Casting the Circle, Calling the Quarters, Creating the Sphere of Power: Bibliography, Links, Quotes, Notes, Instructions, Resources, Table

"The pipe is a kind of portable altar, and when it's lighted it's not being smoked for fun, typically, but as a sacred art. When it is lighted the incense is, as it were, going to heaven. The pipe stem is lifted so that the sun smokes first, then it's addressed to the four quarters so you know where you are: the central mountain is right here, which is everywhere. And the celebrant smokes and then the pipe is passed around. This orientation of the quarters, I quess you could say, is the basic high cultural myth form: the centre, the quarters. An then wherever you go:
Find the center. That establishes the sacred point, where the high point is, and they you have the four quarters."
- Joseph Campbell, The Hero's Journey, p. 12

"The Medicine Wheel is a symbol of all creation, of all races of human beings, birds, fish, animals, trees, and stones. It's in the shape of a wheel. The circle shape represents the earth, the sun, the moon, the cycles of life, the seasons, and day to night. Movement around the outside of the Medicine Wheel is in a clockwise direction, the rotation path of mother earth. At the center of the wheel (the hub) is the Creator, who sits in perfect balance. Outside the center, there is an inner circle representing the Old Woman (the earth), Father Sun, Grandmother Moon, and the four elements. Four distinct colors, set in the four directions, lay on the perimeter, separated by beads representing the moon's cycles. Leather, laid from the perimeter, in straight lines, to the center (the spokes of the wheel) represent spiritual paths leading us to the center, to perfect balance, to the Creator. The meaning of the number four, as it is in Native American life, is evident in the Medicine Wheel. 4 = four directions + four seasons + four elements (earth, air, water and fire) + the four races of human being. The wheel also teaches the four aspects of our nature…physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The easterly direction on the Medicine Wheel represents the new light of day, the place of all beginnings. South is the sun at the highest point, a place of youth and innocence. West is from which darkness comes, the place of the unknown. North is the place of winter, the place of wisdom. With the Medicine Wheel, we call upon the moons, animals, angels, finned ones, the elements, the Sun, Clan mothers, Spirit Keeper and the Star Nations, to help us manifest our needs, and to remember who we are, what is to come, and why we are here. The month, which you were born, determines your starting place on the medicine wheel and your beginning totems. All people, travel the wheel at their own speed. The important message of the medicine wheel is that you allow yourself to keep traveling, rather then tying yourself to one position and blocking your energies from growing and changing. The Medicine Wheel is a powerful tool to get to know yourself and your guardians. Each Native American Indian band have their own ceremony and meanings of the Medicine Wheel. Come and join us around this wonderful place we call the great medicine wheel.
- The Medicine Wheel, Gale Trinkwon from Nanaimo, British Columbia, of the Tia-o-qui-aht First Nation

"We wandered through the mown fields atop a small hill. Simply sitting in a circle on the grass, with no altar or props, we took in the energy of the place, effortlessly rooting in the rich living soil, finding presence. Beautiful clouds drifted by stimulating our imaginations. It was like being a child again, seeing a whole other world and story in the endlessly morphing shapes flying through the sky. Finding myself surrounded by such beauty, sharing it with the people dear to me, the Awen flowed filling my soul with life enhancing inspiration.

The only word that really captures the moments we shared is “sanctity”. This simple sharing in Nature was totally sanctified. There was no need to call to the directions as all directions were present and speaking to us. There was no need to cast a circle as why would I want to delineate a boundary between myself and that which I was seeking, deep connection to Nature. This was a moment to simply be and open up, to let the edges dissipate and fall to nothing. There were no words to be spoken. It was a time to sit and listen and to allow the blessings of the moment to wash through us, opening to the beauty and abundance of summer allowing those gods to inspire, to make a shift from “doing” to “being”.

I walked away filled with gratitude and inspiration, feeling a soul deep connection to the land, my tribe and the gods. And isn’t that what this spiritual path is all about? I would that you all be blessed by such Grace."
- Wordless Ritual, Snowhawke's Druidry Blog

"We call upon you Oh creatures of Earth,
To protect this Circle and Aid in Our Rites.
Wherefore do We Bless and Consecrate Thee,
So Mote It Be.
We call upon you Oh creature of Water,
To protect this Circle and Aid in Our Rites.
Wherefore do We Bless and Consecrate Thee,
So Mote It Be.
We call upon you Oh creatures of Water and Earth,
To protect this Circle and Aid in Our Rites.
Wherefore do We Bless and Consecrate Thee,
So Mote It Be.
Oh Thou Circle, Be Thou a meeting place of Love and Joy,
In Perfect Truth and Trust
A Shield against all wickedness and evil intent,
A Rampart of Protection for All who stand herein!
Wherefore do we Bless and Consecrate Thee,
By the Holy and Sacred names of Athena, Cerridwen, Rhiannon,
Mercury and Pan ...
This Circle is Cast, safe and secure,
Sacred Space created for all that is Pure!
So Mote It Be!"
-   Silver Wolfe, Casting the Sacred Circle

In Hinduism, Vayu (Sanskrit वायु ), also known as Vāta वात, Pavana पवन (meaning the Purifier)^[9] , or Prāna, is a primary deity, who is the father of Bhima and the spiritual father of Lord Hanuman. As the words for air (Vāyu) or wind (Pavana) it is one of the Panchamahābhuta the "five great elements" in Hinduism. The Sanskrit word 'Vāta' literally means "blown", 'Vāyu' "blower", and 'Prāna' "breathing" (viz. the breath of life, cf. the *an- in 'animate'). In Indian tradition the element Air is also linked to Shani or Saturn and the north-west direction. Agni is a Hindu and Vedic deity. The word agni is Sanskrit for "fire" (noun), cognate with Latin ignis (the root of English ignite), Russian ogon (fire), pronounced agon. Agni has three forms: fire, lightning and the sun. Agni is one of the most important of the Vedic gods. He is the god of fire and the acceptor of sacrifices. The sacrifices made to Agni go to the deities because Agni is a messenger from and to the other gods. He is ever-young, because the fire is re-lit every day, yet he is also immortal. In Indian tradition Fire is also linked to Surya or the Sun and Mangala or Mars, and with the south-east direction. Ap (áp-) is the Vedic Sanskrit term for "water", in Classical Sanskrit occurring only in the pluralis not an element.v, āpas (sometimes re-analysed as a thematic singular, āpa-), whence Hindi āp. The term is from PIE hap "water". In Hindu philosophy, the term refers to water as an element, one of the Panchamahabhuta, or "five great elements". In Hinduism, it is also the name of the deva, a personification of water, (one of the Vasus in most later Puranic lists). The element Water is also associated with Chandra or the Moon, and Shukra or Venus, who represent feelings, intuition and imagination. Water is also linked to the north east direction. Prithvi (Sanskrit: pṛthvī, also pṛthivī) is the Hindu earth and mother goddess. According to one such tradition, she is the personification of the Earth itself; according to another, its actual mother, being Prithvi Tattwa, the essence of the element earth. As Prithvi Mata, or "Mother Earth," she contrasts with Dyaus Pita, "father sky." In the Rigveda, earth and sky are frequently addressed as a duality, often indicated by the idea of two complementary "half-shells." In addition, the element Earth is associated with Budha or Mercury, who represents communication, business, mathematics and other practical matters. Earth is also associated with the south-west direction."
- Wikipedia - Classical Elements

"Blessed be the Earth for giving birth to this food
Blessed be the Sun for nourishing it
Blessed be the Wind for carrying its seed
Blessed be the Rain for quenching its thirst.
Blessed be the hands that helped to grow this food>"
- Lughnasadh Harvest

Let word be deed by this decree.
As it is said, so must it be!
(Sit verbum factum hoc decreto.
Ut dictum est, sic statim fiat!)
- Saturnalia: A Winter Solstice Ritual

"I look into the midnight blue of the East
I call Aksobhya,
Unshakable one, Earth Touching Lord,
Bring us wisdom and strength through your gift of righteous wrath.
I call Locana,
Lady of the Eye.
Bring us awareness through your gift of clear vision.

I look into the translucent glow of the South,
I call Ratnasambhava
Jewel Born One, and Horse Lord.
Bring us speed and energy through your Prana gift of vital breath.
I call Mamaki
Lady of Joy
Bring us selfless unity with all creatures through you gift of enlightenment.

I look into the fierce red of the West
I call Amitabha,
Infinite Light, Lotus Lord.
Bring us immunity from defilement,
Bring us higher consciousness through your gift of meditation.
I call Pandaravasini,
Lady of the White Robe
Bring us purity through your gift of focus.

I look into the verdant green of the North
I call Amoghasiddhi
Infallible one, Sword Lord,
Bring us accomplishment and success through your gift of transformative action.
I call Tara,
Lady of the Sacred Lotus,
Bring us compassion through your gift of cleansing fire.

I look into the brilliant white which lies at the Centre
I call Vairocana,
Illuminator, Lion Sun Lord
Bring us truth and courage through your gift of teaching.
I call Akasadhatisvari,
Lady of infinite Space,
Bring us spiritual receptiveness through your gift of ultimate perfume."
- Drea Bradley, Tara Puja

"Dhritarashtra, Guardian of the East Gate,
The Powerful Diamond King, Ch‘ï-kwo Tian, in tune with the Wise,
White as the Shining Sun,
Protector, Energizer, Honoring the Three Treasures,
Keeping Treasured kingdoms whole, Saver of the Earth,
Helping unravel the illusions of self, and freeing the slaves of Mara,
Vowing to aid all who strive to achieve the Supreme Awakening.

Vaishravana, Guardian of the North Gate,
The All Hearing Diamond King, To-wen Tian, listening to the endless sorrows,
Yellow as the Mystic Rose,
Seated and Silent, Compassionate,
Silencing the falsehoods, Singing the Dharma, Preserving the Word,
Vowing the eradicate vexations without end.

These Four Diamond Kings protect all Earthly and Sacred Worlds,
Faithfully Guard the Four Gates to Shambhala's Realm,
Active day and night on Mt. Sumeru and in the Ten Thousand Realms,
Rewarding the good and reforming the evil ones,
Overcoming all obstacles,
Fearless Defenders of the Middle Way,
Bodhisattvas ferrying followers to the Other Shore,
Grinding potions with mortar and pestle to Lessen the Pain,
Sending Dragons into the deepest seas, riding Tigers to the Mountains,
Moving the Vast Clouds with Their Hands;
Yet, the Four Diamond Kings all bow in deep respect,
Honoring the Great Dharma Lord they forever serve."
- Mike Garofalo, Above the Fog

"The black thangka shown above depicts three Transcendental Cosmic Buddhas in a row, seated on exquisitely decorated thrones. Two Adepts are standing with folded hands, below their thrones. Below them are four Lokapalas who are the protectors of Buddhism for all four directions of the universe. These are: 1. Virupaksha, the king or guardian of West. 2. Vaishravana, the king or guardian of North. 3. Virudhaka, the king or guardian of South. 4. Dhritarashtra, the king or guardian of East. These Lokapalas are also known as Chatur-Maharajika, 'the Four Great Kings'. They are mentioned in the earliest Buddhist works. It is said that the deities live on the shoulders of the axial mountain, Sumeru, and guard the entrances to Indra's heaven from the marauding titans or antigods. According to early Buddhist tradition Lokapalas appear before the Buddha and promise to uphold and protect his Dharma, or teachings, and its practitioners. They thus form an archetype for human kings and emperors in the history of Buddhism, who become moved by the Buddhas, or subsequent great masters, and at least partially renounce their worldly pride and vanity and become sincere supporters of the Buddhist community and Teaching. Thus the presence of Lokapalas before the Buddhas as shown in the present painting relates their assurance to the Buddhas for the protection of Dharma and its practitioners."
- The Guardians of Directions (Lokapalas) Take Vows to Protect the Dharma

Instructions on My Method
Casting the Circle, Calling the Quarters, Opening the Four Gates

1. Altars, Physical Symbols, Ceremonial and Ritual Art, Fetishes, Sacred Spaces

The areas that I have designated at our home for spiritual ceremonies and rituals include, beforehand, various physical representations of the Quarters. These objects help remind me of the essential ideas, symbols, myths, Elementals and Nature Spirits, Deities, and magickal concepts related to the Sacred Circle and the Quarters. They are "temples" for the central ideas of spiritual presence within the Sphere of the World. The themes are my eclectic drawing from the Deep Well of ancient Pagan and Neopagan lore. I hope I can taste just three drops from the Well of Uror from which the Three Norns draw the healing Waters of Life each day to pour on the Roots of Yggdrasil, or just three drops of the Holy Brew from the Cauldron of Cerridwen.

My indoor home altar includes objects which represent the Quarters. A picture of a oak tree, a picture of Athena, colorful rocks, a bowl of earth, green candle, and salt for the North. A feather, ritual knife, yellow crystal, and yellow candle for the East. A magickal oak wand, a red candle, and an incense burner for the South. A small iron cauldron, a small cup with water, and a blue candle for the West. Various small flags and posters on the walls of the ritual room, appropriate to the Quarters, are also used.

Our outdoor home altar, a Sacred Circle Garden, like the indoor altar, includes many objects with represent the Quarters, Cross Quarters, and Sacred Space. Refer to the table and photographs below for more details.

From Sacred Circles by Michael P. Garofalo, Librarian of the Valley Spirit Grove

Sacred Circle at the Valley Spirit Grove Chart of Associations, Attributions, Elementals, Spirits, and Symbolism Research by the Librarian of Gushen Grove Red Bluff, California
Valley Spirit Sacred Circle Symbolism	Western Cosmos Magick	Daily Cycle Human Age	Annual Cycle Neo-Pagan and Secular Holidays Liturgical Rites	Deities Spirits Ancients Elementals

North Green Earth Winter Body Oaks	Body, Flesh, Beings Sensations Touch Secrecy and Darkness Earth, Soil, Stone Birth and Death Night New Moon Pentacle, Coins North North Star, Big Dipper Winter Trees and Shrubs Salt Green Candle Oak Trees	Midnight 12 am - 3 am Conception to Birth to 10 Years Old: Babies, Childhood, and 90-100+ Years Old Birth and Death	December 21st - March 19th Yule New Year Christmas	Goddess Mother Earth Ceres, Demeter Hera Gaea, Rhea Niflheimr Dionysos Great Bear of Night Pan Watcher of the North Formalhaut Gnomes Earth Elemental Uriel Archangel

Northeast Lime Green Cypresses		Early Morning Sunrise 3am - 6am 10 to 20 Years Old	February 2nd - March19th Imbolc Chinese New Year Midwinter

East Yellow Air Spring Mind Spirit Olives	Mind Thinking Air Smell Metal, Swords Childhood and Youth Dawn Crescent Moon Spring East Knife, Athame Incense, Bells Yellow Candle Olives, Aspens	Morning 6am - 9am 20 to 30 Years Old Young Adults	March 20th - June 20th Spring Equinox, Ostara, Eostre Memorial Day	Son Aradia Athena Minerva Hermes Air Hawk of Dawn Watcher of the East Aldebaran Zeus Sylphs Air Elemental Raphael Archangel

Southeast Orange Junipers		Mid-Morning 9am - 12pm 30 to 40 Years Old	May 1st - June 20th Beltane Walpurgis Night Beginning of Summer Season

South Red Fire Summer Will Action Bay Laurel	Will, Spirit Intuition Wood Fire Sight South Adult and Middle Age Midday Summer Full Moon Staff, Stave Magic Wand Red Candle Almonds Walnuts	Noon 12 pm - 3pm 40 to 50 Years Old	June 21st - September 21st Summer Solstice Lithia Labor Day Midsummer	Father Hestia Zeus, Jupiter Vesta Hades Fire Muspellheimr Horus Vulcan Jotunheimr Stag of Noon Watcher of the South Regulus Salamanders Fire Elemental Michael Archangel

Southwest Purple Redwoods		Afternoon 3pm - 6 pm 50 to 60 Years Old	L August 1st - September 21st First Harvest Festival, Mid-Summer Harvest Festival, Lughnasadh, Lammas Lithia Labor Day

West Blue Water Autumn Emotions Intuition Evergreen Shrubs	Water, Cups Taste Middle and Old Age Evening Emotions, Feelings Intuition, Dreams Waning Moon West Autumn Cauldron, Chalice Blue Candle Willows, Laurels Blood Divination, Prophesy Spirit Journeys	Late Afternoon Sunset 6 pm - 9pm 60 to 70 Years Old Wise Elders	September 22nd - December 20th Autumnal Equinox Mabon	Daughter Aphrodite Poseidon Nestis, Persephone Watcher of the West Vanaheimr, Freyja Antares Water Salmon of Dusk Neptune Undines, Ondine Water Elemental Gabriel Archangel

Northwest Turquoise Liquid Ambers		Evening 9pm - 12 pm 70 to 80+ Years Old Wise Elders	October 31st - December 20th Halloween Samhain Thanksgiving Beginning of Winter Season

Center White	Center of Circle Wholeness Wisdom Holy, Sacred Harmony Interdependence Individual Self Web White Candle White - All Colors Aether		Year Annual Cycle A Human Life Cosmos Now, Present, Eternal Now	Human Being Human Consciousness Sentient Being Midgardh Middle Earth Ego, Self Aether

Vertical Axis		Infinity Universe Nine Worlds		World Tree Yggdrasil

Looking towards the Southeast, 2006 Looking towards the Northwest, 2009
Sacred Circle Garden, Red Bluff, California Sacred Circle Garden, Red Bluff, California

Casting the Circle, Casting a Circle, Circle Casting
Evoking the Protective Sphere, Evoking the Circle of Protection
Invoking the Circle, Invoking the Circle of Protection (Power, Guardians)
Calling on the Four Elements, Elementals, Calling the Quarters, Invoking the Quarters
Circle of Power, Calling on the Four Guardians
Honoring the Elementals, Saluting the Watchtowers
The Watchtowers, The Guardians, Wicca Quarters, The Old Ones, Wiccan Quarters
Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram
Lesser Invoking Ritual of the Pentagram
Calling on the Four Powers, Four Guardians, Four Guardian Angels
Magical Circle, Magickal Circle, Magickal Sphere, Magic Sphere
Magical Cone, Magickal Cone, Magical Column, Magickal Column
Opening the Gates, Calling on the Gatekeeper, Evoking the Gatekeepers
Open the Four Gates, Calling on the Four Gatekeepers
Casting the Circle, Casting a Circle, Circle Casting

Air, East
Fire, South
Water, West
Earth, North