In contemplating new ways to ritual, I've been considered the practice of casting a circle in which to perform a rite. There are a lot of ways to do it, but it seems to be assumed that a circle MUST be cast. It serves as protection, and to contain the energy raised in that space until it is released. Makes sense, yes? But there is something in me that chafes against doing things the way it is "assumed" they have to be done. Let us consider how we might protect ourselves and contain energy without casting a circle.
Each participant will protect him/herself in their chosen way. Grounding, centering, visualization, smudging. All can agree to the protection method and do it together before the ritual, if they so choose. Each one then has a self-contained protective shield. I mean, really, don't many of us maintain such a shield all the time anyway, to guard against even the most mundane outside influences? Is a circle even necessary in addition to this?
The containment of energy may be a little more tricky. If the group is comfortable with each other with full trust and openness, each one should be capable of raising and holding energy until the Priest/ess directs all to release it. In some way, I can see this method as being even more powerful than all energies mingling together in a circle's cone of power. Each individual's energy is released to do the work of that person. We all stress our individuality as witches; would not this then serve to send out our unique desires to the universe and our will to be manifested?
I'm just brainstorming here. I know Sylverwytch and I disagree on this topic; he is a firm believer in casting a circle. With all his knowledge, I am hesitant to disagree. However, I think it would be interesting to try this approach and see how it works.
Thoughts, comments???
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