"The Magic Circle" by John C. Waterhouse

RITUAL PROTECTION
HOW TO CAST A MAGICK CIRCLE OF PROTECTION

By Stephanie Earl "The Altered Goddess"

The Magick Circle/Sphere

Sacred circles have been used for centuries by various cultures and religions for protection. The idea of this practice is to form a barrier to protect whatever energy is in the circle/sphere from outside influences.
It is also to protect that which is outside the circle/sphere from that within. The circle can be physical in nature(say a circle of stones) or one that is created out of energy.

To cast a circle out of energy:
To create sacred space walk, doesil around the boundry of the circle.
**Deosil is moving in a clock wise motion. This direction is also called the motion of the sun. This is used in raising energy.

**Widdershins is moving in the opposite, counter clockwise or anti sun motion. It is used to release energy and is saved for the end of ritual when releasing the energy of the circle/sphere.

Visualize protective energy coming from you; some people use a tool to help focus energy like a staff, wand, athame, sword, crystal or simply an out stretched hand. This energy will create a sphere of energy around your Sacred Space, or circle. Visualize the energy, not just forming a circle, but actually going down into the ground and going above to create a sphere of protection. Picture a bubble of protective energy around the sacred space.
While doing this you state the intention of your energy.

Say something like:
"With my power I do cast,
This magick sphere strong and steadfast.

Around, through, over and back again,
Magick power I doth attain.

Power from nature, the Surround focused by me,
This I will, so mote it be!"

The circle/sphere is now cast! Always move doesil in a cast circle/sphere.

If something happens during Circle, the officiant needs to open a doorway through the wall of energy and let the person through, closing it behind them. Then do the same when they return

After a circle/sphere is cast, many witches will call to envoke the energies and spirits associated with the four cardinal directions along with their elements.

**To evoke a deity or being is to call upon it and ask it to join you during ritual or a working. Evoking is an external involvement with the deity or being.

**Invoking, on the other hand, is a form of voluntary possession. When you invoke a deity or being, you’re not asking it to come hang out, you’re inviting into yourself, and that God or Goddess will manifest through a human host.

This is called “Calling the Quarters.” Often, this is done by facing each direction, and then calling upon the corresponding element, while welcoming its presence and blessings. We call the Element Quarters, or Watchtowers to guard that quarter of Circle.

You might stand in front of each direction and call to it.

Such as
"Element of Air, lend us you power,
Guard this quarter, in this sacred hour."

After calling to all four quarters, many Witches move East, South, West, North. Some start with North.

Now, Divinity is envoked.
Call divinity in a way that is meaningful to you. Some of the reasons we might envoke Diety is for worship, offerings, or to ask Them to lend us power during magickal work

You might say something like,
"Oh, great Goddess, please come to me, hear my words, and make them be.

"Oh, great God, please come to me, hear my words and make them be!"

Now you can do your ritual work, raise energy, meditate or whatever kind of magickal working you need to do. It is said you should always move doesil in a set circle/sphere to constantly build energy.

After you have completed your work. It is time for Cake and Ale.
Cake and Ale are offerings and for grounding.

Officiants bless the Cake and Ale and give offering to God and Goddess before handing it out to the people present

Then each person comes to the altar and gets Cake and Ale and offers a bit to each quarter before eating or drinking any themselves.

****NOTE****
If you have a family friendly Circle like my Circle Family does, you might have small ones in Circle. They can sometimes get restless.
So we do this; as soon as circle is cast we dedicate the children's cake and ale(usually cookies and juice boxes) to God and Goddess. We keep a basket with clip boards with activity and coloring sheets on them along with some crayons...You know, because big people are boring!
Our Circle believes the energy of wee ones is innocent and unencumbered they can move freely about the Circle
Their joy adds a powerful energy to Circle. When they reach the age of 8 they begin to learn ***Circle Etiquette how to act and move properly in Circle. Parent supervision is required at all times, however. Kiddos aren't allowed to run around willy nilly. We also try to have a babysitter during Circle.

Pets also do not disturb the energy of Circle.

After cake and ale,
It is time to release or open the Circle/Sphere. You do everything backwards,or widdershins (counterclockwise).
You first respecfully release Diety. You might say something like,"

"Oh, great Goddess, thank you for your presence here tonight. Your ǹenergy and love have given power to my rite. Stay if you will, go if you must."

"Oh, great God, thank you for you presence here tonight. You energy and love have given power to my rite. Stay if you will, go if you must."

Now, once again walking widdershins, you will release the quarters, starting with the last quarter you called when opening circle.
You might say something like,
"Watchtower of Earth thank you for your protection
Please return to your home in the north."

Once the 4 elements are released, then it is time to open or release the energy of the Circle/Sphere.
Walk the perimeter of the Circle with your tool, if using one, point out in front of you.
You might say something like this as you walk widdershins,

With my power I do revoke
This magick sphere I did bespoke.
Power woven the Earth and air,
Magick power through this solitary.
Power from nature, the Surround focused by me,
This I will, so mote it be!"

Visualize the energy surrounding your sacred space flowing away, returning to the Surround of nature.

Once you have released the Circle/Sphere, put away your things and ground if you need to. This is usually recommended.

We usually use this time for grounding and fellowship.

Magick
Protection Magick and the Circle of Protection

PROTECTION 

Protection

By Silver Moon Metaphysical

Before we do rituals, we need to metaphysicaly protect our space to keep our work in our Circle, and keep out other influences. Before we do magick we, likewise need to protect ourselves and everyone else, as it were.

Negative energy can be formed in a variety of ways. Take for instance anger, jealousy, greed, stress, depression, violence, and tragic events, they all release negative energy into the environment and compromise all that surround it. These emotions contribute low level energy disturbances along with things like environmental issues and other world problems.
This is why we need protection.

Ritual Protection The Magick Circle
Sacred circles have been used for centuries by various cultures and religions for protection. The idea of this practice is to form a barrier to protect whatever is in the circle/sphere from outside influences. And the barrier is also meant to protect whatever is outside from the energy within the circle. The circle or sphere can be physical in nature or one that is created out of energy.

POWER WORDS
Power words are incredibly easy and effective tools to use in a situation where you would like to protect yourself energetically, emotionally and mentally. All these aspects of being are closely interwoven.

Words have the power to make us feel. To empower and bolden or to break down and destroy. They can draw laughter or tears. Today, many witches use their witchcraft to infuse their political activism.

Words have power.

BREATH IN YOUR POWER
Life is full of moments that can cause us to feel overwhelmed, stressed and reactive. These triggers can throw your energy and disturb your peace and every emotion.
This simple breathing technique is useful to know as it can instantly rebalance mind, body, spirit and spiritual energy.
Simply close your mouth and breath gently through your nose. Allow your attention to flow with your breath in and out of the body. Notice the rise and fall of your chest. Let you shoulders drop, relax your jaw all the while focusing on your breathing. Even just five slow, mindful breathes in and out work!
This simple breath technique is useful to know as it can instantly rebalance mind, body, spirit and spiritual energy.

SEAL OFF YOUR SPIRITUAL ENERGY FIELD
This exercise enables you to seal off your energy and protect yourself from any person, situation or environment. All you need to do is imagine yourself standing inside a gigantic bubble which is clear, flexible and impenetrable. The bubble encompasses you creating a powerful shield that moves with you.

A CLOAK OF PROTECTION
Simply visualise yourself in a full-length sweeping cloak that has been made from the darkest shade of blue – like the midnight blue of the night sky.Whenever you feel the need to protect yourself and your energy from external influences pull on your cloak – this powerful visualisation harnesses your creative forces and sets a clear energetic intention.

CLEANSING
Knowing how to cleanse your energy means that it remains vibrant and energetically strong to protect you.
Activities like taking salt baths, smudging, physical cleansing, meditation and grounding in nature can help cleanse your energy.

BLOOD TRAIL CONCENTRATION
Don't worry, this is not as graphic as it sounds. This is one of my favorite methods for grounding and concentrating on my body's energy flows.
What your doing is concentrating on the path your blood takes through the body. Imagine a single drop of blood leaving the heart. Follow it as it makes its journey through the body, concentrate on how it flows through the circulatory system and winds up back at the heart. Slow down your breathing as the blood picks up the oxygen your body needs and distributes it. This simple exercise is also good visualization practice. As you make connections with your body and energy through the visualization, your energy will be strengthened.

JEWELRY AND CHARMS
Wearing a pendant made with stones, crystals and or talisman, such as the evil eye or pentacle, is another way to protect oneself against negative energies.

SHEILDING
Elemental Shielding Ritual
By Silver Moon Metaphysical

Purpose: This ritual is designed to create a protective shield using the four elements - fire, water, air, and earth. It aims to ward off negative energies and provide a sense of safety and security.

Ingredients:

1. Fire Element:
-Red or orange candle
-Fireproof dish or holder for the candle
-Matches or lighter

2. Water Element:
‐Small bowl of clean water

3. Air Element:
-Incense stick or essential oil diffuser
-Your preferred incense or essential oil (such as lavender or nag champa (nag champa is known to be a universal incense for any spells))

4. Earth Element:
-Small dish of salt or a handful of soil

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
-Find a quiet and undisturbed space where you can perform the ritual.
-Set up a small table or altar to hold the elements.

2. Fire Element:
-Light the red or orange candle and place it in the fireproof dish.
-Focus on the flame and visualize it as a powerful source of protection and purification.

3. Water Element:
-Hold the small bowl of water in your hands and close your eyes.
-Take a deep breath and imagine the water becoming energized and pure.
-Recite the following incantation:

"With this water, I cleanse and purify. In its presence, negativity shall not abide."

4. Air Element:
-Light the incense stick or use an essential oil diffuser with your chosen scent.
-Allow the smoke or aroma to fill the space, creating a soothing and protective atmosphere.
-As you inhale the scent, imagine it creating a barrier against negativity and harm.

Repeat the following incantation:

"Through the air, I invoke protection. May it ward off all harm and affliction."

5. Earth Element:
-Take a handful of salt or soil and hold it in your palms.
-Close your eyes and feel its grounding energy.
-Visualize a shield forming around you, made of strong and protective earth.

Recite the following incantation:

"By the earth, I stand strong and secure. Its power surrounds me, my shield pure."

6. Combining the Elements:
-Stand at the center of your ritual space, facing each direction (north, south, east, west) in turn.
-Call upon each element, starting with fire, and visualize its energy merging with your shield.

Repeat the following incantation for each direction:

"Element of [fire/water/air/earth], I call upon thee. Merge your strength to protect me."

7. Closing the Ritual:
-Once you have called upon all four elements and merged their energies, express your gratitude.
-Blow out the candle, extinguish the incense, and pour the water back into the earth or down the drain.
-Dispose of the salt or soil outside, returning it to nature.
-Remember, intention and focus are key during the ritual. Trust in the power of the elements to create a protective shield around you.

By Silver Moon Metaphysical