonsummon you to join me!") and don't be meek ("Hi, um -- if you can, can you please

join me?'). Know they will come and greet them like you're greeting an expectedguest at the door. "I welcome you to my circle and thank you for providing your energies to my work/ritual/celebration." Give them a vessel in which they can stay, acandle, a statue, a picture of each one, a stone representing them, etc. I usuallywelcome the Goddess first.

Now's time for your purpose of casting a circle, be it for meditation, a sabbat or esbat

ritual, a spell...

After the main working, I hold a simple feast, some food and drink to replenishmyself. A slice of bread and a glass of juice works, and it's suggested that you leave asmall libation for the energies you were working with. Bless your juice, pour someinto a bowl, and then drink. Bless your bread, break off a piece and put it into thebowl, and then eat. You can leave it somewhere or bury it when you're cleaning upafterward, the idea is to visualize that those energies who are your guests arepartaking of the food's energy (though maybe not the physical matter) before you justtoss it in the garbage.

When I'm done, I thank the deities in the opposite order in which I welcomed them.Again, it's thanking them for coming not saying "The party's over, so get outget outget outget out." Whenyou feel they have left (though they are always present) snuff the candles. So for example: "Thank you, Lord, for joining me in this ritual. Merry Meet, merry part, andmerry meet again." (Wait a moment, then snuff God candle then move on to Goddesscandle.)


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Then I cut the circle and either "absorb" the light back into my tool or finger (whilewalking counter-clockwise) or I "erase" it. Again, when done, I say something thatcompletes the action, "By my hand, this circle is now erased and this area is returnedto the realm of man."

Then, I wave goodbye to the elements, go to the North and thank Earth for coming,then West and Water, then South and Fire, then East and Air.

Finally, I return to my altar and make some sort of statement that the ritual is nowcomplete. I usually do some kind of action like ring a bell or snuff out the last candlethat marks the final moment, like a judge using his gavel and saying "Case closed."

Oh, and don't forget to clean up your area when you're done.

You can make this even more simple by sitting in one spot, visualizing a shell of energy growing up around you, and welcoming the elements and deities in your mind. Or you can be more elaborate with dancing, a script of flowery language andall statements in rhyme, whatever works for you.


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How to Cast a CircleFind a quiet spot where you will be undisturbed.

Face North and envision yourself in a dark green forest, fertile and full of life

Call upon the Spirits of Earth, Guardians of the North, to guard your northern side.

Face East and envision yourself on a high cliff with the wind blowing in your hair.

Call upon the Spirits of Air, Guardians of the East, to guard your eastern side.

Face South and envision yourself in a hot desert with the sun beating down upon you.

Call upon the Spirits of Fire, Guardians of the South, to guard your southern side.

Face West and envision yourself on the beach with a calm blue sea before you.

Call upon the Spirits of Water, Guardians of the West, to guard your western side.

Walk deosil (clockwise) around your circle, envisioning a shimmering line of firerising to enclose it.

As you walk, repeat, 'I cast a circle and erect a temple, a place between the worlds,where human and Divine may meet.'

Honor the Goddess and invite her into your circle.

Honor the God and invite him into your circle.

Conduct whatever ritual you have planned.

When finished with your ritual, open the circle by repeating these steps in reverse.

Tips:Tips:Tips:Tips:Use whatever wording is most comfortable. You can be as simple or as elaborate asyou like.

Once you have cast the circle, do not leave it until you have opened it. If youabsolutely need to, 'cut' a door in it with your athame or finger.


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Never cast a circle without opening it afterward. It disrespects the powers you havecalled to protect you.


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Open Circle EthicsEvent organizers and open-circle coordinators have, I think, a responsibility toparticipants to provide a safe and comfortable environment. The Pagan communityhere in the Pacific Northwest seems to be evolving an ethical standard governingorganizers. Althea Whitebirch calls it choice-centered, and I offer my perception of ithere as a model and a basis for discussion.

History: A few years ago, the Seattle/Vancouver/Portland area had no ongoingfestivals. As I write, August '86, organizers are planning next year's schedule -- thesecond annual Spring Equinox Mysteries festival, the first Summer Solstice Gathering,the third annual Solitary Convention, the fourth annual Fall Equinox Festival. Manyof the attendees are new -- either to Paganism or to the northwest and the eventsdraw people from a wide geographical area, including British Columbia, Montana,Idaho, Oregon, California, and all of Washington state.

We're growing. We're growing very rapidly, and dealing with a disproportionateinflux of people inexperienced in group rituals. As a result we're starting from scratchin developing organizer ground rules, and developing solutions to problems beingdiscussed in the Pagan net nation-wide.

In the Pacific northwest, the circle of organizers is very small, almost familial, andwe're working from a basis of friendship and trust. We're concerned about each other

and pay attention to caring for one another. I think the combination of a small grouphandling a lot of newcomers has allowed us to generate a uniquely compassionate setof attitudes and guidelines.

This outline is my own. I'm going to phrase this is strong, definitive terms, with thisqualifier: I call it Northwest Ethics because it has evolved out of discussions withother organizers. However, it isn't offered as a group consensus and any givenorganizer might disagree with some of these points or the language. This is intendedas a starting point for discussion and not a presentation of a set-in-concreteconsensus.

My own experience: I've staffed a number of events in and out of the community. Mymost recent experience was heading the SolCon '86 staff, so I'm using it as my mostfrequent example.

Ritual Choices: Althea Whitebirch and I facilitated a discussion at the '85 FallEquinox Festival that has borne substantial results in the local community. We


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argued that closed circles can do what they like, but those of us in charge of opencircles should lay down some ground rules to ensure everyone's comfort and safety.

Explain the Ritual. I'm personally finding it necessary to make some very basicannouncements, like circle boundaries shouldn't be indiscriminately crossed, andpeople should only walk clockwise within them. Again, we're dealing with a lot of newcomers.

No Pressure To Physically Touch. I've never seen anyone object to holding hands, buta lot of people have commented that they cringe at kisses. No kissing spirals in opencircles.

Why? Newcomers tend to go along with group activities, even ones they're uncertainabout. Maybe they should be assertive, but more often they're not, and organizers aretheir voice.

Choice: every event in this area includes space for people to put together their owncircles, some of which can be more touching-oriented -- and are identified as such.Or we might experiment with providing an Intimate Circle, which would include alot of hugs and kisses.

The rule is: you don't have to touch anyone you don't want to, anytime. That shouldbe clear to newcomers.

Choice In Participation. In open circles, if the dancing gets too rapid or wild,participants can step back. Just bring your neighbors' hands together and move out of the way. I've also seen some ritualists allow people to cut themselves out of the circle-- the procedure was clearly explained in advance.

Effective ritual evokes response. Novices are at different tolerance and skill levelsthan experienced ritualists, and some rituals can be overwhelming. Also, the 'boogietill you puke' crowd exhausts the older folks and the kids in the group.

Experiment note: I recently separated a circle into two groups, the 'keep on dancing'

people, and the 'sit down and rest' folks. Some rhythm is traded off for comfort. I'vealso seen two rituals staged consecutively, one quiet and one 'dance all night.'Suggestion: we can try a novice ritual, and a more powerful one for skilled people.Also note: one northwest organizer disagreed with these suggested choices, feelingthose who participate in a circle should be committed for the duration of theexperience. It's a point. In that case, I think a clear understanding of what's to comewould be essential.


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people kicked from the community on oneoneoneone person's request. I've also seen peoplewith a lot of contacts survive a number of complaints. Neither situation seems fair.

We have a lot of options. This is an essay question: pick one and list the pros andcons.1. Anyone at all can attend any event.2. Each organizer must individually choose who to deny attendance to. (In practice,

we do pass names to each other.)3. Any person who has been accused by one person of one of the following things

should get flagged. That is, every event organizer should be notified:Theft or destruction of another's property.Violence against people -- assault.Sexual coercion or abuse. This seems to me to be most workable:

4. In one case I had three complaints a man had made weird sexual phone calls towomen. I called him and offered him probation: find someone to sponsor you, tobe willing to act as liaison between you and the community. As with minors, thesponsor should be with you at each event you attend. Then I would put the wordout that you are on probation, and the sponsor should be contacted if you contactanyone on your own and misbehave. The probation would last for a year. Anyrepetition of the undesirable behavior would get you kicked from my eventspermanently, and I would notify other organizers. Failure to accept the probationmeans getting kicked immediately.

I haven't had a chance to use this procedure because the person decided the effort

wasn't worth it (a statement in itself). I notified other organizers.

I'm aware this issue is extremely hot. Personally, I'm introducing a lot of people tothe community, andandandand vice-versa. There are a lot of weirdos out there. I don't want tolet a mass murderer loose among us (as it were). I also don't want to blacklist someonebecause of a personality conflict.

Bottom line: some novice assertiveness training seems to be in order.

CaretakingCaretakingCaretakingCaretaking

Some of us have had good experience with 'greeters' or ombudsmen. It's a staff position, the sole responsibility of which is to be available for participants' support, tosolve problems, hold hands, and be a liaison with staff.

I didn't have greeters at SolCon '86 and regretted it. Even with 30 people, the eventcoordinator (me) didn't have time to personally check in with everyone.


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the community benefits from. Since teeny SolCon is becoming a formal organization(for legal purposes) and I'm putting myself on the Board, I won't personally be in aposition to take any money out. However, I'd still like to pay the staff -- even a smallamount -- because they sacrifice some of their own fun and do a lot of work to makethe thing possible.

Finally: organizing is a pretty heavy responsibility and a lot of work. I think we havea right to ask for hugs.

I hope to see lots of discussion on these issues. Because our value is maximumtolerance for diversity, doesn't have to mean that anything goes. I think it's possiblefor us to reach consensus about some ground rules, to safeguard our community andeveryone in it. We ask for perfect love and perfect trust. I think we need to provide asafety net to ensure it. As always, I welcome feedback.


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Releasing the CircleOnce the rite is ended, face North, hold aloft the wand and say:Farewell, Spirit of the North Stone.I give thanks for your presence here.Go in power.

Repeat this same formula to the East, South and West, substituting the proper direction in the words. Then return to the North and hold the wand aloft for a fewmoments.

Lay the wand on the altar. Take up the athame. Standing in the North, pierce thecircle's wall with the blade at waist level. Move clockwise around the circle,visualizing it's power being sucked back into the athame. Literally pull it back intothe blade and handle. Sense the circle dissolving, shrinking; the outside world slowlyregaining its dominance in the area.

When you arrive at the North again, the circle is no more.


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Triple Circle CastingRecite as you walk the first time around the circle:"In this place, this circle round I consecrate the sacred ground with golden light this space surround all power here contained and bound."

Second pass around the circle:"From earth the things that manifest from air, the tings of mind from fire, the things that motivate from water, the souls refined."

Third pass around the circle:"And yet no place or time there be between the worlds, my word and me welcome, Ancient Ones, and see this place is sealed, so mote it be!"


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Visualizations for the Circle of StonesIf you wish, you can back up the circle casting with the following visualizations asyou form the circle itself:

Prepare as usual. Approach the North and set the North Stone (or the candle) on theground. Then, visualize a stone slab standing upright two feet to the left of andbehind the North Stone. Visualize this as being bluish-grey, two feet wide, two feetthick and six feet tall. This stone represents the Goddess.

When the stone is really there- in your visualization- create another stone of thesame size and color two feet to the right of and behind the North Stone. Thisrepresents the God.

Now visualize a capstone resting on top of the two upright stones. It is about two feetby two feet by six feet. This represents The One before the Goddess and God, thesource of all power and magick. The Northern Trilithon is now complete.

The stones form an archway, a symbol of the gateway to the realm of the element of Earth.

Firmly visualize this, then gaze through the arch formed by the stones. See thegreenish haze of the Earth energy.

Repeat the entire procedure to the East, South and West. Visualize the appropriateelemental color within each trilithon.

Now purify salt and water, cast the circle as usual, and carry around the salt, censer,candle and water.

As you approach each quarter to call its Spirit of the Stone, see the trilithon firmly inyour mind. Visualize it in all its Pagan splendor. See the elemental hazes withinthem, boiling and writhing in unmanifestedness. Stretch out with your feelings; sense

the arrival of the spirit of each stone, then go on to the next.

With practice this comes easily, but such visualizations are never necessary.


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What is a Circle?How many of you cast Circles when doing rituals? If you don't cast one, what do youdo to set aside sacred space, if anything? If you dodododo cast one, how do you visualize itspatially? A sphere? A cone? A column? Completely enclosed, or open? Do you use acertain color, sound, smell, etc., when visualizing your Circle? What's it made of? Is itrigid or flexible? If it's rigid, what will break it, and what happens when it's broken?

What people see when they "look" at a circle is very personal. It has been myexperience that everyone sees energy differently. This is one reason I recommendcoven training if possible. You have someone to call when you need to say"Something weird happened!"

I teach my students that the circle is a large sphere. When I cast a ritual circle, Iusually see large, very large ribbons of blue light. My non-ritual circles are usuallywhite light. I don't visualize specific colors. All my circles can be walked into,however, if we are in circle, you better stop and ask permission to enter or exit out of respect for the Gods. I have permanent circles set for sleep circles and wards. Theyonly need to be "popped up" when I put my son to bed. These stay up until arounddawn.

As an interesting aside regarding seeing energy - I don't see colors in auras. I knowknowknowknowwhat colors are there, but I see them with my "inner" eye. I had to go to someone

who knew how to see auras and look at people, telling her what colors I "saw." Sheconfirmed what I saw, so I knew that I was working correctly.

I always cast a circle, a make do circle outdoors on my concrete patio works well.Each one is outlined with a different color, depending on the workings and seasons,and I always visualize it protectively in a gold light. Works for me. I sit out with myeyes closed until I feel the space 'warm' to me. Usually I view it as a spatial flat circle,with little flames of gold around the perimeter to keep the energy in. At the end of ritual, instead of grounding the energy, I do a little self hug which wraps up theenergy into myself. Solitaries can get away with this sort of improvisation!

I use something a little different, I suppose, then again, my path is one of long familytradition: I don't use colors, light, candles, scents or the like, but extend from myself lovingness while seeking the blessings of the four winds (I usually practice out-of-doors, and living in the high Colorado mountains, fully clad for sensibility sake, Imight add). Guarding my circle are the wolf, the eagle, the coyote and the badger:One time I was on a date with a woman who is something of a mystic, herself, and


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she did see the wolf guarding us, very unusual. I rarely if ever bring anyone into mycircle: The purpose of this circle was to divine the reasons for our coming together when and where we did.

But my protection I leave to Spirit: I see and hear a lot of fear on this echo that Ipersonally do not subscribe to (i.e. "evil" entities and the like). I don't judge thatviewpoint, but rather differ from it. I allow whatever to come to me that I may gainwisdom from it: Spirit has never tested me more severely than I can withstand, thuseven though it sometimes hurt, I do learn.

And pardon my preachiness here: I have seen the smothering effect of making toomany fear-based decisions rather than love-based ones: Fear makes we/theystatements. Love makes "here is where our paths cross and meet well" statements.

I generally visualize a line of silver-blue fire at waist level that extends all around meforming either a half sphere or three-quarters of a sphere, depending on the workinggoing on, if it is a formal working it is a dome, as I tend to want to keep the earth apart of the work. Usually it makes it easier for me to keep the visualization of thegrounding if the ground is accessible.

I do cast a circle -spherical, semi permeable membrane , no color, but luminous,membrane is densest at the perimeter of the circle and extends out with decreasingdensity for some distance which varies with the amount of energy invested.

I use a blue sphere around my car while driving, for protection. To which I might addthat I have been rear-ended twice, both times when I needed money, both timeresulting in about 4-500 dollars in cosmetic damage only. The "other guys" insurancepaid and the rear end remains ugly, if you know what I mean. I avoid using blue for my circles!

When doing a quick working (like something suggested here) I just ground andcenter and channel energy into the working. My home is safe/sacred enough with it'saltars, cleanings and continual workings/rituals.

Often, for quick work, especially outside, I also let my energy form the circle, even if there are several - it's just faster, and moving energy does form a 'circle' about onethat can be felt and does ward off whatever.

But almost always when doing something more than quick, I do cast. This can bedone in many ways, though. If I'm working with a very mixed group, some of whom


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may only be curious, then I will use a song (earth, the water the fire the air, or somesuch) as it can bring people together and help create that group mind that is soimportant to ritual while also moving energy into the space.

When working with the experienced (my coven, other covens) we always cast aformal circle. sometimes I use an athame, sometimes simply my hands. It involves(after grounding, so that I have energy to move) moving energy into an actualbarrier/division that encloses the working. I use blue light. If someone else is casting,I move energy into their casting.

We often say that children and dogs can breach the circle without hurting it, becausethey are always in the magical place anyway (includes cats, too!). But adults shouldcut themselves in and out. Many people actually cut a door, I simply let myself moveout of the sacred space and acknowledge the division, letting the energy close behindme.

In a meditation to meet the guardians of the quarters I saw a green glow of a verystriking color shimmering under the sea. This is what I visualize to cast my personalcircles: a line of that green water-light, about waist height, encircling me. If I reallyneed to feel enclosed I draw the circle high above me and then pull it downward tothe ground, tracing a cylinder.

My circle is definitely flexible, but if things go in and out of it, it tends to fade awaylike mist. I notice I'm pickier than most of my friends about what it takes to keep a

circle up--I find that my perception of the circle fades away, and as far as I'mconcerned the circle does too, if we sit down in it and have a mundane chat or lecture. I can't maintain any sense of there being a circle present unless it is beingused to contain sacredness. (I often find myself helping to 'dismiss' a circle that, as far as I'm concerned, has been gone for hours.)

In group working, I usually regard the circle as being composed mainly of the people,not the line surrounding them. At Mabon we goofed a bit in ritual design: all the coreritualists were sitting together, and when they went into the center to do the rite itleft a large hole. Several people agreed with me that the energy tended to leak rightout that hole, despite the cast circle around us. Similarly, if people leave it weakensthe circle.

One group I worked with said that the circle would be destroyed if the person whocast it left: I haven't seen that happen in practice, as long as other people presentmaintain their sense of its reality.


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otherwise. There are exceptions, of course; the cats come and go as they please. Whilephysical objects may pass through the shield, I have had people report that there is aslight sensation of pressure when walking through it. One person likened it towalking into a wall of foam. I've also received reports of a very slight, sort of 'sub-psychic' (subliminal) "buzz" emanating from my circle-shields. No one, however, hasdescribed it as unpleasant.

In the vast majority of cases, my shields are fixed in position. If, for some reason, Ineed to leave the immediate area, the shield will remain where it was cast. I have,however, occasionally cast mobile shields, as when transporting a sick or injuredperson to a hospital.

circles and castings

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