Before you begin any ritual you should always cast a circle first. Casting a circle places a protective barrier around you that protects you from any malevolent energy that may be present. It also allows the energy created by your spell or ritual to build up inside the circle to be released all at once when you remove the circle.
So how do we cast a circle?
Step 1: Preparing the Space
Make sure that the space you intend to conduct your ritual in is clear of clutter and free from distractions. The last thing you want is to be interrupted during your ritual or be distracted by mess.
Step 2: Prepare Your Altar
Grab all of the items you need for your ritual and have them ready. You don’t want to have to open and close your circle to go and retrieve multiple items.
Step 3: Cast Your Circle
Pick up your wand and draw the bounds of the circle in the air. As you do this state out loud the purpose of your circle for example “I cast this circle to protect myself from evil forces”. You may like to define the area with stones or rope first but this isn’t necessary.
If you are in the Northern Hemisphere cast your circle in a clockwise direction. Likewise if you are in the Southern Hemisphere cast your circle in an anti-clockwise direction. The energy in the earth runs clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and anti-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere so if you conduct your rituals in the same direction as the flow of the earth’s energy it will be easier.
Step 4: Complete Your Ritual
Complete all the steps of your ritual without physically leaving the circle. If you must leave for some reason create a doorway in the circle using your wand, open it to leave and close it behind you. If you leave the circle without doing this you will break it and the energy will be released.
Step 5: Close Your Circle
When you are finished your ritual draw the circle again in the opposite direction to which you cast it. This closes the circle and disperses the energy. You may like to say something like “so mote it be” to finish.
Remember these steps are just a guide. There are no hard and fast rules in witchcraft. As long as you are happy with what you are doing and it’s not hurting anyone else do what thou wilt!
WitchiWoo 
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