Do you have to cast circles?

Question

I read a book from scott cunningham, and in one of his books he states that their is no need to always cast a circle, but in other books they say its a must if you are raising power for a spell or for meditation. are circles a must or should I go with my feeling of how to do things

Answer 1

One of my favorite Wiccan authors, Konstantinos, said there is a difference between a circle and sacred space.  Sacred space is an area that has been cleansed and consecrated for ritual work and is used for nothing else.  In a space like this, a circle is unnecessary.  The main times you need a circle is when you are doing a ritual in an area full of other energies that may interfere.  

Answer 2

Merry Meet Yolanda,

To simplify an answer to your question, the space within a Circle is Sacred Space. A circle of protection for spiritual paths most always is cleansed and consecrated before use. Non-spiritual paths do something similar but tend to leave out the consecration. This is not always the case but it is a sound rule of thumb. But, no matter what the concept is the same.

Spiritual paths tend to call the four quarters using elements, elementals watchtowers, etc, but they most always invite a Goddess and a God. Non-spiritual paths tend to always call the quarters in the form of elementals and sometimes the watchtowers, after which they usually invoke entity to do their will or begin to perform the rite itself which usually includes spell casting or some other form of magick workings.

I know that some will disagree with me, but then it’s all choice and what I have written here is my perspective. This is only a brief informational, so there is much that could not be added here. But no matter your view on the issue, test it out for yourself. As you walk this path you will be exposed to several different paths, look, listen and learn. But most of all use what the Goddess and God freely given you, common sense. If you do that you most likely see what many others see.

I hope this blurp has aided you in some way positive.

Always in Light and Love

Nyjh

Answer 3

A circle is cast mainly for protection from outside influences, negativity etc...  and to assist in raising energy.   Not a bad thought though to use during meditation as well.

Base your decision on the activity and your personal skill and comfort levels.

Answer 4

Basically anything that you are comfortable with in Wicca is alright.  This having been said, please think of the circle as this:

A circle is cast as a sacred area for the practitioner.  Once inside the circle, no harm will come to the practitioner because again, this is sacred ground, the same as being in a church - basically it's "holy" ground.

I myself have performed magick/ritual with both a circle and without a circle.  Again, the decision is strictly up to you.

Have a lovely rest of the eveing.  Bright Blessings.

Answer 5

it really is up to you. Ive performed rituals/spells in a circle or without one and it really depends on what you're doing, where you are and how susceptible to energy you are. If you are doing a ritual/spell that raises a lot of energy and you're in a place where there is a lot of outside energy that could interfere then a circle may be a good idea- circles are also good if you need to protect yourself from excess energy.

Also a circle of protection need not always involve a full casting including calling in the elements etc- especially if you are connected to the elements. If you are practiced enough just imagining the elements in each corner can be enough. I often use a room so i have a physical boundary and then just protect the points of entry (windows and doors) usually i sprinkle salt on the outside or tie a wreath of ivy to the doorknob. if I'm outside i sprinkle a circle of salt around me and imagine the elements. You just need to practice and you'll find a way that works for you :)

*Blessed Be*

Answer 6

From what I have read circles can be beneficial when doing certain things. However, I have also read that when summoning powerful demons that circles can be disrespectful and anger them.

I myself would suggest using a circle if you are meditating in an area you aren't sure about