Donna Darkwolf's Big Book of Spells - Part 3. Casting The Sacred Circle!

The question of the Pagan or Wiccan Circle,  which falls into the scope of the debate, is not one that involves all Pagan paths.
The two directions of movement — clockwise (known as 'deosil') and anti-clockwise (known as 'widdershins') — are specific to Wicca. These two directions are based on the movement of the sun’s rising and setting, as well as its movement through the sky.

Shamans may move in a circular fashion, but they shuffle in either direction at the whim of their trance state, drawn by a different energy to that of the rising or setting sun. Druids also make use of a circle of stones — stacked and prepared before the rite — but with no concern about the direction in which the stones have been placed.

Many Witches, like Magicians, don’t use circles at all. They are only too willing to make contact with the world of phantasm.
The Circle gives them protection that they don’t want; they seek protection elsewhere.

But the Circle, which is seen as essentially feminine, has a variety of functions in Wiccan practice. It serves to establish a boundary between the world of humans and the world of spirit, a divide between the mundane and the magickal. It blocks out unwanted energy, while containing the energy raised within the Circle.

Prior to actually Casting the Circle  there is a fairly elaborate method to purify, cleanse and consecrate the Sacred Space  first, especially in Gardnerian and Alexandrian rites. It is not necessary to do this. Sometimes sweeping or smudging the sacred space will suffice.

Where does one Cast a Circle?  Any dedicated sacred space will do. The circle may be a permanent feature, such as a circle of stones in the garden. It may be painted on the floor of your lounge, covered by a carpet when not in use. You may demarcate it at appropriate times with flour, petals or flowers on the grass outside. (Never use salt; it will destroy the grass.) An experienced witch or Wiccan can create sacred space at any time and any place.

Extracted from “Dancing Under an African Moon” by Donna Darkwolf Vos.
Published 2002. By Zebra Press. Cape Town.

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