Paganlore.com

Casting the Circle

---

 

The Call to Worship is an essential part of worship in many religions all over
the world. In Judaism the shofar is blown, in Protestant and Catholic churches
the church bells are rung. In Pagan rituals we also begin with some type of Call
to Worship, some way to let everyone know that ritual is about to begin. Some
traditions sing a song, some read from their Book of Shadows. This is a way to
focus everyone's attention on ritual and all that it entails. In doing ritual we are
connecting with everyone who has ever done ritual before. Every ritual action
connects us with every time that ritual action has been performed.

Sweeping the circle is a way to clear unwanted emotional baggage, "vibes" and
to prepare the circle space for casting. The handmaiden literally sweeps the
ritual area with a broom, often called a besom.

Ritual space is defined by walls in churches, by casting a circle in Pagan rituals.
Circles are cast using the sword, the athame, or in some traditions, the wand.
Usually the Priestess casts the circle. Holding her tool, the Priestess walks about
the ritual space, defining the sacred area with that tool.

At this point often the elements are blessed or asked for their blessing by
bringing the symbol of each element around the circle. Air - incense, Fire - red
candle, Water - water in a cup, Earth - salt in a cup. Sometimes this is called
censing and aspurging. Watchtowers or the quarters are called. These are the
elements. Each element; air, fire, water and earth, correspond to a different
direction. East, south, west and north respectively in most traditions. We
believe that we and the planet we live on is made up of the elements. We invite
or ask the elements into ritual so that they may share in the worship of the
Gods.

The Gods and Goddesses, or the guests of honor, are invited and candles lit in
their honor.

Now comes the work of the circle. In many traditions power is raised by
chanting, singing, dancing or other methods of raising energy. This energy
should be raised for a specific purpose and with a specific intent such as peace,
health or success in a particular venture. Remember that the Threefold Law
prohibits things that would harm someone. (see the Definitions link) If the
group does invocation, now would be the time for this.

After the work of the circle is done, the circle is dismantled in the reverse
order. The Gods and Goddesses are thanked, their candles extinguished. The
elements are dismissed and the circle is banished. The circle is often ended with
the words "Merry Meet, Merry Part, Merry Meet Again". This is a common
goodbye phrase in Paganism.

This is a *very* rough outline of a ritual. Rituals vary from tradition to tradition
and often from group to group within any particular tradition. Some groups
work in robes, others work skyclad, which means nude (clothed in the sky).
Some rituals are outdoors, others inside. Sabbat rituals may be more involved
and complex than Esbat (or Minor Sabbat) rituals.

There are many variations on this theme. If you are interested in joining a
group or even seeing some rituals, check out several so you can be sure to get a
feel for what's out there.

 

.