How to Cast & Cleanse a Magic Circle

Modern Witches cast a circle before they perform any ritual or spell.

Casting a circle is an important ritual in Wicca and other sects of modern paganism. Wiccans cast circles before they begin a spell or ritual because they believe it will form a magic barrier between the witches inside the circle and any negative forces or spirits outside of the circle. Casting a circle also is thought to help concentrate the magic or intentions inside of the circle. There are many variations of the circle casting ceremony depending on the preferences of the person casting it, but most circle casting rituals are similar in the basic steps.

Things You'll Need

• Consecrated salt water
• Athame (a ceremonial, double-edged knife)

Instructions

1. Locate a private place where you can cast a circle at least 9 feet in diameter.

2. Dip your athame in the consecrated salt water and walk in a clockwise direction around the outside edge of where you would like the circle to be, sprinkling the water around the edge of the circle as you go. Visualize a white light coming from the athame, creating the circle. Chant "By the power of three times three I cast the circle around thee and me." Say this chant three times as you cast the circle.

3. Perform your ceremony or ritual.

4. Close the circle by walking counter-clockwise around the circle, visualizing the white light returning into your athame as you go. Chant "By the power of three times three I close the circle around thee and me." Say this chant three times as you close the circle.

Tips & Warnings

• Concentrated salt water may either be made by a spell or purchased at a pagan supply store.

• There are many variations of the circle opening and closing chants.

• Do not exit the circle after it is cast unless absolutely necessary. Wiccans believe that exiting the circle may dispel the power of the circle and may leave those within open to harm by outside forces. If you must exit the circle during the ceremony, use your athame to cut an opening in the circle. When you re-enter, redraw that part of the circle to heal it.

• Close the circle after it has been cast. Many Wiccans believe that failing to close the circle can leave the magic energy intact, which might attract negative spirits.

References

• White Trinity Witch
• White Magic: Closing a Circle

Resources

• Controversial: Circle Casting and Sacred Space
• The Glass Temple: Circle Casting for Beginners