Help with circle casting.

[darkwiccan]

I've been officially doing major rituals, mostly sabbats, within less than a year, and I've been a little unsure about my circlecasting. I know the science of it, but im not confident, and it ends up a little awkward, especially when I'm in a small space or outside with a group (which is pretty much all the time). I'm not sure if I'm just not concentrating or if I feel too stressed. Does anyone have any suggestions or resources that will help me? I'm planning my ritual for Beltane next monday so I need all the help I can get to pull off a successful group ritual despite my nerves. Thanks!

[mtpathy]

If your working with others within a established tradition, which is the
accepted way of doing ritual in groups, Then you need to know how
to do the basic acts of magick that follows that traditions symbolisms
and ideologies.
Its also traditional within most circles for everyone to trade and switch
places so that everyone learns everything else and dosen't feel left out.
so if you insist on doing this then simply tell the others that you don't
feel comfortable casting circle,and get someone else to do it instead.

[arianrhods_daughter]

What part stresses you? What are you doing currently?

[darkwiccan]

What part stresses you? What are you doing currently?

I'm not sure what stresses me, I'm just unsure if I'm really casting. I try to invision the energy I create coming from my athame while I walk three times widdershins round the circle, but sometimes I feel silly doing it, like I'm not doing anything. Maybe its the concentration, I'm not sure.

[Mouse]

Confidance plays a fairly big part too. We're programmed from a young age to believe magick isn't real. You need to let go of that.

Another thing I find with students is that they don't hold the connection because they are so nervous they rush it. Do it slowly. Then hold you hand flat, palm out to where the circle wall is. You should be able to feel something. If you don't or it doesn't seem strong enough, give it another layer.

Another way to tell if you've done your circle properly is it shouldn't be cold within the circle, it might get a little chilly, but it's always noticably warmer in the circle than without.

Best of luck :)