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Originally Posted by talking crow
Jenny Crow, I am curious about your ritual. You cast the circle on Samhain; when do you close it? I would like to put more into my own ritual this year and I was also thinking of casting a circle after my altar is set up. I have always left a door open, but I feel I've done half-measures. Anyway, if I cast a circle, I usually use a candle in each direction. Then before I can leave, I close the circle (and turn off the candles!). On Samhain, I would like the ancestors and spirits to feel welcome throughout the 31st and 1st (and sometimes I continue on the 2nd)...so is it okay to leave a circle cast? Or should I take time each day to cast a circle and then close? I know it is more about intention, but I do wonder at your (or anyone's) thoughts or suggestions. I have been a private and solitary practicer for years. It was not until recently that I found others in my life who practice, but other than new moon and full moon rituals, I primarily practice in solitary. Also, I have a very busy family (my wife and my two teenage "step"daughters and my 1 1/2 year old), who are respectful of my practice but do not necessarily participate (the baby does, actually, because she is with me all the time! lol). So there will be trick-or-treating and whatnot tomorrow night as well! Anyway....thoughts on casting and closing a circle? Working around family busy-ness? Happy Samhain, all! Blessed be!
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Sorry I did not answer your query, Talking Crow, I just came across it now. I know I'm late but I'll explain anyway.
I cast the circle usually at dusk, but if you wish to do it later when you have time to yourself that's fine. Personally I would never have a baby in the circle when I'm working a rite of this kind.
The ritual that I do is basically a Gardnerian one, although I no longer call myself a Gardnerian Witch. I have my altar set up and cast my circle first with my athame, then with consecrated water, then with incense (which represents Air and Fire), then I call the Quarters. Once the circle is cast you can, if you wish, open a door in the West of your circle to admit the departed souls of those who have passed on and wish to visit, you have to be adamant, though, about only letting in those spirits of a positive and loving nature and keeping out any negative ones.
Then I sit in silence in my circle, meditate and commune with those who come to visit. In the past I've had relatives and much loved pets come to visit.
When I'm ready, I thank those who came and close the opening (or doorway in the West) then thank my deities for joining me in my circle and that's when I say "Stay if you will, leave if you must".
I thank and say farewell to the Watchtowers, then close or banish the circle.
If you step out of a circle without creating an opening you basically wreck it but leave elementals and other beings just sort of "hanging around" which is never good.
As well, to me, Samhain is on the 31st - not any other day, and I only cast my circle on that day.
Of course, if you wish to work with the ancestors on other days, you can, especially you have created an altar for them and made offerings
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