When performing rituals, ceremonies or spells it is usual to cast a circle and call in the four directions. This practices varies depending on the purpose of the work, the environment and who is present.
The following are some guidelines for circle casting and the opening of sacred space.
Open Sacred Space
Cleanse and consecrate the working space - Purification with incense, herbs, sound or holy water
Grounding and centering of the participants.
State in general terms the purpose of the gathering or work to be done
Casting the circle - Casting the circle around your healing space in a deosil (sunwise) direction by imagining a light running around at shoulder height.
Calling the Quarters - Call in the directions or the quarters - East, South. West, North and Heaven and Earth. You could also invoke elementals or power animals or goddesses or other spirit guides of you acquaintance etc.
Do the work of the ritual or ceremony – Meditation; an exercise such as, drawing down the sun or moon; perform a ceremony; make a preparation or magical item etc.
Re-purification after healing ritual
Dismissing and thanking the quarters in each of the directions, working widdershins or opposite direction to the sun.
Opening the circle – “the circle is open but unbroken, merry meet and merry part and merry meet again”.
IT IS DONE!
This chart shows the gestures that can be used for banishing and invoking each of the elements.
