Discussion
Casting Circles- By Elani Temperance
T
ven though we all fall under the same umbrella term, there are very few things every single Neo-Pagan agrees upon. One of the major point we all lovingly disagree on is when we should draw a circle for our magickal workings. Some say we always have to do so, others say there is never a need. Some others say we should only do so when we perform High magick. In order to understand the various positions, we must first look at the definition of magick. Magick, for the purpose of this discussion, is the utilization of energy through the use of Will. High magick is any magick cast for spiritual or divine purposes or, for some, magick cast to enlist or demand the help of Gods or other entities who are receptive to us. It’s practice is often ceremonial in nature and typically standardized. Practices typically associated with High magick are meditation, channeling and evocation. Low magick is typically used to
attempt a change on the physical level. Rituals performed in the Low magick realm can often be described as spells or charms. Practices belonging to Low magick are divination and warding. Those who take the position that only High magick requires the use of a circle have a point; for most, a circle is a Sacred Space, a space worthy of receiving the aid of Gods or entities. Alternatively, drawing a circle ensures that whatever comes into our circle from other planes can not roam freely on this plane once summoned. This is especially prudent when we take into account that the entities summoned aren’t always friendly. As High magick is often involved with these types of practices, the argument that High magick requires the use of a circle is easily made. Your standpoint on circles in Low magick practices depends on a couple of things; if you believe in Gods or other entities, if you believe these entities will offer aid when asked or forced and, amongst others, if you believe it’s these entities that power spell
work or divination you might cast a circle. If you believe Low magick is powered from inside or the energy surrounding us all, a circle to accommodate entities might seem redundant. If you believe Low magick is powered by entities, it would appear logical a circle is drawn as a sign of respect or a place to bind. As anything in the Pagan faiths, it comes down to your views of divinity and magick as well as how ritualized your practices are. Those who perform magick on the fly and with whatever tools they have available for them are probably less likely to cast a circle for High magick, let alone Low magick. Those who practice Traditional Witchcraft and perform magick in covens that pass their standardized rituals on to new initiates tend to cast circles for most—if not all—their magickal practices. Deciding your view on this issue can take some time and may sometimes only be set after testing your options. One thing is for sure; the debate on this issue is still alive and well.
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