Techniques
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org, please feel free to visit the school website)
Creating sacred space is the fundamental prerequisite to doing magick work and may be done as follows: choose a place with integrity, someplace where there is both flexibility and stability. Acquaint yourself with the spot: what are its characteristics? Observe its size, shape, view, protection or exposure to the elements, until you’re comfortable and at home here. Recognize that every place has both a vibrational history and present moment vibration. Begin to scan how the space feels to your intuition, what are its strengths, its memories?
Using the smoke of a chosen incense, begin to fill the air of this place with this new introduction. Useful tools include feather fans or intact wings of specific birds, or the magical broom, known as the “besom,” to be used to sweep away the lingering energy of the place. The smoke is used as a cleansing agent and the “Will” behind the action of sweeping is to be held with the intention to claim and clear this area for your magick work.
Allow the space to release the psychic energies previously present there. If there are Spirit entities there, they will know through your clarity of intent that it is a time for them to make way, as you delineate the physical parameters to suit your needs. Know deeply that you have the ability to command the space-making through the force of your Will. Any visualizations that assists you to accomplish the creation of sacred space is encouraged so long as they harm none. Examples of these could be waves of energy flowing before your broom in colorful patterns or white light, also imagining any non-serving entities being fractured into particles, evaporating or otherwise vacating the location.
Creating sacred space is also connected with the following techniques, and using them to complement each other is highly recommended:
Casting a circle is an adjunct to creating sacred space that has become a trademark for many spiritual traditions, most especially witchcraft. Creating a vessel for magick work that is user-friendly and powerfully symbolic is the goal of circle casting. The circle or sphere within which the ritual or work takes place is a natural extension to what one views in nature, similar to a birds nest or fairy ring of mushrooms. Many of life’s cycles move in a spiral or circular fashion—birth, life, death, rebirth; the sun and moon, etc. The shape occurs in Nature everywhere, and natural energy therefore is believed to flow best in these surroundings. Working in a circle also promotes equanimity and allows all present to be visible to each other. Magick energy is often directed as a spiral similar to a whirlwind, which obviously is facilitated by a circular container.
The circle also impresses the witch subconsciously, as one creates a boundary for magick work; one feels safer inside, and this is important to the process of utilizing inherent talents. The use of the circle is evolved from ceremonial magick, with North American Native influences.
The circle is often referred to as a place outside of time and space. It becomes a sanctuary within which what is possible is expanded. The circle is also a membrane of protection from whatever lies outside of its perimeter. As Spirit entities are attracted to the increased vibration of witchcraft, they seek to fulfill their needs and curiosities by coming into proximity of these increased vibrations. This can be unwelcome and distracting, even dangerous, to those working with magick; so the boundary of the circle is in place to prevent unwelcome intrusion.
The circle is usually divided up into four quadrants: the East, South, West, and North. Each of these is representative of different elements and aspects of life. To create or “cast” the circle you may begin by transitioning from the previously mentioned work in creating sacred space and positioning yourself or another person in the eastern-most spot on the perimeter of your area. Prepare to work with some amount of increased life force energy. Then extend an arm or magickal tool outward from the circle and while using increased mental focus and/or vocalizations, will an outward flow of energy from your tool or hand. This energy is physically and psychically (although unseen) tracing a line as you begin to move southward along the outskirts of your area. A popular method is to envision a colored light, usually blue emanating as you move to the next quadrant. The tools most appropriate for this work are the athame, wand, or staff.
At the southernmost point either continue transitioning yourself or pass off the task to the next appointed person. Again vocalizations appropriate for the aspects of this direction may be used, as a tracing of the boundary continues. Repeat this process until passing through the West and North and returning to the East to “close” the circle.
Many
differing and similar methods for enhancing this process exist within virtually
all magick-working people, and the personalization or carrying on of traditions
are equally valid. Some of the more popular ideas include wielding the athame
in each direction and drawing a pentagram in the air with the blade while
choosing to vocalize or not. The aspects of each direction are fairly standardized
and the elements are essentially universally accepted as East-air, South-fire,
West-water, and North-earth. “Opening” a direction is what “invoking
the elements and aspects” is often called. The voice is usually used
to welcome these inherent parts of the quartered circle, but dynamic actions
or chants/songs are also used along with any other successful method.
* For an Example of a Circle casting refer to the Meditations and Exercises
section of this course.