Casting a Circle

A Circle is, in many religions, Paganism included, considered holy. It has no begining and no end. It is eternal and whole. It's round shape reminds us of the womb, containing life. It is within a Circle that many Pagan ceremonies take place.

At the time of the full and new moons, many Pagans hold Circle. They cast the Circle by walking around a small area in a circle and talk to the four Directions, calling on the Elements represented there. They welcome these entities, (only the good ones) and cast out any negativity contained within the area of the Circle. The Elementals and Spirits which answer this call protect the area, holding evil at bay and provide blessings to those within the Circle.

What Pagans do in Circle is varied. Some cast fortunes or divine the future. Some work spells to enhance their desires or make them known the the Universe. It is mostly agreed upon that whenever a Circle is cast, power is raised. This is done because those in the Circle lend their energy to whatever cause they are trying to accomplish.

It is this tradition which will open my wedding ceremony. All those present are to be within the Circle before it is cast. When the first person representing the Element of Earth begins the ceremony, it is custom to not leave the area until she has walked the Circle for the second time, and dismisses the Guardians of the Circle. However, in my tradition, we do not hold fast to the 'You must never leave the Circle' rule. If you need to leave the Circle, I believe the Guardians would respect it, and allow you to pass. They know you are not harming anything by leaving. You would only be withdrawing your own energy from the area.

This section of the Ceremony is usually where newcomers are the most concerned. It is the beginning, and different from what they are used to, so they can become afraid that they are being trapped or that harm will come to them physically, psychicly or emotionally. Their fears are in error, as this is a protective aspect, and no harm can come of it.

A note should be made that all magic, Casting included, is based upon belief. If you do not believe, then it does not work. It doesn't mean it won't affect you, but your belief that bad things cannot happen to you is far more powerful than someone else's belief that they can. It can be said that whatever you believe is true.