Magick Circle

[Dark Wolf]

I'm a new witch. I just finished reading Silver RavenWolf's book Teen Witch and now I think I'm ready.

I decided to start by creating my first magick circle. I followed guidelines but I don't think the circle worked. How will I know if it's done correctly? Will it feel different inside or outside the circle?

Also, I don't have very good eyesight, so I have an ability to sense things that I can't see. Would this ability be helpful to me as a witch?

[*~*Chary*~*]

yes this will give u the advantages of smells and touch etc ... but regarding your circle ... u dont have to have a circle to perform spells etc ... i mean i use spells and magick everyday even driving to work and dont use a circle but u should be able to feel the circle after a while ... as long as u keep visualising it in your head ... its there

[Myst]

At first since you aren't used to feeling energy so well you may not feel the circle. You will visualize it and trust that it is there. When you get more accustomed to magical work you may notice the energy difference. Don't worry if you can't sense it now. Like I said, as long as you will it to be there it will be. Just remember you usually want to open it and then close it when you're done, otherwise you leave magic behind and that can get weird. It's like not cleaning up after a party, you know?

[Dark Wolf]

thanks

also, would a spell still work if I just said it in my head? I feel awkward saying it outloud.

[Mithrea]

I think that you have to be very experienced and knowledgeable to be able to focus your intent without saying the actual words out loud. It was akward for me at first but I got used to it pretty fast and don't really even think about it much now. I think alot of it comes down to confidence. As you go along you will become more and more confident working with magic. I know I did, but I can't draw up enough power by just thinking. I need the action of speech. Speech is very powerful. Your voice is one of the most powerful magical tools you have.

[Myst]

Usually I think the words or say them under my breath if someone is home. You can use written words, symbols, and sigils in a magical way to get the effects you want. But in a way I agree with Mithrea, if you don't have the confidence to say what you desire aloud, do you have the confidence and will to get it?

[Dark Wolf]

ok thanks. I'm usually pretty shy and I'm not good with speeches but I guess if I just stick to doing it alone, it won't be so bad. Still, it feels odd to talk to myself. Hehe.

Also, I think I'll try a real spell now. What would be a nice simple spell to try?

[Myst]

Simple healing candle spell. Find a white or blue candle (or whatever colour means healing to you) and light it, imagine as its light fills the room your blessing energy also filling the room. Think of how the blessing energy would feel and how it would help people. When you feel ready (the room is full or it just feels right), visualize sending out this energy to the universe and it going to whoever most needs or deserves blessings.

[Dark Wolf]

That would be great because I've been sick for a week now. I'll try it out, thanks. Should I perform the spell in a circle?

[Myst]

That's up to you.

If you feel all spells should be done in a circle, yes. I would do it in a circle. You might want to take some time to decide why you cast a circle to figure this out - if you cast a circle like I do to keep stray energies out and the raised energy in until you release it, then you should probably do all spells in a circle. But this is up to you.

[Jenett]

One note about 'Did casting this thing work' - there are some sort of common indicators

Not everyone perceives energy the same way, so you might only say "Oh, yes..." to only one or two of the things here. That's perfectly normal.

* A change in temperature from what the room was like before you cast the circle.

A well-cast circle often at least partially retains heat or will make you feel warmer when it's up. I've found the only exception to this is my feet: if the floor's cold, my feet stay cold, even if the rest of me is comfortable. The group I'm working with generally dresses to be comfortable for a perceptible 5 degree or so shift in temperature.

(Note: Do *not* use this as an excuse to stay out longer outside or in an unheated space if it's seriously cold or windy out. A circle is all well and good, but common sense is a safer bet when it comes to your health. If you're seriously cold, finish up and go somewhere warmer, or put on more clothes.)

* A change in perception of moving air also sometimes happens

This one's a bit trickier, though, and there are some times, particularly outside, when it's not terribly reliable.

* A change in ambient sound

A number of people experience a sort of 'dulling' of outside sounds when inside a cast circle - things like sounds from nearby traffic, people moving around elsewhere in the building, and so on. (Obviously, this doesn't mean stuff like someone talking loudly right outside your door.)

* A sort of feel of being cut off from the things around you.

A circle is, fundamentally, supposed to place you slightly outside mundane time and space. Some people have an easier time sensing this part than others.

* A slight tingling sensation.

Some people experience circles or other things (like wardings) as a sort of tingling, either general or focused in some part of their body. If you have someone else you can work with, it can be very educational to play with this a little.

When I was in college, I discovered that I can - if I'm paying the right sorts of attention - identify things like that by paying attention to my body. In my case, I usually experience it in my hands, but can often feel the presence of energy work (including circle casting) in my back, as well. However, I have to be paying attention to the possibility to notice it, most of the time.

One thing to think about, beyond these five options, is that if you've had positive experiences with consecrated/holy ground in other traditions, what does it feel like in those places (That might be a church, a synagogue, a cemetary .. whatever. ) Seeing if you can identify the feelings there, and seeing if they turn up when you cast the circle might also be a way to help you feel things more coherently.

[Dark Wolf]

I am wondering if there is a problem still with my circles. A couple days ago I was performing a candle spell inside a circle. I had my eyes close and was concentrating. Then my dog came into my room, right through my circle, and started licking my face. I got really mad at her because I felt like everything had been broken. Wouldn't she have made a "hole" in the circle when she came in? And wouldn't she have been able to sense something there and no better than to come in? She is a hunting dog, and I think she would be able to know if something was there. Was the circle not strong enough? Or was my dog just too excited? I'm curious here.

[Mithrea]

Okay, first of all, never get mad at your pets for acting like animals. Second, your circle keeps out bad stuff, not a loving pet. My cat does the same thing. I think she is there to support me and lend me her power. If having your dog in your circle breaks your concentration, shut the door and don't let her in.

If your circle made a total barrier around you then nothing could get out either -- your magic will only effect what is inside the circle. You need to think of it more as a net than a solid dome or wall. Like a cell membrane -- things can transfer through it can still protect you. The energy and intent you put into casting the circle determine what comes through.

If you are really intent on keeping her out, make sure you think about that as you are casting. As you get stronger and more in touch with the energy involved, you will probably be able to keep her out.

[Myst]

Mithrea is correct. Also, Dark Wolf, I think the Goddess has patience for animals and young children who don't know their way yet. So in short I don't think it's a problem.

Also, when you cast a circle your animals will join you. It's actually because they sense the energy and are drawn to it. So in truth your dog felt the energy and wanted to get in it. I don't think it would occur to an animal or small child that energy was used for a barrier unless it was really negative.

[Dark Wolf]

hmmm....I guess you're right. I think I'll try forming a circle while my dog is already inside it, then see what happens. Thanks for the advice though.

[Eeluna]

My dogs pay no attention when I am using magick, but my cat *always* gets excited and comes running. I think she can definitely sense something.

[Jenett]

Some traditions (and people) think that animals and small children don't break circles.

Some people think that they don't break circles, but they're an awfully annoying distraction sometimes, so removing them from the area (and keeping them out) is a good idea.

And some people do think they can disrupt a circle with their energies (and therefore, make sure they're not going to do so in advance.)

However, think about it: if your circle kept out *everything*, you'd have a pretty hard time breathing if you were in there very long. Or have trouble relying on any outside light. So it makes sense that animals or children might not feel the barrier as clearly as some adults can or do.

Personally, my cat tends to be very vocal when I'm doing circle work. That's why I do it in my bedroom, with the door closed. (It also helps remind my husband what I'm doing, and that I don't want to be disturbed for anything less than an emergency.)

[MidnightSun]

Well...i have 6 cats, 1 of which we have dubbed our familiar..cuz EVERYTIME we are outside doing ritual, he comes running. One time he drank up all our water that we were gonna use to make holy water..lol :) He's even allowed to help eat the feast. I personally feel that animals and young children won't hurt the circle at all. Our indoor cats can be a little too...riled up at times..lol :) But I think Merlin can sense the energy..all our cats can..and they just want to be apart of it :) I also think they add their energy to the circle. :)