Casting a circle of protection is a way for Wiccans, witches, and other practitioners of magick to protect themselves during magick work. A circle creates a high-energy space where you can safely carry out your magick, without the interference of any negative or harmful entities that might otherwise be attracted to your metaphysical energies during rituals and spell casting.
Circles of protection are also cast so that the energy of any ritual can be contained and amplified, making the ritual or spell more effective. When a circle is cast with intention and focus, it acts like a conduit, channeling the practitioner’s energy and intentions into a concentrated, sacred space.
Marking out your circle
First, you want to decide where to create your circle. Whether you have an altar or just a peaceful corner of your home – or maybe outside in nature – pick a place where you are undisturbed so that you can focus and work in peace.
It’s not necessary to mark out your circle, but some like to do it for ritual purposes, or for protection. You can mark the boundaries of the circle with a long piece of cord, or put candles or rocks along the edges.
Some Witches like to use crystals corresponding to each of the cardinal points (each point represents one of the four elements). Some people use salt around the edges of their circles as they feel it adds extra protection. It’s completely up to you how you would like to mark out or decorate your circle!
Circle Casting Methods
The next step is to conjure the pure energy that will surround and protect you. There are as many ways to do this as there are practitioners, so you will find a way that is suitable to you and your practices.
For the purpose of this article, we will introduce you to two methods. One is an easy method that you can use without the need for any tools (apart from your own energy). The other is a more advanced method with candles, where you will be calling on the energies of the four elements.
How to cast a basic circle of protection
Here is an example of a basic circle casting which can be performed quickly and easily without the use of tools:
1. Stand in the middle of your circle. Relax and breathe deeply.
2. Imagine that your crown (the top of your head) opens up like a funnel to receive divine, white light. Your crown is always connected to the divine and to your Higher Self, and you can open up and amplify this channel at your will.
3. Open your arms, palms facing out. With each in-breath, visualise yourself pulling down pure, divine light through your crown, and as you breathe out you channel this light out through your palms to create a protective shield around you. As you fill the space around you with this high-vibration energy you may feel a tingle or buzz, you may get goose bumps, or you’ll feel light and uplifted.
4. Now hold one arm outstretched (the one you write with) and point to the edge of the circle. Spin around clockwise three times, mentally marking out your circle with the divine light. Then raise your arms above your head and say:
“I ask that Spirit bless this circle
So that I may be free and protected within this space
So mote it be”
You are now ready to cast your spell or perform your ritual.
To close your circle, hold out your arm and spin around anti-clockwise three times and feel the protective light dispersing. Thank the Spirits for their presence and declare the circle closed.
How to cast an advanced circle of protection
This is an example of a more advanced circle ritual, for which you will need four candles, and if you have an athame or wand you can use that to direct the energy (otherwise, use your index finger). This
You can use white candles, or coloured candles for each point:
- North – Green
- East – Yellow
- South – Red
- West – Blue
Use the compass and place the candles at each of the cardinal points. Now cast the circle with the following steps:
1. Light the North candle and say:
“Guardians of the North, Element of Earth
I call upon thee to be present during this ritual
Please join me now and bless this circle”
2. Light the East candle and say:
“Guardians of the East, Element of Air
I call upon thee to be present during this ritual
Please join me now and bless this circle”
3. Light the South candle and say:
“Guardians of the South, Element of Fire
I call upon thee to be present during this ritual
Please join me now and bless this circle”
4. Light the West candle and say:
“Guardians of the West, Element of Water
I call upon thee to be present during this ritual
Please join me now and bless this circle”
5. Now take your wand, athame or index finger and point it to the edge of the circle. Spin around clockwise three times, and visualise a bright white light entering you through your crown and direct it out through your arm, down through your tool and out to form the edge of your circle.
6. Then stand in the middle, and feel this white, divine light filling the circle and immersing your entire being. Say:
“God and Goddess, Guardian Angels, and Spiritual Guides
Please be present with me during this ritual
Bless this circle and keep me protected
No unwanted entities are welcome here
Only pure, divine beings are invited into this space
The circle is cast
So mote it be”
You are now ready to cast your spell or perform your ritual.
To close your circle, take your wand or athame and spin around anti-clockwise three times and feel the protective light dispersing. Thank the Spirits and Elements for their presence and declare the circle closed.
Author: Amaris Silver Moon is a practising witch with more than 15 years’ experience with Wicca and other esoteric arts. She loves sharing her knowledge of the craft, and has written a step-by-step, in-depth guide to successfully performing magick: The Essence of Magick.
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