For Wiccans/Pagans - Sacred Space and Casting Circle?

Whether alone or with my group we always cast circle for Sabats, Esbats, or special occasions. If we are working on making a magickal tool we don't cast circle until the item is complete and we are ready to purify/charge/dedicate it.

BB )O(

Edit: if doing a minor spell then we don't tend to cast circle but if we are raising healing energy for several people then we will.

I cast a circle for sabbats and esbats, and sometimes for a special working if I have someone else working with me. I have never cast a circle solo, although I suppose I could. I do find a circle -- more a cone, really -- is around me when I work alone, however. So I suppose your line that "all space is already sacred" has some truth to it.

Because heathenry is more votive than magical, we tend not to "cast a circle" in the traditional sense; however, there are ways in which we DO create sacred space---there used to be a Hammer Rite, which you still see sometimes in classic Asatru blotar, but the Recon method, based on ceremonial landtaking practices, is to walk the perimeter of the ritual space with fire.

Casting a circle is useless when using a ouija board. A circle keeps out or in things - but not if you INVITE THEM IN. Using the board invites them in. There are lots of places online where people explain how they cast circles in their various traditions. Typical format is: Cleanse area (lots of ways to do this, incense/salt water, aum-ing, whatever, with intent) Mark circle, inviting guardians that you've got a relationship with at appropriate points. Guardians might be sets of God/dess/es, or Elementals, I guess some folks use Dragons tho' that leaves me cold, etc).

I live alone and only cast a circle if I am doing something special, as the energy in my house is suffice...

When I am working with my Coven or I am outside doing a ritual, then I will cast a circle...

Blessed Be.... )O(

I don't cast circles. I have done it for magical works but it doesn't feel right for me.

For a formal rite, I'll purify the area with incense. Circle-casting just isn't a part of my path.

I mainly cast a circle during ritual. Very seldom do I cast a circle any other time.

BB

It depends on the place for me. If it's a place that we've (either me or my family) been using for ritual or magic, then I might not cast the circle. If it's a new place, then yes I would.

I don't think it's necessary every time, but when in doubt, I would.

My thought is: When you least expect it, expect it. I always like to do a circle of protection (forming a circle with sea salt and blessing with sage and sweetgrass). But that is just me. I like to keep negative energies away when doing a ritual. Even if there aren't negative energies, the circle of protection gives me added assurance that there won't be any.

Overkill maybe, but it gives me peace of mind.

Brightest blessings!

Only in the sense of a protection "wall" around myself. I don't dabble with all the toys like wands and salts and candles and all that. Those are just items that can take away your concentration from the actual process.