Casting a Circle

Hey there,

The number one question I get is How do I cast a circle? Maybe I should have posted this a long time ago. Better late than never, right?

I first want to say that everyone casts their circle differently. It could be simple or very elaborate. Sometimes they're cast to store energy or for protection. Either way, circles are typically all set up the same way. 

The first thing you want to do is clean the area. Both physically and spiritually. You don't want any negative energies weighing you down.  Most witches sweep the floor while burning sage. It's also a good idea for you and anyone joining you to meditate beforehand. 

Next, you have to ask yourself if you have the right materials. What are you using to represent each element? Will you need candles and matches, or objects like salt and shells? Will you be using your wand/athame? What will you be wearing? How many people will be there? How much space do you need? 

It's important to know that you don't need special tools to be Wiccan. All you need is faith. Sometimes it's hard to have certain things while you're living with your parents. Not to mention how expensive it all can be. It's completely understandable. It's possible to cast your circle with nothing but your finger. 

Casting the circle: Before calling each element, it's respectful to give them the proper introductions. To do this, you could say what they each do for you. Start at the East for Air, move to the South for Fire, then West for Water, then North for Earth. A lot of people also go to the Center for Spirit, or the All, etc. Your circle is then complete and you're free to do any magical workings. 

This, for example, is how I would cast my circle:


At the East Watchtower I would place incense and a feather. I'd light the incense and wave the smoke with the feather as I say:

Air, Guardian of the East, 
With the powers of knowledge and intellect, 
I ask that you join me in my circle. 

Then I'd move to the South Watchtower. There, I would have placed a red or orange candle. As I light it, I would say:

Fire, Guardian of the South, 
With the powers of passion and free will, 
I ask that you join me in my circle. 

Then I'd to the right again to the West Watchtower. There would be a bowl filled with beach shells and water. I would say:

Water, Guardian of the West, 
With the powers of emotion and intuition, 
I ask that you join me in my circle. 

Then I'd go to the North Watchtower where there would be a bowl of salt and a pentacle. I would say:

Earth, Guardian of the North, 
With the powers of stability and birth, 
I ask that you join me in my circle. 

Then I'd take a handful of salt and sprinkle it around the circle and say:

Spirit, Guardian of All, 
Combining all elements with myself, 
I ask that you join me,
Making my circle complete. 


Of course there is much more to it than I could write down. You have to put yourself into it. If all you did was copy exactly what I have written here, where would the magick be? You have to make it your own. 

Blessed Be. 
Alice

About Me

Hey there,

I was thinking that I should write a post that shares things about me. Some of you might be thinking, I don't even know this girl. Should I trust what she's saying? Let me just say that the answer to this question is entirely up to you. If you don't agree with some of the things I'm blogging, I'd love to hear your point of view.

But I'm digressing. The real reason I'm posting this is so you can have a better idea of who I am.


I Love...
1. both cats and dogs.
2. any kind of music.
3. reading and writing.
4. books about vampires.
5. drawing.
6. running.
7. the owl that lives in my neighborhood.
8. annoying my little sister.
9. skinny jeans.
10. shoes shoes shoes.
11. '80s movies.
12. sleeping in the daytime.
13. staying home "sick".
14. girl stuff (doing my hair & nails).
15. getting out of my house.

I hate...
1. bugs.
2. cleaning.
3. ignorance.
4. my annoying little sister.
5. when girls act dumb.
6. when boys act stupid.
7. how the floorboards only creak when I'm trying to be stealthy.
8. gym class.
9. waking up early.
10. Disney channel.
11. when people make fun of my clothes.
12. high school (sometimes).
13. when previews are better than the actual movie.
14. wearing sweats to school.
15. being sick.

Wiccan Stuff
1. I do tarot cards.
2. I don't cast spells other than healing.
3. I love writing this blog.
4. Sometimes I meditate instead of doing homework.
5. I talk to my spirit when I'm alone.

Other Stuff
1. I play the violin.
2. I always wear black (even without thinking about it).
3. I think Shakespeare is hilarious.
4. I don't wear make up to school.
5. I speak French.


Just a side note: the stuff about wearing black and vampires and stuff- I'm not goth or anything, it just seems that way.

So, I'm sure there's a ton more to say but if you really did read all of this, you're probably extremely bored right now. I'll just dismiss myself...

Blessed Be
Alice

Storm Moon

I am terribly sorry. I know the full moon was last Tuesday and I wrote this post the Monday before that. I thought I posted it but apparently all I did was save it. I didn't notice until today and now I'm a week too late. But I'm still going to post it just for future reference. So here it is:

Hey guys!

I hope everyone is having a totally fabulous week. I know I am (considering it's still only Monday). Tomorrow is a full moon and since it's February it is call the Storm Moon.

During the Storm Moon, we look for positivity. This month's ritual is simpler than previous ones. All I'll be doing is casting a circle and maditating. During this time, I'll be thinking about the changes I'm facing in my life and looking for the good in it all. Also, I'll pray that the God and Goddess can guide me to be more optimistic. Optimism is not something I see very often and I would really like to change that. We all need that knowledge of hope and goodness. Also, being more positive lowers your stress levels.

There really isn't a specific food to have this time so I'll just say eat whatever you like. And don't forget the offering. Place it under a cedar or Rowan tree.

This is the week we should be starting our spring cleaning. Release those negative energies and embrace the positive ones!

Blessed Be
Alice

Candlemas!

Hey there,

Okay, so I know it's supposed to be called Imbolgc but isn't Candlemas a much cuter name?

Anyway, this is officially tomorrow but I probably won't get to the whole ritual thing until this weekend. But just in case you guys are able to do it tomorrow, I'll post it right now.

Candlemas is celebrated in honor of the Goddess nurturing the God as he grows up. The day represents growth as the seasons change from Winter to Spring. Living in The midwest, I normally wait until the snow melts for this ritual. The snow in my neighborhood is almost completely gone as of this morning after it rained all night. So, it's perfect timing!

Ritual:

You will need:
~Lots and lots of candles. Or as many as you have, preferably white. Tealights are perfect.
~Things used in a circle casting.
~Food: pancakes or crepes
Wine or mead

Steps:
1. Cast the circle.
2. Invite the God and Goddess.
3. Raise energy. (singing, dancing, drumming, breathing, etc.)
4. Start lighting the candles and give each one a purpose.
Examples:
"I light this candle for the sun that shines.
This one is for the earth that keeps me grounded
One candle for the friends I have been blessed with."
5. This is the time for any candle magick spells you have prepared.
6. Now you pray for an abundant season. Ask the God and Goddess for a healthy year.
7. Thank the God and Goddess for joining you.
8. Depending on your situation, you can leave the candles burning or blow them out. You wouldn't want to start any fires.
9. Close the circle and ground your energy.
10. Enjoy the pancakes/crepes! Be sure to leave an offering and when you're finished, put it under a willow tree.


Since its getting close to that time, I hope you're all prepared for your spring cleaning. Because we all just love to clean ;P
But on a serious note, cleaning your physical space does wonders for your Spirit because you're getting rid of all those negative energies held in your living space.
Just think about it, please.
Have a wonderful Imbolc!!

Blessed Be
Alice