Casting the Circle of Protection

Casting a circle of protection is a way for Wiccans to protect themselves during magic work.  It creates a high-energy space where you can safely carry out your magic, without the interference of any negative or harmful entities that might otherwise be attracted to your metaphysical energies during rituals and spell casting.

Marking out your circle

First, you want to decide where to create your circle.  Whether you have an altar or just a peaceful corner of your home – or maybe outside in nature – pick a place where you are undisturbed so that you can focus and work in peace.

It’s not necessary to mark out your circle, but some like to do it for ritual purposes, or for protection.  You can create a circle of rocks or crystals, or sprinkle sea salt along the edges of your circle, or place candles around you – for example five to mark out the points of the pentacle, or four placed at the cardinal points, West, North, East and South – also representing each of the Four Elements.  It’s up to you how you like to mark out or decorate your circle.

The casting

The next step is to conjure the pure energy that will surround and protect you.  There are as many ways to do this as there are practitioners, so you will find a way that is suitable to you and your practices.

How to cast a basic circle of protection

Here is an example of a basic circle casting which can be performed quickly and easily without the use of tools.

Stand in the middle of your circle.  Relax and breathe deeply.  Imagine that your crown (the top of your head) opens up like a funnel to receive divine, white light.  Your crown is always connected to the divine and to your Higher Self, and you can open up and amplify this channel at your will.

Open your arms, palms facing out.  With each in-breath, visualize yourself pulling down pure, divine light through your crown, and as you breathe out you channel this light out through your palms to create a protective shield around you.  As you fill the space around you with this high-vibration energy you may feel a tingle or buzz, you may get goose bumps, or you’ll feel light and uplifted.

Now hold one arm outstretched (the one you write with) and point to the edge of the circle.  Spin around clockwise three times, mentally marking out your circle with the divine light.  Then raise your arms above your head and say:

“As I cast this circle I beseech the God and Goddess to bless this circle, so that I remain protected and safe within this space. As I will it, so mote it be.”

You are now ready to cast your spell or perform your ritual.

To close your circle, hold out your arm and spin around anti-clockwise three times and feel the protective light dispersing.  Thank the Spirits for their presence and declare the circle closed.

How to cast an advanced circle of protection

This is an example of a more advanced circle ritual, for which you will need a compass, four candles, and if you have an athame or wand you can use that to direct the energy.

You can use white candles, or colored candles for each point:

North – Green

East – Yellow

South – Red

West – Blue

Use the compass and place the candles at each of the cardinal points.

Light the North candle and say:

“Hail to the guardians of the Watchtower of the North, Element of Earth, I bid thee hail and welcome.”

Light the East candle and say:

“Hail to the guardians of the Watchtower of the East, Element of Air, I bid thee hail and welcome.”

Light the South candle and say:

“Hail to the guardians of the Watchtower of the South, Element of Fire, I bid thee hail and welcome.”

Light the West candle and say:

“Hail to the guardians of the Watchtower of the West, Element of Water, I bid thee hail and welcome.”

Now take your wand or athame and point it to the edge of the circle.  Spin around clockwise three times, and visualize a bright white light entering you through your crown and direct it out through your arm, down through your tool and out to form the edge of your circle.

Then stand in the middle, and feel this white, divine light filling the circle and immersing your entire being. 

Say:

“Guardians of the Watchtowers of the North, element of Earth, thank you for your presence and witnessing these rites. I bid you Hail and Farewell.”

“Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East, element of Air, thank you for your presence and witnessing these rites. I bid you Hail and Farewell.”

“Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South, element of Fire, thank you for your presence and witnessing these rites. I bid you Hail and Farewell.”

“Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West, element of Water, thank you for your presence and witnessing these rites. I bid you Hail and Farewell.”

To close your circle, take your wand or athame and spin around anti-clockwise three times and feel the protective light dispersing.  Thank the Spirits and Elements for their presence and declare the circle closed.