Magic Circle

An important part of ceremonial magic was the drawing of a
magic circle around the magician to protect him from the

south, blue for Water in the west and green for Earth in the
north (though these attributions differ according to

geographical location and individual philosophy). Other
ceremonial traditions have candles between the quarters,

to surround the magician. It both isolated him from the
chaos outside and held in the magical power that he raised.

i.e. in the north-east, north-west and so on.

Magic circles were used for thousands of years and often

Generally, as with most magical practices, an incantation is
recited stating the purpose and nature of the circle, often

took elaborate forms, requiring the inscribing of magical
symbols, such as the Seal of Solomon (a double pentacle). In

repeating an assortment of divine and angelic names.

ancient Hindu folk customs, the bed of a woman in childbirth
was encircled by red lead or black pebbles to ward off evil

influences.

Traditionally, circles have been used by ritual magicians to
form a protective barrier between themselves and what they

In medieval magic practice, the circle was usually marked or
drawn around the magician with a magic sword or knife. It

summoned. Nowadays, circles often have the more benign
function of containing and concentrating the energy raised

might be some nine feet in diameter to allow the movements
of the magician in his evocations. Portable forms of magic

during a ritual. In Wicca the common technique for raising
such energy within the circle is by means of a cone of

circles were sometimes drawn on parchment and used as
talis-mans.

power.

Circles can also be used as barriers for non-magical work
such as meditation.

Creating a magic circle is known as casting a circle, circle

casting, and various other names.

The barrier is fragile and sensitive to things passing

There are many published techniques for casting a circle,
and many groups and individuals have their own unique

through it. Leaving or passing through the circle often
weakens or dispels the barrier. This is referred to as

methods. The common feature of these practices is that a
boundary is traced around the working area. Some witchcraft

"breaking the circle". It is generally advised that
practitioners do not leave the circle unless absolutely

traditions say that one must trace around the circle deosil
three times. There is variation over which direction one

necessary

should start in. In Wicca a circle is typically nine feet in
diameter, though the size can vary depending on the purpose

In order to leave a circle and keep it intact, Wiccans
believe a door must be cut in the energy of the circle,

of the circle, and the preference of the caster.

normaly on the East side. Whatever was used to cast the
circle is used to cut the doorway, such as a sword, staff or

Circles may or may not be physically marked out on the
ground, and a variety of elaborate patterns for circle

knife (athame), a doorway is "cut" in the circle, at which
point anything may pass through without harming the circle.

markings can be found in grimoires and magical manuals,
often involving angelic and divine names. Such markings, or

This opening must be closed afterwards by "reconnecting" the
lines of the circle.

a simple unadorned circle, may be drawn in chalk or salt, or
indicated by other means such as with a cord.

The four cardinal directions are often prominently marked,

The circle is usually closed by the practitioner after they

such as with four candles. In ceremonial magic traditions
the four directions are commonly related to the four

have finished by drawing in the energy with the athame or
whatever was used to make the circle including their

archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel (or Auriel),
or the four classical elements, and also have four

hand(usually in a widdershins, that is counter-clockwise,
fashion). This is called closing the circle or releasing the

associated names of God. Some varieties of Wicca use the
common ceremonial colour attributions for their "quarter