To cast or not to cast

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 20 Aug 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Sulis	20 Aug 2002
One for all the witches and Wiccans out there. I cast a circle when I`m doing sabbat or esbat rituals, this is the time when I cast most of my spells. Sometimes I need to cast a spell but I don`t want the whole ritual thing and so i just visualise a golden ball of love around me to keep any energy in until I`m ready to release it. That`s me, but what does everyone else do? The craft to me is very personal, I don`t follow a particular tradition; I`ve never been very good with rules. Just being nosey, it`s a good way to learn. Blessings Crystalmynx xx

the hermit	20 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by crystalmynx One for all the witches and Wiccans out there. I cast a circle when I`m doing sabbat or esbat rituals, this is the time when I cast most of my spells. Sometimes I need to cast a spell but I don`t want the whole ritual thing and so i just visualise a golden ball of love around me to keep any energy in until I`m ready to release it. That`s me, but what does everyone else do? The craft to me is very personal, I don`t follow a particular tradition; I`ve never been very good with rules. Just being nosey, it`s a good way to learn. Blessings Crystalmynx xx Many moons ago I used to do the whole ritual thing, belonged to a very formal coven, etc. etc. But I felt way too constrained by all of the "rules". I don't follow any particular tradition now, but instead I mix in what feels right and works for me for MY kind of druidry and I just do what I feel like. Haven't cast a circle in many moons, hasn't effected me or my work as far as I can see. But the main thing I've learned is that you must be true to yourself... what is best for you is what works for you and vice versa. You don't have to forsake guidance nor must you follow it. Find your own way.

catlin	20 Aug 2002
Although I call myself a Celtic Wicca I am no strict follower of rules and guidelines so I do not cast a circle when doing "Minor Magick" (that is how I call everyday spells etc.). Basically I do what feels right to me. When I feel the need for some special protection, I invoke a blue blazing banishing pentagram before my inner eye and this usually serves me well. I keep my Wicca tradition pretty simple as I consider myself more in the tradition of Elder Wicca.

Kiama	20 Aug 2002
I am one of those who do not like the formalised riual all the time aswell. Since most of my magick is spontaneous, and in a place where I neither have the time nor the space to do sch a ritual circle-casting, etc, I usually visualise protection, like you do CrsytalMynx, and call for the ability to perform my magick to the best of my ability. I have never been one for hermetics, so that's why I prefer to do things my way. And, esp. if you're a beginner exploring maick, i takes more energy remembering how to cast the circle 'properly', than it does to actually do the magick itself! Kiama

divinerguy	20 Aug 2002
Hermit's statement rings true, and has done so since the beginning of time. Be true to yourself. If you practice your craft with feelings of uncertainty, doubt, or a lack of confidence, the fruit of your labors (your spell) will also possess those characteristics. In all things, endeavor to do what you know or feel to be right.

zorya	20 Aug 2002
i always cast a circle, though sometimes an invisible one, acknowledging the directions, elements, my spirit guides and teachers, before doing any spell work. it really doesn't take me that much time, and it helps me 'connect'. i can literally feel the power build as i do so.

The To cast or not to cast thread was originally posted on 20 Aug 2002 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.