Casting a circle before performing any ritual, spell or ceremony creates sacred space, a place between worlds which exists outside of ordinary time and space. The main purpose of casting a circle is to create a place where human beings may commune with the Divine, a psychic temple of sorts. Technically, the magick circle is not actually a circle but rather a sphere of power. The circle itself simply defines the ring where the sphere meets the Earth or floor. The sphere of power also includes the dome above the circle as well as the other half which culminates below ground.
        In addition, the circle also establishes a protective barrier through which uninvited spirits may not pass without permission. Whenever power is raised or magick is performed, otherworldly or inter-dimensional beings may be attracted. These creatures do not always have human interests at heart and may interfere with magickal workings. By casting a circle, you are protected from these negative energies and interferences.
        In her book, "Spiral Dance," Starhawk wrote, "You cannot boil water without putting it in a pot, and you can't raise power effectively unless it is also contained." I couldn't have said it better myself. Not only does the circle create a barrier to keep out negative energies and unwelcome spirits, it also keeps the power raised by the practitioner(s) contained within the sacred space rather than letting it dissipate or become scattered. Within the circle, the energy remains concentrated and focused until the practitioner is ready to direct it toward its goal or purpose. (Note: While the circle is an effective way to do all of the above, it is certainly not the only one. It is, however, the method presented in this lesson, so please don't e-mail to say there are other methods. We know there are.)
        Traditionally, a circle is cast beginning in the East and moving clockwise, following the example set by both the Sun and the Moon. The only exception to this is when casting a circle for banishing purposes, in which case one moves widdershins (counterclockwise) to disperse disruptive or unwanted energy.
        The circle may be cast in many ways, ranging from very basic to very complex. Some practitioners first mark off the circle physically by pouring powdered herbs, flour, sand, salt, or crushed minerals around the perimeter, or placing objects such as flowers, pine boughs, crystals, shells, tarot cards, runes, etc., to establish the ring, or by tracing the circle in the sand or dirt with a finger, athame or wand, or by drawing the circle onto the floor with a chalk mark or by placing a cord or rope to form the physical circle. Others either mark the cardinal points with candles or magickal tools connected to that particular point, or by simply placing a stick of burning incense at each of the four quarters. None of these are necessary, especially for outdoor rituals, although they can help in visualizing the circle being created.
        Start by standing in the center of the area you've chosen and visualize the circle you will be casting. Ideally, the circle will be nine feet in diameter (nine being the number of the Goddess), but any comfortable size is acceptable.
        Beginning in the East, walk clockwise around the circle while carrying burning incense (sage and cedar both work very well for this purpose) to cleanse the area of unwanted energies. An alternate way to do this is to sprinkle or pour salt water along the circumference of the circle.
        The sphere of power is formed from personal power, or energy, which flows through your body and is then directed outward by either your projective hand (the hand you write with), an athame or a wand as you move around the circle. Some practitioners find it helpful to visualize the energy as light or mist flowing from them, psychically forming the circle or sphere.
        Scott Cunningham, in "Wicca: A Guide For The Solitary Practitioner," wrote: "When the circle seems complete and solid around you, break off the flow of energy from your projective hand by turning your palm downward and pulling it back to your body. Shut off the flow. Shake your hand if necessary to break it." This prevents unnecessary energy being drained from your body and is very important for obvious reasons.
        After a complete circuit of the circle, you can either move on to your ritual, or you can call the quarters. This invokes the powers of the four elements from the four corners of Creation. Once again, begin in the East and continue around the circle clockwise until you reach your original starting point, completing the circle. Face outward at each of the four quarters and speak to the elemental power which resides in that direction.
        Invocations can be found in numerous books on varying traditions of the Craft, as well as on the internet. However, invocations which you write yourself are more personal and may help you to not only memorize the words but to focus your personal energy and intent. When creating your own invocations, remember to welcome and honor the four elements (and any spirits or deities of your choice) into your circle and to ask for their protection and assistance.
        It is recommended that you memorize your invocations to enable you to concentrate on the meaning of the words and on directing the energy rather than on the reading process.
        Once the ritual, spell or ceremony has been completed, always remember to open (or close, depending on your perspective) the circle by thanking and releasing quarters/spirits/deities (if you called any to begin with), and by removing the symbols or materials used to physically form the circle. This is typically done moving counterclockwise, beginning in the West. It is also important to ground any excess energy raised. This may be done by either eating a simple meal (cookies and milk, bread and juice, cheese and wine, raw vegetables and bread, etc.), usually blessed before consumption, or by gathering the excess energy back into the athame for later use. According to Scott Cunningham, "Eating kicks your body into a different mode. Since food is a product of Earth, it gently returns our awareness to the physical reality."

To effectively create invocations and to utilize them, it is a good idea to know something of the elements themselves. Here is a list of the elements, the compass points they rule and their correspondences:

AIR

Direction: East
Governs: Mental Powers, Visions, Psychic Powers, Wisdom
Time: Dawn
Season: Spring
Zodiac Signs: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius
Colors: White, Blue-White, Bright Yellow, Violet
Tools: Athame, Sword, Censer
Symbols: Feather, Fan, Incense

FIRE

Direction: South
Governs: Lust, Courage, Strength, Exorcism, Protection, Health
Time: Noon
Season: Summer
Zodiac Signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Colors: Red, Gold, Orange, White (the sun's noon light)
Tools: Censer, Wand
Symbols: Matches, Lamp, Oil Lamp, Lava Rock

WATER

Direction: West
Governs: Sleep, Meditation, Purification, Prophetic Dreams, Healing, Love, Friendships, Fidelity
Time: Twilight
Season: Autumn
Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Colors: Blue, Blue-Green, Grey, Purple, Indigo
Tools: Cup
Symbols: A cup or bowl of water, salt water, or sand; A seashell

EARTH

Direction: North
Governs: Money, Prosperity, Fertility, Healing, Employment
Time: Midnight
Season: Winter
Zodiac Signs: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Colors: Brown, Green, Black, White
Tools: Pentacle
Symbols: Pentacle, A bowl of Salt or Earth, Stone, Wood

SPIRIT/AKASHA

Direction: Center and circumference
Governs: Transcendence, Transformation, Change, Inner and Outer Spaces
Time: Beyond time, all time is one
Season: The turning wheel
Colors: Clear, White, Black
Tools: Cauldron
Symbols: A Fossil, Petrified Wood, Amber, Coral