How and Why We Cast Circles: A Charm School Task Explained

As part of our summer project to complete the first-degree tasks from Silver RavenWolf's "To Stir a Magick Cauldron," Cara and I have embarked on the journey of memorizing three different circle castings. In our recent YouTube episode discussing the project, we discussed memorizing tasks briefly. In this blog post, I delve deeper into circle casting, the process of memorization, and share the three distinct circle castings I have chosen for my circle casting task from the Charm School syllabus.

First Circle Casting: Chant

For my first circle casting memorization, I have decided to utilize the enchanting chant, "We are a circle within a circle, with no beginning and never-ending" by Kate West. This chant holds a special place in my heart as I already have it memorized. and I think it will help me to practice the visualization portion of circle casting. While chanting in front of others can be intimidating for me, I believe this familiar chant will serve as a powerful demonstration during our project. You can see a YouTube recording of the song here. Support Kate West's work by checking out her books; Elements of Chant, the 2005 CD that the circle chant is from, is not easily available these days.

Second Circle Casting: Script

For the second circle casting, I am challenging myself to memorize the casting provided in "What Witches Do" by Stewart Farrar. This book is among the required texts that Cara and I selected for our project. Farrar presents the following circle casting: "O Thou Circle, be thou a meeting place of love and joy and truth; a shield against all wickedness and evil; a rampart of protection that shall preserve and contain the power which we shall raise within thee. Wherefore do I bless and consecrate thee in the name of Karnayna and Aradia." To personalize it, I will substitute the specific deity names with the phrase "the Mighty Ones" or the name of any deity I invoke in a ritual.

Third Circle Casting: Solstice-Specific (update - no longer memorizing 6/15/2023)

As part of my contribution to the UUCC summer solstice labyrinth event, I have taken the initiative to write a solstice-specific circle casting that can be used for both summer and winter solstices. Crafting a circle casting that aligns with the unique energy and symbolism of solstices adds an extra layer of intention and connection to the seasonal celebrations. I'm playing with the phrasing, but for now it might be something like: 

In sacred space, we stand so bold, A circle as they did of old. Solstice dreaming, light's embrace, We build this container in sacred grace.

Celebrate light, honor the night, Divine presence shining bright. In this sacred time and place, Our spirits dance, a cosmic embrace.

As we will, so mote it be, Our intentions set us free. In this circle, united and true, Magic unfolds, our dreams renew.

I want to reword it to include something about the chalice, which is a symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith, but I am not sure I want to make it much longer.

Updated note: I decided to memorize the entirety of Veasey's Rune and am "double dipping" and allowing it to count for one quarter call and one circle casting. I may use it as another part of the tasks as well. We will be using this circle casting in the solstice labyrinth ritual, but I won't be memorizing it. 6/15/2023

How do you cast a circle? 

Casting a circle is a fundamental practice in witchcraft and holds great significance in ritual work. It is a powerful act of creating a sacred space that serves as a boundary between the mundane world and the realm of magic. By consciously drawing and visualizing the circle, witches establish a sacred container where they can connect with the energies, spirits, and deities they work with.

The process of casting a circle varies among different traditions and practitioners. Some may use specific tools such as an athame or wand to physically trace the circle's perimeter, while others rely on energetic visualization alone. Regardless of the method used, the intention behind casting a circle remains consistent - to create a space that is separate from everyday life, filled with focused energy and spiritual presence.

The circle acts as a protective barrier, shielding the practitioners from external influences and unwanted energies. It serves as a container to contain the energy raised during rituals, ensuring that it is harnessed and directed purposefully. By establishing this sacred space, witches create an environment conducive to their magical workings, enabling them to explore their inner realms, commune with spirits, perform spells, and engage in divination with heightened focus and intent.

Beyond the practical aspects, the circle holds symbolic and spiritual significance. It represents unity, wholeness, and the cyclical nature of existence. The circular shape, devoid of corners or edges, embodies the concept of interconnectedness and the continuous flow of energy. It reflects the belief that all things are interconnected and part of a greater cosmic web.

Casting a circle also honors the four cardinal directions or elements - North (Earth), East (Air), South (Fire), and West (Water). By invoking these elemental energies, witches align themselves with the natural forces of the universe, invoking their power and wisdom into the circle. Sometimes this act, often called "calling the quarters" is a part of the circle casting process or occurs right before or right after the circle is cast.

Moreover, the act of casting a circle allows witches to enter a liminal space, a threshold between ordinary reality and the mystical realms. Within this sacred enclosure, time may seem to stand still, creating a sense of focused presence and heightened awareness. It offers a sanctuary for introspection, spiritual communion, and the manifestation of desires.

Exploring the significance of circle casting in witchcraft reveals its multifaceted nature. It serves practical, symbolic, and spiritual purposes, providing a framework for sacred rituals and transformative experiences. Whether cast through memorized scripts, intuitive gestures, or a combination of both, the circle remains a potent tool for witches to connect with the divine, harness their inner power, and manifest their intentions in alignment with the cycles of nature and the principles of magic.

Recommended texts for more on circle casting: The Spiral Dance and Elements of Ritual

Do you have to memorize the scripts for a circle casting?

The short answer is no; we are memorizing because it is a part of this project, but memorizing is not required in witchcraft unless you are in a tradition that mandates that as part of ritual participation. Delving into the process of memorization and its importance in ritual practice, it is essential to recognize that each practitioner has their own personal preferences when it comes to the use of scripts in their craft. While some may find comfort and guidance in following a pre-determined script, others, like myself, prefer to have a general outline or key points memorized and then allow the exact wording to flow from the heart in the moment.

For many witches, memorization holds great value as it allows for a deeper immersion in the ritual experience. When we have the words, chants, and invocations committed to memory, it creates a stronger connection between our intentions and the magical working at hand. Memorization enables us to embody the rituals, allowing the energy and meaning behind the words to resonate more powerfully within us.

By internalizing the script, we can engage with the ritual on a more intuitive and energetic level. It frees us from relying solely on written words and allows us to be fully present in the moment, focusing on the intention and symbolism behind the ritual rather than reading from a page. This fluidity and spontaneity in delivery can enhance the energy raised and strengthen our connection to the divine forces we invoke.

However, it's important to note that the choice of memorization or working with a script ultimately comes down to the personal preference of the practitioner, especially if they are working solitarily. (Some groups may require memorization of various parts of the ritual arc.) Some may feel more comfortable and confident with a well-prepared script, ensuring that they don't miss any important elements or stumble over their words during the ritual. This can be particularly beneficial when working with others, as it provides a cohesive structure and ensures everyone is on the same page.

On the other hand, those who prefer a more improvised approach may find that it allows for a greater sense of authenticity, spontaneity, and flexibility in their practice. It allows for the personal expression and interpretation of the ritual, adapting it to the energies of the present moment and the specific intentions of the practitioner.

Ultimately, whether you choose to memorize a script, have a general outline, or embrace improvisation, what matters most is the sincerity and intention behind your words and actions in ritual. The key is to find a balance that resonates with your personal style and empowers your magical practice, allowing you to connect deeply with the energies you work with and create a meaningful and transformative experience.

Do I have to cast a circle?

My short answer is no, but it's dope. Uncovering the transformative power of circle casting reveals its multifaceted role in feminist witchcraft, self-care, and social justice advocacy. It is important to note that while not all rituals or magical traditions require a circle casting, it has become a significant aspect within modern witchcraft practices.

Circle casting as we know it today has its roots in the Western magical tradition from Gerald Gardner via his reworking of Thelemic, goetic, and Solomonic rituals. In these practices, the practitioner would create a physical circle as a means of protection and control, establishing a hierarchical structure where the practitioner, safely within the circle, would invoke entities or beings into a triangle or other designated space outside the circle. This control-based approach reflects the historical context and cultural beliefs of that time and is likely based in circle casting and/or temple consecrations of antiquity. In Stephen Skinner's Techniques of Graeco-Egyptian Magic, he quotes a Mesopotamian consecration that echoes the Alexandrian circle casting in What Witches Do. Here's the passage, which I found on a 2017 blog titled Why Circles are Awesome that advocated circle casting despite occasional online backlash to the practice: "We therefore, in the names aforesaid, consecrate this piece of ground for our defence, so that no spirit whatsoever shall be able to break the boundaries, neither be able to cause injury nor detriment to any of us here assembled, but that they may be compelled to stand before this circle and answer truly our demands.” (Skinner 80.)

However, the modern understanding and utilization of circle casting in witchcraft have evolved significantly. Feminist witchcraft, in particular, has reimagined the concept of circle casting, emphasizing empowerment, equality, and personal agency. It recognizes the inherent power within each practitioner and acknowledges the importance of creating safe and sacred spaces for their magical work. In the circle, equality is emphasized, as there is not a "sage on the stage" but rather a group of people working together.

In feminist witchcraft, circle casting serves as a means of establishing boundaries, creating a container of safety, and fostering a sense of community and support. The casting of the circle is not only a physical act but also a symbolic representation of embracing one's personal power and autonomy. It is a ritualistic expression of creating a space free from oppressive structures, where individuals can connect with their inner wisdom, intuition, and divine energies.

Concluding Thoughts

In our pursuit of completing the first-degree tasks from "To Stir a Magick Cauldron" through our Charm School project, Cara and I have dedicated ourselves to memorizing three different types of circle casting. We recognize the ongoing debate within the magical community regarding the importance of memorization versus reading from a script during rituals. Through this project, we hope to explore the effectiveness of both approaches and understand how memorization can enhance our connection to the sacred circle. Stay tuned for further updates on our journey through the Mist Tradition curriculum in our Charm School journey!