Anyways, the circle is a basic component of magical systems derived from the western traditions and can be broken down into several layers of corresponding depending on the tradition you are working in. As i see it, the basic circle has three functions; 1. to provide a place within which to focus, raise, and ultimately direct energy back into the universe. 2. as a place of protection, cut off energetically from whatever might cause you harm or interfere while working, and 3. as a place set "between the worlds" where you can commune with the divine. I'll begin next with a break down of its physical construction followed by its psychological underpinnings.
To clarify i should state that i generally don't construct a circle for ritual purposes but on occasion will if i need the extra focus or protection, either way I use the East South West North : Air Fire Water Earth alignments. Begin with physically cleaning the area, a besom is best i think, especially if it was a gift ( i don't believe in having things if you cant use them for a practical purpose), but i use an old orange dry mop and a dust cloth. you want to cleanse the area and stir up any stagnant energy and blockages in the room. Having a window open is always a plus, as well as a door. Similarly, you can use floral sprays (florida water) to much the same effect.
With the room ready, gather any tools you need and place them on your working table.
(disclaimer: this is one of my methods and is not in any way the only way)
Once grounded, the basic circle, often called walking the compass, three or more times deosil (clockwise) around a central fire. the number three because its the number of manifestation being the sum of power, wisdom, and understanding which we will investigate further in a later discussion involving Kabbalah. The central fire relates to the place of the hearth as a seat of protection, energy, and light. It is the energy of the hearth that we channel initially to construct the shape of the circle and sustain it.
It's sometimes called walking the compass because you are symbolically creating a miniature of the universe, demarcating the 4 cardinal directions and becoming the axis mundi of a microcosm (insert scan here). In essence you are becoming the world tree Yggdrasil, your roots reaching down to tap the wisdom of your ancestors, your mind reaching out to the heavens and the realms of the divine, and your trunk, your arms reaching out to the four corners of the universe and connecting to the web of creation. In doing this you center your physical and spiritual being in preparation for your working.
Once grounded and centered, this is then proceeded by a ritual purification of the circle, usually by smudging with sage or using salt water. Calling quarters, beginning in the east, and inviting the guardians of each quarter to attend aid and watch over your work. And finally by calling upon the divine and consecrating the circle to the task at hand.
As a tradition, the circle is ceremoniously taken apart in reverse to release the energies gathered and ground any excess that may be present. I should not here that ultimately the purpose of ritual is to achieve an altered state of consciousness within which we can tap into the web more effectively. this is also why it is a good practice to do something entirely physical afterwards, usually eating or drinking something to reassert yourself in the physical; otherwise you end up a bit like someone half awake and not really all there. So with that in mind i put emphasis on the "cakes" in what we affectionately call the cakes and ale portion of post ritual celebrations. its like a buffer between working in the physical and spiritual worlds... Think of coffee hour after church. Even if you don't fall into the shamanistic side of things and remain firmly planted in the psychological underpinnings of ritual, the donut is still a nice way to tell your subconscious its over, time to take a break.
As Always,
Solstice
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