The magic circle in modern Paganism is believed to derive its roots from ancient Babylonian and Assyrian magical workings. There was a belief that humans were surrounded by malevolent and benevolent entities. During a magical rite, the circle was cast to keep out those beings that would cause harm and let in those beings that would assist in the ritual.

Later, medieval magicians would adopt the practice of casting a circle around their ritual area in order to better control the energies that they were working with as well as to focus the energy of the magician. These earlier ceremonial magicians would inscribe divine names such as those of the archangels and also symbols of power such as the pentagram.

In the magical revival of the late 1800's and early 1900's, the circle casting was utilized by spiritual orders such as the Golden Dawn and the Rosicrucian Order. Some notable members of these orders, namely Aleister Crowley and Gerald Gardner, brought many magical rituals to the masses including the casting of the circle, which exists today in many forms.

Modern Wicca now employs the circle to create a sacred space in which to honor the deities of a special occasion. Protection from outside harmful forces is still considered a function of the circle by most Pagans. Magic may or may not be the focus of this circle. However, when it is, the circle transforms from ordinary space into a sacred place in which to raise energy, otherwise known as creating a cone of power, to be used for the intended magical purpose.

The circle is not two-dimensional. It is a sphere of energy that includes the diameter of the circle as well as the area above and below the marked circle. Traditionally, the circle is nine feet in diameter, though can be adjusted as necessary.

Some practitioners mark the circle with a cord, but many visualize the circumference of the circle only. The four cardinal directions are often marked with candles, which can also aid in the visualization of the circle.

There are so many flavors of modern Paganism that utilize the magic circle. Some use the custom of inscription of divine names and symbols of power and create elaborate rituals for their purpose. Other groups and solitary practitioners may simply cast the circle in order to create a sacred space in order to commune with a specific deity or do spell work. However, it would be unwise to underestimate the power of the magic circle whether it is used in a formal setting or a seemingly simple one.

The process of creating and declaring sacred space has been handed down to us through the centuries in one form or another as a powerful tool for communing with the gods and opening ourselves to our own magical spirit.


Sources consulted:
Valiente, Doreen. Witchcraft For Tomorrow, Phoenix Publishing Inc., 1978.
Kraig, Donald Michael. Modern Magick: Eleven Lessons in the High Magickal Arts, 2nd Ed., Llewellyn Publications, 1988 and 1998.