Most people have heard of the witches circle, here we want to explain what it is and how it works.
The witch or coven casts a circle of protection, in effect creating an enclosed space, that is consecrated and eventually becomes the edge of a cone of power. So lets take this a part at a time.
The circle is caste and the ground inside separated from the ground outside. All power and influence stops at this line or divide. It is our space, to this we invite who we choose, they or it may not come, but usually we will get the effect we require. We magnify the effect by using ritual, and placing items on the edge of the circle.
It also, forms a part of the ritual, in the same way as wearing cloaks and tabards etc, and using special tools, in that it helps us to concentrate on the task in hand, and to avoid disturbances. With practice you will also find you feel different within the circle and have a different level of consciousness. Some also say that within the circle they feel safe and can lower their guard.
Within a circle a coven combines together, creating and channeling energy, that some have managed to photograph, and this energy forms a cone of power, going from the circle up to a point some height above the participants.
So what is this energy and where does it come from, well there are a variety of views here, some say it comes from within us, and is focus by the ritual and circle, and some that it is a greater concentration of the power that controls and drives everything, some would equate this to gaining the attention of the superior being or goddess, by whatever name you call her. We have to admit we really don't know, we know it happens and can prove it when we want to, and other people have and published photos etc.
What do we know?
Is it all in the mind, are we focusing an ability we have, and the circle just a tool? We don't think so, we think that what we are able to do with our minds is to provide separation, to divide the space, and that the effect is achieved by calling and retaining a larger percentage of energy. By energy we mean the life-force that is everything.
We also have covered the cone of power in some detail while looking at the element spirit.
To start, use a circle that you can see. Indoors where there is minimal disturbance., salt or rice can be used and easily vacuumed up afterwards, or you could have a rope, for example sash cord that you can get from a DIY store.
The size is not important, but must be large enough for you and everything you need to be inside. Often witches use a rope or one or more of their sashes from around their waists, one will stand in the middle and another on the end walks in a circle placing down the marker. In some witchcraft traditions they stick to a 9ft circle but we do not.
Next identify where the north is, a rough approximation will do, north is the top of most maps. An old way was to take a point half way between sunrise and sunset.
On the north point, opposite it at the south and at the east and west place candles. Place by the North candle something to represent the earth, for example a stone or crystal, by the east something to represent the air, for example a feather, at the south something to represent fire, for example, a match and at the west a container of water. Next check that any and everything that you will want during your ritual is within the circle, including a pillow to sit on, and your notes. Don't have anything within that is electrical or electronic, unless you are advanced to the point that you understand the effects and how to cancel them out with crystals. Up to this point the circle is just a mark and you can step over it when you like. Check that when candles are lit that nothing can catch fire and that candles cannot fall over.
From this point on stay within the circle, there are ways to open and close it to allow people to enter and leave without causing it to loose power but we are not covering it here.
Stand within the circle at the northern end and walk sunwise known as widdershine, clockwise in the northern part of our planet, around the circle three times drawing the circle with your hand or the tool of your choice, ie sword, wand, etc. Wizards use a wand, but hold it so that their ring finger is also drawing the circle. If you have a witches ring you wear, you could do the same. You need to make some statement, the exact words are not important but stating that you are creating a circle, and that what is within is peaceful and friendly and what is without shall stay their unless invited in. Many witches will now ceremonially clean the space, for example with a broom, wizards will often use their ring hand held out flat and moved in circles to achieve the same.
Next starting at your chosen point go around in the same direction lighting the candles and inviting the spirits of the direction and element to join you, for example west and water. Water Witches usually start in the north so that the west is the last one.
You know have a circle, and you need to do something within it, which hopefully you have worked out before. However you can just sit and relax and meditate.
If you walk out of it or others enter improperly the circle will dissipate on its own. You can leave your markers, for example a stone circle, but it will not have power again until you raise the circle again. You may however be able to sense some of the power even thousands of years later as in stone circles. To do this place your palms facing down and sense with them as you walk about a circle or ancient monument. You can also do this with houses and other places, with interesting responses on occasions, but it does take getting used to.
You should routinely close circles properly, as the power is dissipated better but some may be retained in you so that later circles may be more effective.
To close the circle start by going to each point and and thanking the spirit of the direction and element for being with you, and saying that they may leave if they wish now. Then blow out the candle for that direction, repeat for each direction. Now walk around the circle again three times dissolving or removing the circle, saying something like, I now remove this circle and allow all that is within and without to freely mingle. Water Witches and our wizards in particular use a hand and ring finger to lift the circle and ask for any remaining power from the circle to be added to that already within their ring. If you do the same it is a better idea to use a ring as a container than yourself as you may feel very on edge afterwards, and may find you have a static charge, and give anyone you come into contact with a small electric shock. If you want power to be concentrated within you then see a senior witch who can within a ritual charge you from the cone of power, but don't play with this unless you know how to use it.
You are free to experiment if you like, you will come to no harm, the only dangers involved are the risks of fire when using candles.
Much more detailed workings are given on www.school-of-witchcraft.com