"So What's the Third Step?"

CREATING SACRED SPACE

 
        Remember that when casting a spell, you're tapping into that Divine energy web in order to create change.  When you create a sacred space, you're cleansing an area of physical and spiritual debris so your contact with the Divine is uncluttered.  A sacred space also honors the Divine and creates a holy place for communing with the Divine.  Lastly, creating a sacred space is important to provide yourself with protection.  When you open yourself up to Magick, you can also open up yourself to a lot of different energies or spirits with which you don't want contact, as some may be downright dangerous.

        Creating a sacred space doesn't mean that you must run out and build a church or temple or construct an ornate shrine.  A sacred space can be created anywhere, indoors or out.  Some Witches have an area in their house which they keep strictly for ritual use and others create sacred space where and when they need it.  Witches tend to prefer working outdoors when possible as Nature provides an abundance of beautiful spaces which are already sacred.
 

Casting a Circle

        A common method that Witches use to create sacred space is to cast a Circle, which can be done anywhere.  The means of Circle-casting can vary tremendously but the final results will be similar.

        A Circle is a space created by defining and imbuing the borders with energy.  A Circle is typically a circular space but can actually be any shape.  In fact, a Circle would be better described as a sphere since the created space is three-dimensional and provides protection in all directions.

        One method of casting a Circle is to walk the perimeter in a clockwise direction (also known as deosil) and draw the boundary.  This can be done by pointing a finger or other object used to channel energy at the boundary and visualizing the energy (many Witches visualize a white light) flowing out of you into the Circle.  Typically the Circle is walked three times.

        Sometimes casting a Circle is done by dancing around the perimeter and may be accompanied by chants and musical instruments (Witchcraft doesn't have to be serene and stodgy -- Witches love to revel in life!).  Sometimes one person casts a circle, sometimes it's done by a group.

        Some Witches go even farther and "clean" the Circle by using a broom, or besom, to sweep away any negativity that may be residing within the Circle's perimeter.

        But however the Circle is cast, the intent is the same:  to create a place of power, holiness, and protection.
 

Invoking the Deities and Elementals

        After the Circle is cast, Witches may invoke the Guardians, or Elementals, to watch over and protect the Circle.  The Guardians watch over the four directional gates (directions given for the northern hemisphere):

        North -- Earth
        East -- Air
        South -- Fire
        West -- Water

        Lastly, the Witch invokes the God/dess into the Circle.  Invoking does not mean conjuring or demanding the presense of the God/dess or Guardians.  (Demanding things of  deities isn't usually a good idea.)  To invoke, according to Webster's, is to call upon for blessings or help.  So a Witch is inviting the God/dess and Guardians into the Circle to protect, bless, and assist in whatever purpose the Witch is working toward.

 

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