Introduction to Casting the Magic Circle

A magic circle from a medieval grimoire

The Magic Circle is one of the most basic of devices in Magical Art, but unfortunately most
of the instructions on web pages say little more that "visual a circle of light around you". It is my intention to provide the beginner with some theory on the symbolism and advice on the casting the Magic Circle that is of a more useful nature. First of all consider the geometry of the humble circle. It can be easily drawn using a fixed point and a length of string with a piece of chalk tied to it. In fact that is how some people construct their Magic Circle physically. The fact that the circle is the easiest geometric shape to build is something worth considering in your meditations. Symbolically the circle can be said to represent the macrocosm and the microcosm. It also represents eternity, for a circle has no visible beginning nor an end. The moment the one stands in the centre of the circle one symbolizes the divine in the universe. Further more the circle upon the ground separates the material from the spiritual realms, that is beneath the circle is the underworld and above it the heavens. The Magic Circle also in theory serves as a container for magical energies as well as helping to switch from the mundane consciousness of everyday life to that of a more magically minded one. In certain types of magical rituals, those described as black magic conjurations by the ignorant, the circle is used to keep out hostile forces and entities. Agrippa in Three Books of Occult Philosophy, chapter XXIII, BOOK II of says of the circle: ...a circle doth answer to unity, and the number ten; for unity is the center, and circumference of all things; and the number ten being heaped together returns into a unity from whence it had its beginning, being the end, and complement of all numbers. A circle is called an infinite line in which there is no terminus a quo nor terminus ad quem, whose beginning and end is in every point, whence also a circular motion is called infinite, not according to time but according to place; hence a circular being the largest and perfectest of all is judged to be most fit for bindings and conjurations; whence they who adjure evill spirits are wont to environ themselves about with a circle. Aleister Crowley in his Book 4, Part II says this concerning the matter of the Magic Circle: 1. He affirms thereby his identity with the infinite. 2. He affirms the equal balance of his working; since all points on the circumference are equidistant from the centre. 3. He affirms the limitation implied by his devotion to the Great Work. He no longer wanders about aimlessly in the world. Crowley also offers the practical advice that:

His circle should not be too small and cramp his movements; it should not be so large that he has long distances to traverse. A Magical Circle of about 9 feet in diameter is usually suitable for the solo practitioner, use your own judgement when determining the size for group rituals or rituals that require movement such as dance. Now for the practical side of things: Decide on which quarter to start drawing the circle. Usually this will be either east or west, while it is a personal preference, like all things in ritual there must be a reason for it. For example one may choose to begin in the east as it symbolizes light, for it is from this quarter that day break begins. For what ever quarter one begins it, it must be for a clear and logical reason. Choose a location for drawing your Magical Circle. The location whether indoors or outdoors should provide a sense of privacy. Take an object like a chair or lantern to serve as a fixed point so you may draw a circle using a suitable length of string, or alternatively have someone hold it down upon the ground. You should have a piece of chalk or other instrument at the other end with which to draw the circle with. This the Circle at the physical level. Some people do "banishing" rituals before going any further, personally I've never found the need to do so. If you choose to do such a ritual ask yourself what are you banishing, where is it banished to and why. The (Golden Dawn) Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram can be found in Aleister Crowley's "Magick in Theory and Practice" for those that feel the need for such devices. Now consider the symbolism of the four quarters. The four quarters represent not only the four elements or four letters of tetragrammaton but also the four stations of the sun during the day and night, and also the four seasons. Also the four stages of life, (re-)birth, the years of youth, adulthood and old age. Meditation on the symbolism of the "Squared Circle" (a circle with a cross through it) before any circle casting is advisable for at least your first few attempts. Go to the quarter you have decided to start at and perform any invocations/affirms or exercises you feel necessary. For matters of a constructive nature travel with the sun (In the Southern Hemisphere this is anticlock wise, in the Northern Hemisphere this is clockwise.) around the circle with what ever magical instrument you have choosen for the operation. This is usually the knife or the wand, the instrument used all depends upon the your choice of symbolism. If you do not yet have the necessary instrument decide on a hand gesture that to you symbolises force. As you travel around the circle, visualise energy blasting from the instrument (or your fingers) down towards the circle like a flame. This flame continues to flicker on the out line of the circle like fire as you continue around with the circle. The whole operation must be done with total concentration, otherwise success is doubtful. When you have reached the point from which to started, visualise the circle in it's completeness and mentally or verbally affirm its existance. It is important to stay on the inside of the circle at all times until finished with it, physically cutting across may render it useless.

Next it is usual to invoke the four elements from the four quarters. The following suggestions are for the Southern Hemisphere, for those in the Northern Hemisphere reverse the directions for fire and water.

Beginning in the East, invoke the element of Air. Travelling with the sun move around the inside of the circle to the South, invoke the element of Water Travelling with the sun move around the inside of the circle to the North, invoke the element of Fire. Travelling with the sun more around the inside of the circle to the West, invoke the element of Earth Travelling with the sun more around the inside of the circle to the East, invoke the element of Spirit

When invoking the elements, one can either use long and wordy conjurations similar to those used in medieval grimoires, short affirmations or somewhere inbetween the two. It is important that however it is done that it be meaningful and rich in symbolism appropriate to the invoked element. Also visualise the element with as much imagination as possible, hear the hissing of the flames of fire, feel the coolness of water etc... The elements may be personified as Archangels or Gods, or they may be viewed as impersonal forces. Whatever case, the important part is to make the visualisation as deep and meaningful as possible. Now the circle is complete. Do whatever it is you set out to do. Once finished with the circle it is important to dismiss the elements. If you have personified the elements be sure to thank them for their service and farewell them. On the other hand if they are impersonal then visualise them withdrawing and affirm that they have gone back to whence they came. The order of dismissal is up to the operator, I find that a first invoked, first dismissed works best for me. The next thing to do is visualise the energy of the circle itself dispersing. Those that wish to do a banishing rituals should do another one after this. Finally write up your experiment in your magical record for future reference. It should go without saying that all the details of the ritual(s) should be well thought out before even attempting to draw the circle. Invocations and dismissals along with the details of the whole affair should written down and committed to memory before doing anything.

The reader is encouraged to read magical texts on the symbolism of the circle and to meditate on the subject for a fuller understanding of it's nature and uses. This page is far from complete and is an on going project.