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Casting the Circle

This Circle Casting Ritual Provided By: Rowan Mayfaire

Circle of Stones

Items or tools required

Goddess Candle (green)
God Candle (red)
Athame
Wand
Censer
Pentacle
Bowl of Water
Bowl of Sea Salt
Circle Incense (recipe below)
Charcoal Block (for burning incense)
Fresh Flowers or Greens or Fruits and Grains of that time of year
Candles for Welcoming the Elements (I substitute candles for the Stones)
(candle colors: North is green, East is yellow, South is red, and West is blue)

Recipe for Circle Incense

4 parts Frankincense
2 parts Myrrh
2 parts Benzion
1 part Sandalwood
1/2 part Rose Petals
1/4 part Vervain
1/4 part Rosemary
1/4 part Bay

Altar Layout

Before the Altar layout, the work area should be swept clean with a ritual broom.
After this is done, the Altar can be consecrated.

Goddess Candle to the left
God Candle to the right
Offerings in the middle (flowers, greens, etc.)
Censor and incense in the middle
Also Pentacle in the middle along with the bowl of water and sea salt
Athame to the right
Wand to the left

Some place their altars up against the wall and that's fine, but for me,
my altar is always in the middle of the Circle. It's just a personal preference.
Light the Elemental Candles and Begin
First place the Element Candles at the North, East, South and West points forming a square.
This square represents the Earth or physical plane on which we exist.
Next take a purple or white cord and form a circle with the cord making sure the candle are inside the circle.
The circle represents the spiritual reality.
So now you have a squared circle which represents a place of interpenetration of the physical and spiritual realms.
Now, before charging the circle, recite the Blessing Chant:

May the powers of the One, the source of all creation; all-pervasive, omnipotent, eternal; may the Goddess, the Lady of the Moon and the God, the Horned Hunter of the Sun; may the powers of the Spirits of the Circle of Stones, rulers of the elemental realms; may the powers of the stars above and the Earth below, bless this time, this place and She who is with you.

Light the Altar Candles and the incense. Lift the Athame, touching it's blade to the water, and say:

In the name of the Mother Goddess and the Father God,
bless, cleanse, and purify this water; make it fit to dwell within the holy Circle of Stones.
I consecrate this water.

Walk around the circle with the Athame pointed outward visualizing it removing all the negativity from the water.
After this is completed, touch the salt with the Athame saying:

In the name of the Mother Goddess and the Father God, bless, cleanse, and purify this salt;
make it fit to dwell in this holy Circle of Stones. I bless this salt.

From the North point of the circle sprinkle the salt and the water moving clockwise.
Then do the same with the incense. The circle is now sealed and purified.

Approach the North Candle or Stone, always staying within the circle, with wand in hand and say:

Oh Spirit of the North
Ancient One of the Earth
I call you to attend this circle
Charge this by Your powers, Old Ones

As you say this the visualization should be of a green mist, signifying the elemental energy of Earth.
When you feel the presence of the spirit, move on to the East.

Oh Spirit of the East
Ancient One of Air
I call you to attend this circle
Charge this by Your powers, Old Ones

Visualize the yellowish mist of Air Energy.
Now, move to the South. Visualizing a fire red mist, say:

Oh Spirit of the South
Ancient One of Fire
I call you to attend this circle
Charge this by Your powers, Old Ones

Last, move to the West and visualize a bluish mist, the essence of water, and say:

Oh Spirit of the West
Ancient One of Water
I call you to attend this circle
Charge this by Your powers, Old Ones

Now the circle has become a living, breathing entity. The Spirits are present.
Stand still and feel the power of the Circle growing around you.
You are ready for your ritual.

Once the rite is ended you will need to release the Circle.

Releasing the Circle

Face North with wand in hand. Moving inside the circle, begin with:

Farewell, Spirit of the North
I give thanks for your presence here
Go in power, Old One

Next East:

Farewell, Spirit of the East
I give thanks for your presence here
Go in power, Old One

Next South:

Farewell, Spirit of the South
I give thanks for your presence here
Go in power, Old One

Finally West:

Farewell, Spirit of the West
I give thanks for your presence here
Go in power, Old One

When you return to the North, the circle is no more.

Blessed Be,
Rowan

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