CREATING SACRED SPACE
The physical circle used for ritual is sacred space. When you create a sacred circle, you are creating a door in between the worlds. It is a bridge between the conscious and the unconscious, between the everyday and the metaphysical. The place between worlds is a place without time.
A circle is used to gather and focus larger amounts of energy. The energy raised in a circle is referred to as the cone of power. The word "cone" is used, because energy is raised in a circle, but focused through one point as it leaves the circle on its mission. The cone of power can be raised through song, dance, chanting, drumming, and various other means. This energy is used in spell work, sabbat observance, and other magickal workings.
CASTING A CIRCLE
A circle is "cast" around sacred space not only to forge the bridge between worlds, but to protect the space and those who occupy it. Many religious buildings have their own temples, or areas of sacred space. These areas are protected by walls and other physical barriers. By casting a circle, we open the door to our imagination, and build up these protective walls around the playhouse of our dreams.
The steps to casting a circle include cleansing and purifying the sacred space, and actually casting the circle...or drawing/visualizing the circle. While cleansing, you can sweep the area with a broom, waft with sage. You do not have to actually sweep the area. The broom is a symbol. It is acceptable to fake sweep, but while doing so, it is important to visualize the negative energy leaving the space, and then filling it with positive energy. If you do not have a broom or sage on hand, effective cleansing of the space can also be done solely with visualization.
When you draw your circle out, everyone in the group should be imagining their connection with the divine cosmic energies of the universe growing stronger, more immediate, and more tangible than usually felt. Everyone should also visualize the protective barriers in the circle flying up and the magickal bricks being laid. The circle is then sealed with salt and water, the mystical cement of our work. Remember, energy does not understand English. It responds to will.
Calling the quarters and invoking the deity are not actually apart of the casting of the circle. However, these steps are performed immediately proceeding each casting if desired. I have included them in these steps, because any they strengthen the walls we build up during ritual. After we have opened the door to the otherworld, we invite in our friends, filling the circle with energy from the body, mind, heart, and soul.
There are many, many ways to create sacred space and cast a circle. The steps to achieve a circle depends on your preferences or the coven that you are working with. Steps can be added, deleted and rearranged to arrive at desired conclusion. The following outline is merely one way of casting a circle. Each of these steps will be outlined in detail in the next lessons.
1. Cleanse/purify the area by sweeping with a broom and/or using a cleansing herb, such as sage.
2. Set up the altar.
3. Light the candles and incense.
4. Consecrate the water.
5. Bless the salt.
6. Cast a circle by drawing the boundary of the circle with athame/wand, or visualize the boundaries of the circle.
7. Seal the boundaries by sprinkling salt, water, and carrying incense, and flame around the circle.
8. Call the Quarters.
9. Invoke the Deity.
CR TFA
2. Homework!
1. Describe sacred space. Describe how to cast a circle. State which of the next lessons you are looking forward to taking.
(1 paragraph minimum for each.)
2. Whether indoors or outdoors, clear a space that can be used for ritual.