Many Western Magical Traditions use Formal Ritual as a means of practicing magic, this usually involves the casting of a Magic Circle of some kind.  There are many elaborate ways of casting the Circle which all in my opinion are not always necessary, and all are a means to the same end. I will not be discussing the origins of the Magic Circle here that has already been discussed on other pages follow this link to view the origins of the Magic Circle.

Reasons for casting the Magic Circle

1. To create a boundary between the mundane and spirit world

2. Space created to hold rituals and perform magic

3. A place to focus and contain power raised

4. Protection from unseen forces in the astral plane

5. Consolidation of an area for peace and meditation

Items

A compass to find the cardinal points

Rope/String for circles perimeter or, a Mat with a circle drawn on it, or Chalk to draw a Circle on the floor or concrete. Or simply visualize the perimeter.

Candles or some other symbolic object to mark the Cardinal Points. (Stones, Rocks or the Elements themselves)

Athame or just use your finger.

Wand or again use your finger.

Incense if you like you can use the smoke from the censer to trace round your circle.

A quiet place where you won' t be disturbed, preferably outdoors.

Whatever other items you want to use in your ritual. Herbs, Candles etc.

The Elements

It is a good idea to place your symbolic objects or elements in the correct direction for the place you live. With a compass find the four directions, then take note of where the elements are most prominent. Where is it hottest? Which direction carries the wind or the rain? Where would the appropriate direction for Earth be? Below is the Traditional Circle used in Europe and America.

Below is the Circle that I use where I live, I put Fire in the North for that is where it is the hottest. I place Earth in the South, you will notice that Earth and Fire are just inversions of the European Circle, just basically flipping the Poles, I place Air in the West as that is where most of the winds in my area originate. And lastly Water in the East for most of our rain comes from that direction plus on the East coast of Australia is the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean.

The Circle below is how many other Eastern Coast Australian Pagans cast their Circle. It differs from mine as they place Earth in the East, many believe that because the land mass is biggest to the West they should place Earth there.

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Murray Byfield © 2000 - 2002