Magic Circle

The magic circle (also known as the sacred circle, ritual circle or simply the circle) is a barrier of energy used in many branches of Ritual magic, particularly in Wicca and other neopagan traditions.

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 (clockwise) three times. There are also various starting points based on cardinal directions. A typical size for a circle is nine feet in diameter, though the size can vary depending on the purpose of the circle, and the preference of the caster.

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.

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

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

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

Purpose
Traditionally, circles were used by ritual magicians to form a protective barrier between themselves and what they summoned. Nowadays, the circle has taken on 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. This shouldn't be confused with the cone of power, a method of raising energy.

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

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. This is referred to as "breaking the circle". 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. This opening must be closed afterwards by "reconnecting" the lines of the circle.

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 fashion (counter clockwise). This is called closing the circle or releasing the circle. The term "opening" is often used, representing the idea the circle has been expanded and dissipated rather than closed in on itself.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Magic Circle"

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