A Wiccan circle is a place where you can practice spells, offer prayers, and participate in other rituals.In some Wiccan traditions, a circle is required each time someone performs a spell, while in others, the circles aren't used at all.If you feel like you could use protection for your ritual, use a circle.
Step 1: You can find a quiet place with an even surface.
If you want to create a Wiccan circle, you'll need a place where you can concentrate and not be disturbed.It's easier to create a perfect circle around you if the ground or floor is flat.In less-than-ideal circumstances, you may have to cast a circle of protection.Try to focus your energy as much as you can.
Step 2: You need to decide on the size of the circle.
You and anyone else involved in the ritual should be able to comfortably move around your circle.If it's too small, you won't have room for your ceremony, and you risk having someone break the circle.If you're the only one practicing, you can use a circle of about 3–5 ft (0.91–1.52 m) for 3-4 people.If you have a large group of people, have everyone stand in a circle holding hands to determine the size of the circle you need to cast.
Step 3: The circle should be clear of the space.
In some cases, this will involve moving furniture and decorations if you're inside, or moving rocks and twigs outdoors.You may want to perform a ritual cleanse to rid the area of bad energy.One of the most popular ways to clear an area is to burn a dried plant.The smoke from the herbs is believed to ward off evil spirits.
Step 4: If you want, draw a circle on the ground.
This isn't necessary if you would like to draw or create a circle.You can draw the circle in chalk, sprinkle salt or water on the ground, or make a circle out of rocks.If you want, you can draw a circle on the dirt with your finger.Make sure whatever you use forms a solid ring because there's no right or wrong way to make a circle.If you use a piece of cord, make sure to tie the ends together.It is possible to stay focused during the casting ritual if you create a visual circle.If you have a lot of people in the circle and you're worried they won't remember where the line is, it can be helpful.
Step 5: You should set up your altar and any tools you will use for the ceremony.
You should set up your altar if you're using one, along with any ritual objects you might need, once you have defined the boundaries of your circle.A candle is placed at the cardinal directions north, south, east, and west inside of the circle.Any object with a flat surface can be your altar.Natural materials like wood, stone, or metal can be used to make an object.It is important that your ceremony is connected to nature.If you want to decorate your altar with scarves, you can arrange it with any decorations, symbols, or offerings you'd like, as well as anything you need during the ceremony.These will vary depending on your tradition, but may include a bowl of sand, salt or soil, a wand, stick, or staff, and a ritual knife known as an athame.It's a good idea to get these items before the ceremony so you don't get distracted by looking for them.
Step 6: Allow yourself to be according to your practice.
Take a few moments to breathe and think about your intentions for the ceremony.If you follow a Wiccan tradition, you can cleanse yourself by meditating, chanting, or taking a ritual bath.Positive energy can help prevent negative energy from entering the circle.If anyone else will be practicing with you, cleanse yourself as well.
Step 7: If you enter the circle, any other members will join you.
Once you're cleansed, enter the circle and invite anyone who's practicing with you to do the same.You can offer an invocation inviting deities or spirits to join you.If you drew a pentacle, you could call upon the God and the Goddess as well as the 5 elements, which are Earth, Fire, Air, Water, and Spirit.If you set candles at each of the points, move clockwise around the circle, calling upon the deity of each direction as you light the candles.You might try to have each person say a phrase as they enter the circle.Each person says, "With perfect light and perfect love" as they step into the ring.
Step 8: Speak with conviction about your intentions for casting the circle.
If you want to create a circle, point your casting tool into the air.Imagine if you were trying to force energy out of your belly as you speak to make sure your circle is strong enough for your ritual.Some common reasons to cast a circle are to protect yourself from negative energy, to create a portal to another realm, or to contain spirits or energy that you call upon during the ritual.You could say something like, "We cast this circle to protect us from outside forces that mean us harm!"As I speak to the spirit realm, I create this circle to harness my energy.A casting tool can be anything from a staff to a wand.The main purpose of the tool is to concentrate your energy so it can be directed precisely where you want it, so use whatever makes you feel comfortable and powerful.
Step 9: To close your symbolic circle, use your tool to draw it.
Take a picture of the energy flowing through your body, down through the casting tool, and out to the circle.Then, use your wand to form a circle on your body.Some practices prefer to start their circle at a specific spot.The circle starts at the north because it represents a connection to the earth.The sun and moon rise at Cardinal East, which is where the circle begins.Imagine your energy going out of you and forming a circle around you.If you're alone or need a way to protect yourself, this can be helpful.
Step 10: Your ceremony can be performed within the circle.
There are a lot of different types of Wiccan ceremonies.You may want to come up with your own take on the traditions that are different in different practices.You could cast a spell, sing, chant, or pray, for instance, if you read from mystical texts that are sacred to your practice.A common Wiccan practice is called Cakes and Wine.It can take place at the beginning or the end of the ceremony, and it involves sharing food and drink, as well as offering them symbolically to the God and Goddess or other deities you invited into the circle.
Step 11: If you need to leave the circle, open a door.
Once a circle is formed, it cannot be broken.If you have to step out of the circle during the ceremony, you can use your casting tool to cut across the line on your left and right.This will allow you to exit without disrupting the circle's energy.When you come back to the circle, go back through the same door.The casting tool can be used to re-draw the line of the circle to close the door.
Step 12: At the end of the ceremony, thank the deities or guardians.
You should thank any gods, spirits, or other forces that may have been involved in your ritual after the ceremony is over.Ask them to leave the circle.No energy follows you after you leave the circle.You could say, "God and Goddess, we thank you for blessing us with your presence today."It is a good idea to travel home to the spiritual realm.
Step 13: Do you want to dismantle the circle?
It's important to dismantle the circle with the same amount of energy as you did.The circle is being broken by pointing your casting tool into the air.Imagine the energy that is making up the circle.Say something like, "I release the energy holding this circle around us!"
Step 14: The casting tool should be drawn counter-clockwise around the circle.
Turn in a counter-clockwise direction if you point your tool at the starting point again.Take a picture of the energy that came back into your casting tool.If you need to center yourself, take a few deep breaths, then tidy up the area, gathering up any supplies you may have used in the ceremony.You can either take the energy out of yourself or let it go into the air.If you need to, take a few deep breaths.