before I preform any spell or ritual I always call the four corners, you can find they way to cast a circle pretty much anywhere, in books and on the internet. I think its a sign of respect to the lords and ladies that we are calling on their help in casting the spell. When your done performing the spell or ritual you close the circle. It's not that complicated. As for alters everyones alter is unique to that person. There are certain items that every alter needs but I think you need to do your homework because this information is available everywhere.
I always cast a circle, but I just use an protective herb (rosemary, etc.) or a protective flower (white rose, etc.) to "draw" a cricle around me and my supplies while intoning "The circle is cast, only the good may enter herein."
I dont know how the rest of these people cast a circle but i use salt. I do not call on the four corners for a simple casting its absurd and inhumane. What you do is put a circle of salt around you. channle your energy into it and lift it with your energy. meditate if you will.
I guess I agreee that you don't always to call the four corners depending on the spell or the ritual. For minor spells and so forth I also use a circle of salt or a pentagram. I wish I didn't rent my house because I would have a pentagram painted on my floor for my circle.
I make my circle of energy, I circle my wand around me and chant, and of course visulize the circle.
casting the circle I say "around around around about good stays in bad stays out, I cast this circle so mote it be, of earth air flame and sea" 3 times.
then when I uncast it I say " let the circle be uncast but remain unbroken merry part and merry meet again." and I see the circle disappearing but not breaking :)
sometimes I also make it from salt, in a situatuion when my mind is not in balance, usually when I need a fast protection from something...
i agree with blue wolf, if I didn't live with two super christians, i'd have a huge pentagram painted on my floor.
gawd, one of them doesn't even know im pagan, and the other doesn't give a shit, but he's gonna keep making fun of it anyways.... damn, my life sucks... oh well.
