NMR ISSUE 38

Astrological Forecast 38
Beyond the Need to Control
Editorial 38
Esoteric Symbology of the Tarot
Ethics and the Ethic
Ghigau's Song
I'm a Witch, Okay?
Letters 38
Luna
Meditation on the Elements: Air
Pagan Meets Neo-Pagan
Place Between the Worlds
Prophecy II
Protection Charm for your Car
Rain
Saturn Rising
Shadowland
Soul Mates
Summer Opportunities
The Magician
Trout and Dragonfly

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A Place Between the Worlds

By Jay Barrymore

The Witches' Circle is an intermediate place between the physical and astral realms; a place between the worlds. It is the gateway that allows those of us on the Earth Plane to interact and commingle with the gods.

The Circle is comprised of an electro-magnetic fluid which the Circle caster visualizes then inscribes with the Athame, Wand, or Staff. The usually accepted practice is to make three circuits around the intended working area, walking in a deosil (clockwise) direction, visualizing a line being drawn from the point of the Athame (or other ritual tool). Some people see this line being an electric blue in color. (In our rituals, we visualize each circumnavigation in a different hue—white, pink and blue).

It is this visualized line that is the all-important factor in defining the Circle. The Circle contains power and protects the magickal operator(s) from malignant forces. The Circle is the dividing line—containing all that is within it, and excluding everything outside of it. It is very important that people do not disturb or break the boundaries of the Circle; one way to aid in this is to physically designate the Circle's edge. Indoors, this can be done with chalk, or the like. Outdoors, the Circle can be defined by placing rocks, bricks, sticks or other objects in a ring. Of course, the heavier and more substantial material used will result in a more permanent Circle. Once in place, the physical Circle will act as a guide for the Circle caster to lay down the visualized energies. Regardless of whether a ring of stones defines the Circle or not, the Magickal Operator still inscribes one using their Magickal tools.

Today, many people may never have an opportunity to build a physical Circle, because they live in an apartment or some other place where such a thing is impractical. However, there are a few people who do have access to some outside real estate (be it a back-yard, or many acres in the countryside), and they have the freedom to build an actual stone Circle, as our Pagan ancestors did. For those with the space, the question that remains is: how to do it.

First, you need to decide exactly where you want the Circle located. Having it next to some trees or some source of water on the property may be desirable; however, privacy may also be a concern. It may not be suitable to build the Circle in an area that may be visible to outsiders.

Next, you need to choose the material for its construction. Stones and rocks are the most popular, however, bricks, blocks and other similar building materials have also been used. If you choose stones, use smooth ones, as from a riverbed. Using rocks with sharp edges increases the chance of injury should an accident occur during a ritual and a person falls on them. River rocks have had their edges eroded, and also provide a very neat appearance.

Next, you need to determine the size of the Circle. How many people will be using it at one time? The traditional diameter for a Circle can range from six to nine feet for a single person, to 13 feet and beyond for groups of people. However, the Circle's size can be customized to induce maximum efficiency depending upon each person's situation. If you are not using any of the traditional numbers, then a good rule of thumb is to provide at least 2.5 feet of diameter for each person expected to occupy the Circle. To insure that a prospective size is a correct choice, multiply the diameter by pi (3.14) and divide by 2.5. The answer gives the maximum number of people the Circle should comfortably contain at one time.

It is easy to get the Circle as close to round as possible. First, take a length of rope or string half the size of the diameter of the proposed Circle. Tie one end to a stake or pole, and place this at the proposed Circle's center. Holding the rope or string taught, walk around the pole, and place a stone at each of the four compass directions. Make sure that they are equal distance from one another. After having done this, make another go-round, this time placing stones exactly between the first four. Then continue to insert stones between those already in place. Always check to make sure that each stone is in alignment with the end of the rope or string (this can be determined by making an occasional measurement, and helps to keep the curvature of the Circle in proportion). The process is akin to piecing a puzzle together.

Another option to consider is whether the Circle builder wishes to dig the rocks into the earth. This would make their placement more permanent, as opposed to just laying them on the ground.

Also, you should decide if you want an opening or not. Usually, Witches enter their Circles from the Northeast, though some traditions may have decided to enter from some other direction. The Circle can physically depict an opening, or it can be totally enclosed, whichever you prefer.

Once the Circle is in place, you should now decide what type of Altar to use. You can use the ground; but it's always nice to have an elevated surface that is within arm's reach. The Altar can be an existing table that can either be left in place, or removed after ritual (we have plans to place a picnic table in our Circle's center when not using it for ritual purposes). Should you wish to build a permanent Altar, you can do it with bricks, blocks, or some other suitable building material, and mortar. You can make a top from a sheet of a good grade of wood, or even a slab of marble, slate, or the like (obtainable from a quarry, landscaping or home improvement business). If the Circle contains a tree stump, that could make a very effective Altar.

Next come the luxuries, such as dolmens, landscaping preferences, etc. You may wish to add a standing stone at one or all the Watchtowers. You can find out what stones are available by visiting a rock quarry. You can buy stones from several ounces to many tons, and rather inexpensively. An approximate rate for a boulder is $6 a ton; however, suitable stones will probably weigh quite a bit less. Also, some gravel and rock businesses provide free loading (given that you have a way to haul the stone), but you must remember that once you bring the stone to its destination, it has to be unloaded. Some businesses may offer a delivery service, but this can be more expensive than the price of the boulder. Once a standing stone has been delivered, it needs to be recessed into the earth so that it remains in place (you may even want to cement it into a hole to insure stability).

You may want a small rock garden waterfall at the Western Watchtower. And of course you may want decorative and herbal shrubbery to fit into the landscaping picture. Some Covens have even planted trees inside their Circles.

Other considerations may include whether to have the floor of the Circle covered with turf, or filled with sand. The creative individual and Coven may develop many interesting and artistic ideas. Since the Circle is equivalent to a Witch's church or sanctuary, there is no reason that it cannot be given the same luxurious and detailed attention as some of our Christian brethren's houses of worship. It all depends on the people involved, the energy, time and money they wish to expend, and what is most meaningful to them.