Casting the Circle

Requisites:
Altar, positioned in the center of the circle
Besom
Bell
Corner elements: bowl of salt, incense, lantern, bowl of water
Wand

1.

Cleanse the area inside and around the circle.

With the besom and walking widdershins inside the circle,
sweep the area in an outward motion.

We dispel and banish
all chaotic and unnecessary energies
that wish to cause harm.

2.

Stand before the altar.
Light the altar candle.
Ring the bell.

We attend here to [state purpose],
and declare this space for such purpose.

3.

Invite other participants, if present, to enter the circle.

In perfect love and perfect trust, merry meet.
Come forth and share in the work to be done.

4.

Place the bowl of salt at the northern corner.
Face north with arms raised.

Keepers of the north, merry meet.
Holding the powers of physical Earth,
we welcome your endurance and strength.

Light the incense and place at the eastern corner.
Face east with arms raised.

Keepers of the east, merry meet.
Holding the powers of intellectual Air,
we welcome your insight and knowledge.

Light the lantern and place at the southern corner.
Face south with arms raised.

Keepers of the south, merry meet.
Holding the powers of spiritual Fire,
we welcome your passion and courage.

Place the bowl of water at the western corner.
Face west with arms raised.

Keepers of the west, merry meet.
Holding the powers of emotional Water,
we welcome your serenity and purity.

5.

Circling the wand in a deosil direction,
direct power into the circle's edge.

As above and so below,
united with all who are present,
we create this space as a safe harbor
for the work to be done.

6.

Stand before the altar.
With the wand, sign a constructive pentagram.

The circle is cast; its boundary is set.
May these workings be
for the highest good and harming none.

As we will it, so mote it be.

7.

Perform rituals, magickal workings, or spell castings.

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