Actually, calling the quarters is a seperate exercise from actually casting a circle. However, it is nearly always done immediately after casting a circle, so I thought it would be appropriate to include it in this lens.
They are many various ways to call the quarters, in fact, there are even a few different names that the process is known by. "Calling the Quarters" might be called "Summoning the Guardians" by one coven, and yet something else by another. No matter what the practice is called, it is virtually the same for all traditions. What is accomplished by calling the quarters? Well, you are inviting the basic elemental energies of the universe into your circle to aid in your spellwork, keep your ritual safe from outside influence, and to keep you safe.
The common threads between all quarter calls is that they all call upon the basic magickal elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. Additionally, each element is linked to one particular cardinal direction. East is the element of Air, South is the element of Fire, West is Water, and North is Earth. The element of Spirit is found in the Center of your circle.
The following are the quarter calls that I use personally. I encourage all who read this to do further research on quarter calls, and get a taste for all the different incantations out there. If you feel particularly inspired, feel free to write your own quarter calls.
At each of the cardinal directions, it is beneficial to place a representation of each element at the edge of your circle, accompanied by a small candle. You can set up each of these prior to beginning, if you wish. The supplies you'll need on hand for this part of the ritual are your athame or wand, a lighter for the candles and a bell (some people use a small gong).
After your circle is cast, approach the eastern quarter, and as you draw an invoking pentacle in the air with your athame, recite the following:
Hail to the Guardians of the Watchtowers to the east! Those who dwell in the Air! I summon, stir and call you forth to witness these rites!
Once recited, light the candle placed at the eastern quarter, and ring your bell, letting the tone resonate for a few moments. Then, moving around the circle in a deosil fashion, approach the southern qauarter. As you draw the invoking pentacle in the air facing south, recite:
Hail to the Guardians of the Watchtowers to the south! Those who dwell in the Fire! I summon, stir and call you forth to witness these rites!
Repeat the same process as before, and move to the west.
Hail to the Guardians of the Watchtowers to the west! Those who dwell in the Water! I summon, stir and call you forth to witness these rites!
Then the north:
Hail to the Guardians of the Watchtowers to the north! Those who dwell in the Earth! I summon, stir and call you forth to witness these rites!
Finish moving in clockwise manner to the eastern quarter again, then move to the center of your circle. (if your altar is not situated in the center of your circle, you can move to there instead). Then recite as before while drawing the pentacle:
Hail to the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the center! Those who dwell in the Spirit! I summon, stir and call you forth to witness these rites!
There you have it! These are some very basic quarter calls, yet they are very functional. Yet, we are not done yet...
When your ritual is complete, it is a MUST to release the quarters. The energies that you invited into your circle are bound your circle until they are released, and letting the energy sit there unused after you are done can be very disruptive to the environment nearby.
After your ritual is complete, before you open the circle, do the following to release the energies of the quarters. Beginning in the center, Draw an evoking pentacle in the air with athame while reciting:
Guardoans of the watchtowers of the (direction)! I thank you for your presence in my circle this night (or day). Go if you must, stay if you like. I bid you Hail and Farewell!
Once the quartershave been released, you can go about opening the circle itself. When you have been casting circle for a while, you will begin to recognize the feel of the different energies coming and going from your circle. It is a very rewarding experience.
Suggested free e-books to read:
Howard Phillips Lovecraft - In The VaultBernard King - Meanings Of The Runes
