Opening And Closing Of Sacred Space For Ceremony

There is a basic recipe I use for opening space and for creating a container for ceremony. It has become a fundamental part of my practice. This recipe allows us to create sacred space no matter where we are, and opens up a portal where magic and healing can occur. There are lots of variations and ways to open space. I encourage you to find one that resonates and works for you, and your practice.

This is how I open space,   ~Cast a circle  ~Grounding  ~ Calling the Quarters ~Invoking the Goddess

Casting a circle

  First we cast a circle. When we cast a circle we are making a magical opening for ceremony and performing magic. We are between worlds while in this circle. I have found it important to prepare and plan my ceremony carefully so that I don't have to break the circle to go get a jacket, pen, lighter or something else I need. If necessary, it is OK to leave the circle once it's cast, but it is much better to keep a sealed container of sacred space.

 The following is how I cast my circles using the elements. Sage-air, fire, salt-Earth, and water. If you are working with a group you can cast the circle with one witch burning the sage and another sprinkling the salt water.

Start in the East and walk in a circle going to South, West, and North, as you do this imagine you are creating a circle of bright magical light as you walk. Do this 3 times with the burning sage and 3 times while sprinkling salt water.

Grounding

Now that the circle is cast, go to you altar and stand with your palms open and feet firmly on the ground. Imagine you have big beautiful big beautiful roots coming down from your legs through your feet down into the beautiful Mother Earth. Feel the beautiful Earth energy coming up through your roots grounding you in love and light. The Earth energy is supporting you giving you strength to do all that you need to do. When you feel grounded and ready, it's time to call in the quarters.

Calling the Quarters

When we call in the quarters we are calling energies spirits and elements that can help us in our Magic. We are honoring the energies of this world and of the Spirit world. We are asking for their help and assistance. Here is a sample of how I call in the quarters by calling upon the Goddess and elements together. There are many ways to do this, and I recommend you look into the symbolism and meditate on what each direction means to you. Create your own way of calling in the quarters that is meaningful and powerful to you. Here is an example of how my coven presently calls in the quarters.

(Facing East)

Goddess of the East, Goddess of Joy

Lady of laughter and cheer

The skies are yours.

May the air be clear and sweet

Help us Goddess to feel your power and

presence within our minds.

Grant us the power of intellect.

We ask that you join our sacred circle this night.

We bid thee Hail and Welcome

(Facing South) 

Goddess of the South, Fire Goddess

Bring us the passion, your energy, your

sparkle, your enthusiasm of life.

Warm our spirits with your energy, your vitality.

Help us Goddess to feel your power and presence

with our spirits.

We ask that you join our sacred circle this night.

We bid thee Hail and Welcome.

 (Facing West)

Goddess of the West, Goddess of water

The seas are the domains of our serene Lady.

The mysteries of the depths are yours alone.

Lovely One, the sparkling waters are yours.

Let us look into your depth and learn your mystic secrets.

Bathe our hearts with new innocence and teach us to

love, trust and be compassionate to others.

Help us Goddess to feel your power

and presence within our emotions.

We ask that you join our sacred circle this night.

We bid thee Hail and Welcome.

 (Facing North)

Goddess of the North,  Mother Earth

Goddess of mountains and caves.

The powers of death bow before you.

Blessed Lady, the Earth is yours.

May it become fertile and rich and free from harm.

We ask that you join this sacred circle tonight.

Help us Goddess to feel your power and presence

within our bodies. We bid thee Hail and Welcome.

Once we have cast a circle, grounded , and called in the quarters, sacred spaces established. This is the time to invoke the Goddess. You can evoke the Goddess by lighting three candles representing her three aspects~ Maiden, Mother, and Crone. Or if you're working with a Patron Goddess you can call her in at this time. The choice is yours.
In this sacred container between worlds, you are free to do whatever your intention calls for. That may be a spell, making a charm or tool, meditation, chanting, dancing or whatever else you decide. Divine inspiration may take you and directions you had not planned to go. Don't be afraid to stray from the plan go with Spirit.
Once the ceremony or ritual is complete, we dismiss the quarters. Here is a sample of how my coven presently does this.
 

Goddess of the East

Lovely one of intellect and mental powers,

airy breezes and clear thoughts.

We thank you for your presence on this

magical night.

Depart to your lovely realm

We bid thee Hail and Farewell.

Goddess of the South

Firey light and passionate vitality.

We thank you for attending on this magical night.

Depart to your lovely realm.

We bid you Hail and Farewell.

Goddess of the West

Mystic One

Deep waives of feeling and Mystic Sight.

We thank you for your presence on this magical night.

Depart to your lovely realm

We bid thee Hail and Farewell.

Goddess of the North

Lovely one of ancient wisdom.

Stable Earth Goddess of abundant growth.

We thank you for attending our circle on this magical night.

Depart to your lovely realm.

We bid thee Hail and Farewell.

When the Quarters are dismissed, we dissolve circle. Imagine that you were gathering up the circle of light around you. Pulling the energy to you and folding it into itself, send it up to the sky or to the light. Thank the Goddess and all the Energies and Spirits that have helped you and your magic tonight!

Blessed Be!