This is the method I use for casting/dispelling a Circle; although the wording given is "for group use" (i.e. when I'm serving as Priestess for a group), the only difference if I'm working alone is that I replace "us" with "me" and "we" with "I". The names and referents I use for the Elementals are from the Irish mythology; you can of course substitute your own, whatever best speaks to you of the relevant Element. Also, obviously, if you're male, substitute "priest" for "priestess" throughout all the Ritual Scripts!

Casting & Dispelling a Circle for Group Work

Mix salt and water in Cup. Walk deosil (sunwise) 3 times, starting at North, sprinkling water:
Spirits of Earth, Spirits of Water, protect and purify this Circle.

When back at North:
Let us walk now between the Worlds and receive the blessings of the Old Gods. We now call upon our Elemental kin to be with us as we perform this rite.

All: face each quarter as Priestess visits it, right hands upraised in the Summoning position (palm up). After each quarter candle is lit, all greet the Elemental, Hail and Welcome!

East: Power of Air, essence of Gorias, pray attend our rite. Bring the blessings of the Sleg Lhú, truth and eloquence.

South: Power of Fire, essence of Findias, pray attend our rite. Bring the blessings of the Claoímh Nhúadha, love and passion.

West: Power of Water, essence of Murias, pray attend our rite. Bring the blessings of the Coire Dhaghdha, vision and wisdom.

North: Power of Earth, essence of Falias, pray attend our rite. Bring the blessings of the Lia Fáil, peace and justice.

Centre: Power of Spirit, essence of the Sídhe, pray attend our rite. Bring the blessings of magic and insight.

Invocation, when back at North:
Blessed Mother, giver of life, come to me now. Grant me the magic of manifestation and guide me to serve you in this rite.

Hornèd Father, giver of death, come to me now. Grant me the magic of transformation and guide me to serve you in this rite.

Within this Circle the Veil between humans and spirits does not hinder us, and we give welcome to those spirits who would join us. The Circle is cast, let the rite commence.

Dispelling

Invocation, facing North:
Sacred Mother, we thank you for aiding us this night and for lending your strength to us. We bid you farewell as you depart now from this Circle. May we continue along this path in love and understanding until we meet again.
All: Blessed be thee.

Sacred Father, we thank you for aiding us this night and for lending your strength to us. We bid you farewell as you depart now from this Circle. May we continue along this path in strength and honour until we meet again.
All: Blessed be thee.

All: face each quarter as Priestess visits it, right hand upraised in the Dispelling position (palm down). After each quarter candle is extinguished, all answer, Hail and Farewell!

Centre: Spirits here present, essence of the Sídhe, we thank thee for attending our rite.

East: Power of Air, essence of Gorias, we thank thee for attending our rite.

South: Power of Fire, essence of Findias, we thank thee for attending our rite.

West: Power of Water, essence of Murias, we thank thee for attending our rite.

North: Power of Earth, essence of Falias, we thank thee for attending our rite.

Finally, circle 3 times tuathal (counter-sunwise), then step into centre:
The rite is ended.

Click here to return to Paganism & Witchcraft Index