B1. Circle of Protection (basic)

This technique lays down a barrier of force to protect an area. Negative influences will be unable to pass through. Of course, this method requires a bit of time to set up so it is not an "emergency" procedure. However, there are situations when you have the time available if needed. Also, this technique is often used when "casting circle". This will create a protected area in which you can do magickal workings. It is always a good idea to put up some form of protective circle before beginning any magickal work (especially when doing any work where you open yourself to outside forces such as tarot reading, divination in any form and channeling.)

1. Stand in the center of the area where you wish the circle to be
2. Extend your right hand and point with your index finger

3. See a line of blue light leap from your finger and strike the ground at the edge of where you wish he circle to be.

4. Slowly rotate clockwise, seeing the blue light glowing on the ground as you make the circle until you return to your starting point.

5. See the line of blue light return to your finger

6. See the circle of blue light surrounding you.

When setting up the circle, it is not uncommon to circle more than once. One, two, three, five, seven, nine, eleven, thirteen and twenty one are common numbers of times to go around the circle. Please be warned that the higher the number the greater the strain. When learning, you should start and one and then move to three. On only one occasion have I done twenty one circles. Also, it is customary to walk the circle as your cast it. I have cast circle both ways and generally rotate in place when I am casting a small circle (three to nine foot diameter), for larger circles where I have room to walk I will walk the circle while casting it. Walking or rotating will also depend on the shape of the space you are casting the circle.

If you find that you need more space, visualize the entire circle in your mind and then see it increase in size until it is as large as you need it. When casting the circle, make it as large as you need it. Give yourself enough room to move around comfortably and access to area you might need to get to.

If you need to leave the circle move to the edge, make a sweeping cutting motion back and forth with your right hand and cross the circle, when outside, turn around and make a sweeping cutting motion in the opposite direction. Just like opening a zipper and then zipping it back up.

Once you are finished working you need to take the circle down. From the starting point, extend your left hand, see a beam of blue light from the circle jump to your finger tip, rotate slowly counter-clockwise, drawing the blue light back into your body until you reach your beginning point.

When you cast a protective circle you are putting up a barrier of your own energy. When finished, you always need to take it down. I always cast going clockwise and when I take down I do the opposite, therefore I move counterclockwise to absorb the energy back from the circle. Not everyone takes a circle down by going backwards, some take it down clockwise. In my mind and way of thought, the moving backwards erases and ends what you did. You will need to make your own decision about using clockwise/counterclockwise to take down a circle. The main thing is to always take down the circle when you are finished working.