Your First Witch's Circle
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I wrote this ages ago, back when one of my teaching groups used to do public ritual on the State House lawn in Montpelier, Vermont. I include it on the website for those of you who have an interest in what a generic Wiccan ritual is like. Just remember: We were very loose goose during these events as we understood that we had to be aware of the sensibilities of random “tourists” who might wander into our event on a whim. Most private Circles will be a bit more “serious”, or even slightly sombre, so be ready for a bit less “fun” than what is portrayed here. I hope this helps the curious and Blessed Be! -- Ly. Leananshae
YOUR FIRST WITCH’S CIRCLE
What To Expect
What To Expect
A typical Witches’/Wiccans’ Circle will contain certain basic traditional elements which are observed regardless of the Circle’s purpose or the Season of Moon or Sun. When you first arrive at the Ritual site, either a person’s home or public outdoor location, there will be some brief social interaction between those who know one another and guests may be presented to the group’s members. If it is an Open Circle, that is, open to the general public, the socialization will generally remain between the officiating group’s members. There will be time after Ritual to approach members of the group and network, but it is best to let the group get organized for the Ritual and their interaction at this point is usually pretty focused. If you have a question that is dire, go ahead and ask someone. If you see the group doing something which looks arduous or requires a repetitious activity, such as lighting dozens of candles to be handed out to the group, it is always appropriate to offer your help. After Circle is cast, of course, all roles have been assigned to the members of the officiating group and it would be untoward to step up and offer to help at that point, no matter how trivial the task. There may be unseen difficulties, such as wind blowing out a particular candle: during those moments, just remain calm and patient and only help if it would be rude not to. At the very least, try to emanate supportive energy to the person burdened with the difficulty and realize that they are doing their personal best to make Ritual wonderful for everyone. Spontaneous and reassuring clapping and whooping after the problem is surmounted can be uplifting to the poor person who just spent five minutes trying to keep an altar cloth from blowing away.
After preparation and once the HPS is sure that everyone has arrived (which might mean that Circle won’t begin exactly at the time specified. Be patient) she will approach the altar and the officiating group’s members will cue into the shift she is about to create, that she is about to call for the casting of Circle. They will respond by forming a Circle around the altar, encouraging the guests to join them. The HPS will then speak to everyone gathered there. She will explain that members of the group will be coming around to each person and offering the Challenge, Greeting, Anointment and Smudging.
At an Open Circle, the Challenger will start in the East with a member of the officiating group in order to give the uninitiated some idea of what will be expected of them when it’s their turn. He/she will open with the question, “Do you wish to enter this Circle?” which allows those who only wish to observe to decline and step back. There is no obligation to participate in something you are unsure of, for whatever reason. A good group will actually respect someone who is self-aware enough to realize that they are not prepared or inclined to be involved in a Witches’ Circle. It is so much more acceptable to decline admittance before Circle is formally cast than to ask to be excused, or even worse, walk out, later. Interrupting the proceedings of the Ritual because you have changed your mind will be looked upon as an unconscious act and will be seen more as a hysteric need for attention than a change of heart. Be sure you really wish to get involved before you place the officiating group into an awkward position, because you will be challenged by the Circles Tylers and the HPS if you do leave the Circle before it’s uncast. Sacred space only remains sacred if those who are sworn to uphold its sanctity are willing to stand up for it. Don’t get me wrong: the HPS will remain unfazed by one person’s lack of impeccability and Ritual will proceed without you but if you have any aspirations of joining the group in the future, think well before causing an unnecessary ruckus within Circle. Make sure, for instance that you have taken care of all your bodily functions and settled your schedule so that you have several hours to devote to being fully present during the proceedings. Those with small children are, of course, treated with extreme indulgence and it is said by Witches that “Children, Animals and Fools Cannot Offend [the Gods]”, meaning that the very young (and thus those who are tending to them), the incidental animal that may wander through the confines of cast Circle and mentally challenged individuals are tolerated unconditionally while in Circle and will only be stopped from activities that might result in injury to themselves or others. That’s not to say that a disruptive person would not be asked to settle down or leave. The HPS is there to guide the activities so that everyone has a good experience and so she is dutybound to correct those who seek to cause problems for the group. Some covens do have “Court Jesters” who are given the same latitude as children, animals and fools and may razz and tease everyone, at any time during the proceedings -- even the HPS (no, especially the HPS)! Their purpose is to remind everyone not to forget to have fun and that the gods love us best when we aren’t so serious. But Jesters are confined to the more intimate, coven settings where everyone is of the same thinking and clear on the boundaries set by their particular group.
For those who wish to participate, the Challenger (often times, a Tyler), asks, “How do you enter this Circle?” The traditional Wiccan response is, “With Perfect Love and Perfect Trust”, but any response which describes your intent is acceptable. The HPS will be attending with the Challenger and will listen to every response, making sure that everyone is aligned in intent. It is very rare that the HPS would take exception to a response and in my personal experience, there has never been a time when I heard an answer that bothered me or caused me to take the person aside and inquire their meaning.
The Challenger will then respond, “Welcome to this Circle. Please enter.” The HPS might hug you and then rub a drop of mint oil onto your forehead, the site of your Third Eye. This is to help you focus and concentrate. The oil’s fumes might cause your eyes to mist or burn for a moment, but it passes quickly. Don’t forget you have the oil on if you go to rub your eyes after touching the spot: Direct contact will cause stinging but the oil is not toxic nor harmful and even that sensation will pass quickly as your eyes tear. The Challenger and HPS then move on to the next person.
Followed by the Challenger and HPS, comes the Smudger. The Smudger will be holding a small bundle of lit sage in one hand and a bowl or abalone shell in the other hand. Sage is used by Shamans as a purifier and alignment herb. You may decline the Smudging if you are allergic to burning incense. But, Smudging is a truly wonderful way to cleanse away any negativity you may be carrying into Circle with you from the mundane world you are leaving behind.
Once everyone has been Challenged, Greeted, Anointed and Smudged, the HPS will take a few minutes to greet the group. She will end with, “As Above, So Below” and if other members of the group will be calling the Watchtowers/Quarters (sometimes, the HPS will perform the entire casting herself), that will be their cue to begin.
Starting in the East and working clockwise (“deosil”) through South, West, North and then finally Center, Circle will be cast. The HPS may walk on the outer perimeter as the Circle is cast to delineate the Circle’s outer edge. Watch as she does as this is the focusing of the energy that the Callers of the Quarters are drawing from the Universe and will show you where the “bubble” of the Circle will be located.
After Circle is cast the HPS may explain the Sacred Imperative which states, “We enter and leave Circle in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust so that it may be a safe and sacred Temple within which we may practice our Craft and revere our Gods and Goddesses” This statement alludes to the tradition that no-one leaves Circle until it is uncast unless they absolutely need to and then only with permission from the HPS who will cut a “door” in the Circle perimeter with her Wand. To leave without following the proper steps is a high insult to the HPS and the group and will result in shunning. Generally, once you’ve entered someone else’s Circle, you have agreed to follow their traditions unless the expectations are unreasonable or go against your deeply-held beliefs. To attempt to force your individuality onto a group’s traditions for the sake of proving your autonomy and independence is not “Perfect Love and Trust” and means that you may have ulterior reasons for attending.
Every Ritual is different. Listen to the HPS for the explanations of what’s going on. At this point many of the officiating group’s members will be as clueless as you as to what will transpire as the HPS doesn’t share all her plans with the group. She will want everyone to be fresh to what’s going on and will treat her Ritual as a gift you keep secret from the receiver. In an Open Circle, there is very little to fear in the way of strange or disturbing happenings as the HPS will have taken great pains to modify the Ritual to suit a general audience. She knows full-well that for some of the participants, this is the first Witchy thing they have ever been anywhere near and she wants to be sure that she doesn’t frighten or disturb her guests. If something does bother you, just mentally block it and wait for the flow to change. Public Circles move very fast and usually only last 15 minutes or so. There isn’t very much that can go wrong in that short of a time. Of course, you will only be receiving a very watered-down version of Wicca and Witchcraft in Open Circle for the mere fact that it is intended to satisfy so many different types of people who are attending for so many diverse reasons. For a more enrapturing experience, one needs to make contact with a practicing coven which allows guests. Befriend some of the members, stating clearly from the onset that you wish to be invited to a Coven Circle. Covens do not usually encourage “tourist” inquiries to their Circles but if you have any true intention of investigating Wicca and Witchcraft as a Path, most Covens will make some gesture of acceptance. I suggest loosely-knit groups such as some of the Family Tradition Clans.
After the work of the Ritual has been completed, the HPS will call for the Closing of the Circle. This will be much like the casting except that the energy will flow from North to East, counterclockwise (widdershins). The HPS will announce that the Circle is uncast and will bless the participants. The group will get busy cleaning up and there will be lots of hugging and laughter. Some of those who helped officiate will have been nervous and now that they realize that they kept it all together, they will be feeling pretty good. This is a good time to make inquiries or to just meet members of the group. Any help you offer will be appreciated. Keep in mind though that the items used during the Ritual or anything on the altar are sacred implements and should only be touched with permission. But if you offer, I’m sure you’ll be kept busy and that is the best way to find community -- by joining in and helping carry the burden when you can.
Enjoy your first Circle and Welcome!
Blessed Be,
Lady Leananshae
HPS /Witch Haven Circle
Montpelier, VT
After preparation and once the HPS is sure that everyone has arrived (which might mean that Circle won’t begin exactly at the time specified. Be patient) she will approach the altar and the officiating group’s members will cue into the shift she is about to create, that she is about to call for the casting of Circle. They will respond by forming a Circle around the altar, encouraging the guests to join them. The HPS will then speak to everyone gathered there. She will explain that members of the group will be coming around to each person and offering the Challenge, Greeting, Anointment and Smudging.
At an Open Circle, the Challenger will start in the East with a member of the officiating group in order to give the uninitiated some idea of what will be expected of them when it’s their turn. He/she will open with the question, “Do you wish to enter this Circle?” which allows those who only wish to observe to decline and step back. There is no obligation to participate in something you are unsure of, for whatever reason. A good group will actually respect someone who is self-aware enough to realize that they are not prepared or inclined to be involved in a Witches’ Circle. It is so much more acceptable to decline admittance before Circle is formally cast than to ask to be excused, or even worse, walk out, later. Interrupting the proceedings of the Ritual because you have changed your mind will be looked upon as an unconscious act and will be seen more as a hysteric need for attention than a change of heart. Be sure you really wish to get involved before you place the officiating group into an awkward position, because you will be challenged by the Circles Tylers and the HPS if you do leave the Circle before it’s uncast. Sacred space only remains sacred if those who are sworn to uphold its sanctity are willing to stand up for it. Don’t get me wrong: the HPS will remain unfazed by one person’s lack of impeccability and Ritual will proceed without you but if you have any aspirations of joining the group in the future, think well before causing an unnecessary ruckus within Circle. Make sure, for instance that you have taken care of all your bodily functions and settled your schedule so that you have several hours to devote to being fully present during the proceedings. Those with small children are, of course, treated with extreme indulgence and it is said by Witches that “Children, Animals and Fools Cannot Offend [the Gods]”, meaning that the very young (and thus those who are tending to them), the incidental animal that may wander through the confines of cast Circle and mentally challenged individuals are tolerated unconditionally while in Circle and will only be stopped from activities that might result in injury to themselves or others. That’s not to say that a disruptive person would not be asked to settle down or leave. The HPS is there to guide the activities so that everyone has a good experience and so she is dutybound to correct those who seek to cause problems for the group. Some covens do have “Court Jesters” who are given the same latitude as children, animals and fools and may razz and tease everyone, at any time during the proceedings -- even the HPS (no, especially the HPS)! Their purpose is to remind everyone not to forget to have fun and that the gods love us best when we aren’t so serious. But Jesters are confined to the more intimate, coven settings where everyone is of the same thinking and clear on the boundaries set by their particular group.
For those who wish to participate, the Challenger (often times, a Tyler), asks, “How do you enter this Circle?” The traditional Wiccan response is, “With Perfect Love and Perfect Trust”, but any response which describes your intent is acceptable. The HPS will be attending with the Challenger and will listen to every response, making sure that everyone is aligned in intent. It is very rare that the HPS would take exception to a response and in my personal experience, there has never been a time when I heard an answer that bothered me or caused me to take the person aside and inquire their meaning.
The Challenger will then respond, “Welcome to this Circle. Please enter.” The HPS might hug you and then rub a drop of mint oil onto your forehead, the site of your Third Eye. This is to help you focus and concentrate. The oil’s fumes might cause your eyes to mist or burn for a moment, but it passes quickly. Don’t forget you have the oil on if you go to rub your eyes after touching the spot: Direct contact will cause stinging but the oil is not toxic nor harmful and even that sensation will pass quickly as your eyes tear. The Challenger and HPS then move on to the next person.
Followed by the Challenger and HPS, comes the Smudger. The Smudger will be holding a small bundle of lit sage in one hand and a bowl or abalone shell in the other hand. Sage is used by Shamans as a purifier and alignment herb. You may decline the Smudging if you are allergic to burning incense. But, Smudging is a truly wonderful way to cleanse away any negativity you may be carrying into Circle with you from the mundane world you are leaving behind.
Once everyone has been Challenged, Greeted, Anointed and Smudged, the HPS will take a few minutes to greet the group. She will end with, “As Above, So Below” and if other members of the group will be calling the Watchtowers/Quarters (sometimes, the HPS will perform the entire casting herself), that will be their cue to begin.
Starting in the East and working clockwise (“deosil”) through South, West, North and then finally Center, Circle will be cast. The HPS may walk on the outer perimeter as the Circle is cast to delineate the Circle’s outer edge. Watch as she does as this is the focusing of the energy that the Callers of the Quarters are drawing from the Universe and will show you where the “bubble” of the Circle will be located.
After Circle is cast the HPS may explain the Sacred Imperative which states, “We enter and leave Circle in Perfect Love and Perfect Trust so that it may be a safe and sacred Temple within which we may practice our Craft and revere our Gods and Goddesses” This statement alludes to the tradition that no-one leaves Circle until it is uncast unless they absolutely need to and then only with permission from the HPS who will cut a “door” in the Circle perimeter with her Wand. To leave without following the proper steps is a high insult to the HPS and the group and will result in shunning. Generally, once you’ve entered someone else’s Circle, you have agreed to follow their traditions unless the expectations are unreasonable or go against your deeply-held beliefs. To attempt to force your individuality onto a group’s traditions for the sake of proving your autonomy and independence is not “Perfect Love and Trust” and means that you may have ulterior reasons for attending.
Every Ritual is different. Listen to the HPS for the explanations of what’s going on. At this point many of the officiating group’s members will be as clueless as you as to what will transpire as the HPS doesn’t share all her plans with the group. She will want everyone to be fresh to what’s going on and will treat her Ritual as a gift you keep secret from the receiver. In an Open Circle, there is very little to fear in the way of strange or disturbing happenings as the HPS will have taken great pains to modify the Ritual to suit a general audience. She knows full-well that for some of the participants, this is the first Witchy thing they have ever been anywhere near and she wants to be sure that she doesn’t frighten or disturb her guests. If something does bother you, just mentally block it and wait for the flow to change. Public Circles move very fast and usually only last 15 minutes or so. There isn’t very much that can go wrong in that short of a time. Of course, you will only be receiving a very watered-down version of Wicca and Witchcraft in Open Circle for the mere fact that it is intended to satisfy so many different types of people who are attending for so many diverse reasons. For a more enrapturing experience, one needs to make contact with a practicing coven which allows guests. Befriend some of the members, stating clearly from the onset that you wish to be invited to a Coven Circle. Covens do not usually encourage “tourist” inquiries to their Circles but if you have any true intention of investigating Wicca and Witchcraft as a Path, most Covens will make some gesture of acceptance. I suggest loosely-knit groups such as some of the Family Tradition Clans.
After the work of the Ritual has been completed, the HPS will call for the Closing of the Circle. This will be much like the casting except that the energy will flow from North to East, counterclockwise (widdershins). The HPS will announce that the Circle is uncast and will bless the participants. The group will get busy cleaning up and there will be lots of hugging and laughter. Some of those who helped officiate will have been nervous and now that they realize that they kept it all together, they will be feeling pretty good. This is a good time to make inquiries or to just meet members of the group. Any help you offer will be appreciated. Keep in mind though that the items used during the Ritual or anything on the altar are sacred implements and should only be touched with permission. But if you offer, I’m sure you’ll be kept busy and that is the best way to find community -- by joining in and helping carry the burden when you can.
Enjoy your first Circle and Welcome!
Blessed Be,
Lady Leananshae
HPS /Witch Haven Circle
Montpelier, VT