Question for all.

Different casters/traditions have different methods. Just choose one that synchronizes with you.

The thread is on behalf of those who do not know how to cast a circle. This is a basic skill in magick. Please elaborate.

Protection and to create a sacred space.

It creates a sacred space and it creates protection for you incase a spell summons something you didnt mean to, it will keep it from harming you.

Thank you hecate. =)

We do not take from these things, as with most things in magick, we call on and honor the directions in order to create a space that represents sympathetically the balance inbetween them.

In both witchcraft and cherokee practice, we face the East and call/honor each direction within the circle. The circle represents the endless cycle of life, the hoop/wheel/web of life (which is truly a sphere (with above and below) not a 2D circle) and balance of all energy in the universe around us and within us.

Some call on them clockwise, other counterclockwise, and in Norse practice, they begin in the North not East.

As was said, every culture has their own way.

For a beginner in ceremonial magic, especially in the G.D. tradition, I would recommend the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram. It creates the sacred space, invokes the elements and brings down the spiritual light. It also centers and grounds the practitioner and prepares him for ritual work.

There are several copies of the LBRP in the spells and articles sections.

LVX,

Shawn.

WhiteRav3n made two very good points. The circle is more of an egg. A 3D shell of protection. A space between the worlds. Second it was stated we call upon. We don't order or dominate the energy. We call upon it with humility and respect. When we approach things with humility and respect we become more in tune with it. We are not the greatest things in the universe. We command great power but we are not indestructible. What about the guardians and watchtowers? Where do they come into play.

From my understanding, the "guardians of the watchtowers" are purely stuff of Wiccan faith and the Golden Dawn. The original guardians were those such as the lares, grigori, and other honored spirits/deities. However, every culture has a belief of various beings that preside over certain directions.

What is their purpose? What do they do?

My thought is that a circle prevents outside influences from making a spell backfire or not work. Maybe not, but that's what I think.