In The Craft, there are many ways to actually cast a circle. However, there are a few common threads to all of them. Most involve walking the perimeter of the circle while envisioning blue flame or other kind of energy actually forming the barrier between what is in the circle and what is not. This is often coupled with a physical representation of the barrier, such as a rope, chalk, stones, salt, etc. When creating the circle, it is important to always move in a clockwise (deosil) manner. The clockwise movement is important, because it is representative of invoking, or creative, energy. Some also call this moving "sunwise," or with the sun. Moving in a counterclockwise (widdershins) manner while casting or within a magick circle is very disruptive to any magickal working your are trying to do. There are some rituals and circumstances where it is appropriate to move widdershins, but for the most part, it's not recommended.
When you visualize your circle forming, think of it as a bubble, or sphere, around you and the area you are working in, rather than a flat circle. The words "as above, so below" are often used in The Craft, and apply here as well. The circle is above you, below you and all around you while you work. In fact, when you have finished walking the circle, it is very common to say, "As above, so below -- this circle is sealed. So mote it be!" At which point, the one who casst the circle will often stomp their foot to signify the circle is active.
After the circle is cast, most witches and covens go on to Call the Quarters, which are the particular energies of the four cardinal directions. We will go through that process in a moment. Also, many witches also invoke The God and Goddess, or a specific patron god/dess to help in their ritual.
Once the ritual is complete, the magickal energy sent off into the universe, Deity is thanked and the quarters are released, it is time to take down the circle.
This is the only point within the circle when it is considered appropriate to move in a widdershins manner. However, many traditions discourage even this. To do it, you move around the circle counterclockwise while envisioning the energy from the circle being drawn into your athame, wand or hands. When you have gone completely around the circle, you say, "This circle is open, but never broken. Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again! As I(we)will it, so mote it be!" Once again, the witch taking down the circle stomps their foot to indicate that the circle is, indeed, open.
It is important to take down the circle when you complete your magick. A circle is a powerful source of energy, and it will be very disruptive and chaotic if it is left to break down on its own.
Recommended books (free to download):
Michael Ford - The Book Of CainAubrey Bell - The Magic Of Spain
Anonymous - The Basics Of Magick
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