Do you cast a circle?

[thatspookyboy]

I’m wondering how many here tend to cast a circle or throw a compass before they do any sort of witchcraft working?

 

[Mycelial_Adept]

I rarely do either outside of doing more formal stuff

 

[Lurking Magician]

If I'm evoking something, absolutely.
Other works, I decide case by case.

 

[BrokenRoseus]

All of my spell work/ casting in general involves using either a circle as a base (in the use of casting a portal for drawing of energy) or a circle as a node in some way. My energy and psyche just in general is a little... Disjointed i guess to not use them as some mode of focal points. So its helpful in a way to not trail off especially when im really deep in something (ie lucid mirror workings).

 

[BrackishBrew]

Rarely nowadays. I used to often when I was new to witchcraft. For years I have had a dedicated room for any magical workings and the energy is very carefully curated. Between that, my home wards, and the spirits I work with, I don’t usually feel a need to, unless I am doing something on the formal side or specifically want to invoke elements. It is a good foundational skill to have, though.

 

[Swampdweller900]

Much like what @BrackishBrew said - if it's a more formal/bigger ritual and I want to ensure no riff-raff gets involved, I will. But it's a very good thing to use when needed. I wouldn't ever attempt anything "big" without a circle as a tool in use.

 

[saber]

I do a lot of spirit work, and I never skip cleansing the space before I get started with it. I want to make sure that I’m talking with the right spirit and I don’t want any interference.

Also, I enjoy getting a little more practice in for my regular banishing stuff, it’s not something you want to get rusty with.

 

[Grayhoss]

Establishment of sacred space is useful, and a very good idea, I find. Though I'm evoking the Medicine Wheel, rather than casting a ceremonial magician's circle or a witch's circle/cone of power. The effect is much the same.

 

[Magicjay82]

Not usually but sometimes I will if the mood strikes me.

 

[PolishPig]

tbh only with spirit work and even then it depends! cleansing is more important to me and the energy im trying to move.

 

[beardedeldridge]

I do with spirit conjuring or with bigger workings in general. But larger workings generally includes spirits for me. I find it quite helpful

-Eld

 

[solxyz]

These days, my daily work is done at an altar, which functions as an always-open sacred space. Casting a circle around it would be antithetical to it's functioning. That said, I have cast a lot of circles, and I think they can be a very good thing. I think of the circle primarily through the notion of a mandala: an idealized expression of the our environment as it arises through the wisdom of our enlightened mind/divine nature. In short, when casting a circle, while useful for spellwork, the main thing is that we are practicing a new way of relating to our environment in which our divine nature is fully active, so that eventually our whole life and world becomes the circle.

 

[Dyn Hysbys]

Only if consecrating an object, in which case it's a small circle of arte just large enough for the object.
If working with y Tylwyth Teg or nature spirits, then no, as I'm on their/our shared territory. Personal wards are enough.

 

[Tasiya]

I generally don't cast a circle because I've turned my main workspace into a circle, per-se -- it's a square room, but the floor has been consecrated and blessed to act as a permanent "circle". I also sometimes utilise a pre-drawn (embroidered?) circle on a rug that I've consecrated bc my ADHD brain tends to skip several steps when it comes to spellcasting

 

[CailleachWillow]

As I am somewhat new to the craft- about 2 years in as practicing beyond just pagan beliefs, I have only cast a circle a few times. However, as we are now developing a book of shadows, we are including casting a circle for each gathering now. Speaking of, does anyone have a copy of the Dianic Book of Shadows? I am new here and am still learning my way around.
Thank you,
Willow

I’m wondering how many here tend to cast a circle or throw a compass before they do any sort of witchcraft working?

 

[Thomas Tomorrow]

These days I do not cast a circle. Nor do I finish with a license to depart. I also do not work with spirits that I do not trust. I only call and work with spirits that I want to be around me and my family 24/7. I am deeply grateful for their presence.

 

[wdm42578]

I do, but it's very simplistic and does not involve tools or props.. I face North and clap my hands together once forcefully, then visualize a circle of golden flame surrounding me. The flame flows around both sides of me from behind to meet in front of me in the North, around both sides again to meet behind me in the South, creating two concentric circles. To end the Circle, I simply face North and clap again, seeing the flames fade back into the land.

 

[Eldros]

I have to admit I do.
I make a circle to protect myself while experimenting with new things. Perhaps I'm stating some new magic formula, and I surround myself with a protective circle to prevent failure in any new venture.
You might get this if you misspell a word. That is of course, until you become more skillful with the formula and use it more frequently.
I use chalk or salt and always on a wooden floor.

 

[MinaAnd23as]

Occasionally when I'm working a bigger ritual or working with spirits. Otherwise, I find using a quick visualization is effective enough to get the job done.

 

[barserek]

Casting a circle is just delimitating a liminal, sacred space. All workings do in some way or another.