For the beginning practitioner of the art of Witchcraft there is the temptation to just grab a book of spells and start chanting out what they desire. Because of Hollywood movies and pop fiction these newcomers are often led astray by not having realized there is a lot of knowledge about the intricacies of the Craft to learn before one will be properly prepared for spell work. This also often leads them into unnecessary danger to both their bodies and their minds.

For ritual or ceremonial spell work it would first require studying about the underlying principles of magic. They will be required to learn how to make or acquire the tools of the craft and how they are used. They must also learn how to protect themselves before they announce themselves to the etheric realm. Even the working of a simple charm can be enough to draw the attention of the etheric and elemental forces that operate the flow of magical power. Not all of these forces are particularly friendly towards humans so it is necessary that the first spell a wise practitioner of the Craft performs is to raise the protective magic circle around themselves.

The protective circle provides a multitude of functional capabilities for the magic worker. It is first defined as a shielded area into which you can prevent hostile or negative energies, entities and influences. Your magic work will cause ripples to form in the etheric flow and it will be noticed. A well-formed shield will keep you safe from malicious or mischievous entities while you work so long as you stay within it. The protective magical circle also works as a focusing lens for the buildup power of your spell casting. You can utilize its boundaries like a jar to contain and concentrate your energies until the climax point of releasing your desire into the cosmos.

The magic circle is an ancient concept in magic work. Predating even the Celtic Nations, this necessary spell/tool appears in the oldest Indian and Tibetan ground mandalas and dkyilhkhor. It has always been a first step in magic work.

For simple spell work and Witchcraft magic the circle does not require a specific size. So long as it is large enough to contain yourself and your altar place you may form your magic circle within comfortable boundaries. It need only be a single, enclosed space that you can easily visualize. To help maintain your focus on its location you may use tape marks or objects on the floor or, if your situation allows, paint it on for permanent reference. As you begin, you may also find it useful to enhance the circle by laying a line of sea salt around yourself as well.

For the Cabalistic traditions of magic you will be required to form a three ring circle of protection and include the specific runes of protection that empower it. Regardless of the specific magic you are working with, begin casting your circle at the eastern point and travel clockwise (diosil) working always to the right. From ancient Sumeria comes the knowledge that the planetary energy lines are created by the rotation of the globe and that the refreshing power flows from the forward direction.

As you draw your protective circle around you, envision it as a blue flame that surrounds you. For an idea of the proper color, burn a small bit of methylated spirits like rum or brandy and observe the color of the flame. A prayer or incantation to whichever deity you affiliate with for their added protective influence will also keep you better protected from any malevolent influences that may attempt to interfere. Once you are safely ensconced in your safe space you may begin the working of whatever specific magic you have dedicated yourself to that day.

After you have done your work, always close the circle of protective power. With a polite message of gratitude to the protective forces, unwind your circle in reverse of the direction you have made it. This time you will be traveling counterclockwise (widdershins) moving to the left. As you return to the place of beginning release any stray energy threads remaining so they may be reabsorbed by the cosmic all.

While there may come a time as you evolve in the Craft to where you can hold the magic circle around you entirely in your mind, it should never be dispensed with regardless of your advancement. Just as you should never surf the Internet without a protective anti-virus and firewall, you should never enter the etheric realm of magic without adequate protection for your mind, spirit and body.

As well as writing and researching on the paranormal and occult phenomena that intersect our reality, Douglas Mefford can also be found helping spread literature to the world at Bell, Book & Candle Publications or hanging out at his bungalow in Greenwoods Village.

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Comments (7)

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White magic
written by Stephen, January 02, 2009

This works for white, or positive magic. I agree and hope more will use these protection spells.

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written by April (heroheidR), January 02, 2009

This works for any magic. Since magic in and of itself has no color and no intention. the intention is purely up to the witch.

Ah Douglas, you've done it again. The ancient themes of the circle. One of my favorite stories of the circle is found in The Ramayana. Rama puts his beloved Sita in a circle to protect her while he goes to investigate a strange noise. Ravana tricks her into leaving the circle so that he can capture her and eventualy cause Rama's death.
The casting of a circle should be cultivated and practiced untill one can raise a circle with a moments thought, and no more effort than an exhalation of breath.
Yep, love the circle and it will more than love you.

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written by ROMANA, January 03, 2009

JUST TO GIVE MY INPUT..... CIRCLES ARE ALSO USED IN MY PRACTICES AND THE ARE MADE WITH CHAULK OR SALT. NOT ALL CIRCLES ARE DONE FOR WHAT YOU ALL CALL WHITE MAGICK OR PROTECTION.

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First spell for the wise witch
written by Elvira Bickle, February 10, 2009

What happens if you perform your magic without a circle? Which dangers are you likely to encounter? How do those dangers manifest themselves and lastley how do you get rid of manifestations?

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written by April (heroheidR), February 11, 2009

I have found that when first learning the art and craft of magic that doing everything magical in a circle helps to keep one grounded and centered as well as focused on the work at hand. This is why it is recomende for the beginner to start with learning how to raise and cultivate a circle.

Some will say that doing magic without a circle can draw "nasties" to the energies that you are dealing with. After years of practice I find that they are not really "nasties" but entities that may not think on a human level or may not really care about human concerns. Some even go so far as to send out a "scout" to make sure no "nasties" have shown up even when a circle is cast. It's part of the tradition and part of the pomp and circumstance so most don't question the practice.

Dangers manifest themselves when the witch is uncertain as to what she/he wants, is unclear about the means to the outcome, or just does not stay focused long enough to complete the spell. They can manifest in a miriad of ways, and can drive the unprepared witch to distraction. It still happens to me on occasion. One must always be very careful and specific in what one asks for. All possibilities must be thought out. Some even find it helpful to perform divinations before undertaking workings so that they will have a warning of the possible outcomes.

As for getting rid of what you have called up... Well it may not be as simple as that. Wether conciously, or unconciously you have called something into being or drawn it to help. The spell at that point must take it's course. At this point then you are left with two choices... Deal with it. By that I mean understand and take responsibility for what you have done and ride it out. Or get busy and make it the spell complete it's self. All magic has a practical side to it. Yes you raise the energies give them a task and send them out to work for you, but... Like my ma said "you can't win the lottery if you don't buy the ticket". It come down to putting foot to road, and shoulder to grindstone and working on a physical level as well. In the mean time you can also do some inner work to resolve the conflicts with in yourself that helped to cause the unexpected manifestation to begin with.

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written by ROMANA, February 11, 2009

GOOD ADVICE AS ALWAYS.

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The first spell for the wise witch
written by Elvira Bickle, February 11, 2009

Thank you for your answer. I never used to use a circle. Frankly, I did not notice any difficulties. It is best so to advise the use of a circle, it helps you to focus, creates positive energy and creates a magic setting.

It takes quite some time until you manage to create the same effect by the power of your own mind only. Depending which path you follow, you will have the support of your preferred group, which is equally important to make your magic work.

The short and narrow of it all is, use a circle when performing magic.

Bless all you beautiful people
Verabickle

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