Casting the Circle

The circle is usually cast three times, once with the staff or the athame, then again with the salt and water, then a third time around with incense in the censor. Start in the east and walk slowly, deosil (clockwise or sunwise) around the circle, and say something like:

"I cast this circle in power and strength
To be a place between the worlds
For all who worship the Old Gods."

Then next you will go around with the salt and water, completely around the circle and you can say the same thing again, or something different, like:

"I cast this circle with water and salt,
That it shall be cleansed and purified."

Then lastly you will go around with the incense in the censor (you CAN use a potholder if this thing gets hot - just consecrate the potholder also!) and say something like:

"I cast this circle with air and fire,
That it shall be cleansed and purified."

While you are doing this, it is most important for you to SEE in your mind's eye the power or energy flowing out from your staff or your athame, and creating a blue or blue-white "flame" or barrier, which is the boundary of the circle. You will see this boundary being created each time you go around and cast the circle. And remember, that this circle is not a flat two-dimensional circle on the floor, but a complete globe that encircles the entire room, both below your feet and also over your head. Make sure that your visualization is complete in that respect. And remember, practice makes perfect.

Casting the circle is the beginning of the ritual, and so by definition has more power the more often you do it the same way. If you are working alone, this is no problem, you just find a way that you like to do it, and memorize that way. Do it the same way every time, and soon you will feel the words and the power flowing out without any trouble at all. When you decide to work with a group, however, you will all need to be casting the same way, so that all can participate in your "vision" and help create sacred space. So, whatever way you decide to do this as a solitary practitioner, don't get so "set" in your ways that you can't change or adapt later if you happen to find a group you want to work with.