What are they used for?Magick circles have been used for millennia. They are generally used for containing bad spirits or protecting oneself from again…bad spirits.
They do have other uses other than this; they can be used to empower many ranges of Magick and also on amulets, talismans and seals. To be perfectly honest they can be used pretty much anywhere that has a drawable surface (thank god for permanent markers).
The main power of a circle is its symbolic value of a cycle, infinity and the universal powers. Pretty neat huh.
Understanding their makeupMost circles are drawn for protection spells, as many of you readers are aware one of the most famous Magickal circles is the one contained in the lesser key of Solomon and consists of two parts, a circle and a triangle (with a circle inside).
This circle was used for protection, containment and empowerment (with that many ment’s you know it’s good). So working our way from the top I will explain all.
The triangleThe triangle is used for containment and power over the contained. The triangle on the outside is perfect for the demons it’s meant to contain as they’re very sexist. Triangles (point up) generally stand for the crude symbol of a mans manly part. Most demons are summoned to do selfish deeds, reap revenge etc so the use of a male power icon to control the demon contained is quite relevant (but low and behold if you use this out of the kindness of your heart). It also has holy names written on the outside of the triangle itself and also within (but around the circle), this I presume is for extra power to contain the demon (as I’m sure those heavenly beings would help protect a summoner of demons who wants cash).
Finally the circle in the centre is used as a general trap, enchanted by all the power surrounding it (the penis and holy names) there is no escape for it as a circle has no corners, no break and as mentioned before symbolises infinity.
Save for all my criticism and sarcasm it’s actually quite a good, simple and rather barbaric by my standards but fulfils the requirements of it's use nevertheless.
The CircleThe main circle is an excellent example of one as it actually shows us a hint of one of the origins of the circle, the "Auroborus". The Auroborus is the legendry serpent that eats its own tail and though this act opens up a gateway to another dimension (obviously contained within the circle it has made).
Back to the circle however, it has an outer ring for protection and within that the serpent with again, holy marking upon it. The spiralling of the serpent as apposed to the eating of its tail does not symbolise entrapment but rather a funnel of power surrounding the contained (like a tornado). The holy names within the serpent are giving power to the contained summoner so they have better control over the demon.
Within the serpents spirals is yet another circle and then some symbols of power.
Symbols of Power The symbols of power contained within the centre of the circle originate from the faith Judaism. As you can see 4 of them are the Star of David, basically a union between male and female symbols that are supposed to represent Jehovah as a whole. These (while the summoner sits upon them) give even more power and control to them so any Magi of any level will have full protection while using this circle. The 4 stars are joined by a central diamond/square with Tetramaggon joints (also Tetramaggon symbols and yet more holy names within the stars themselves). The Square could possibly stand for the 4 physical elements of alchemy, or just be a pretty joinery.
To add a little more fuel on the fire the last little touch is 4 pentagrams surrounding the circle. These symbolise the Crucifixion of Christ and thus give the power of him in control, they also contain holy names (they love their holy names!).
Ok, well I have shown you the make up of a Magick Circle, its basically consists of 3 main parts;
Power Source – These are the things like the Star of David and the Pentagram. Utilising the right power source inside a circle is essential, like choosing a cheese for your wine.
Containment – This is the circle surrounding the whole thing. There are a few different combinations of circles used for basically tightening up the screws, different spirits require different restrictions and freedoms for them to work effectively and not escape.
Programming – Programming is an important part, without programming your circle can run in whatever way it (or the spirit) wants. Programming sets limits and guide lines and generally requires less interaction on your willpower. An actual incantation can also be classed as programming but this isn’t really set out by any symbol laws so it is more difficult to teach (how ever I will attempt to do so).
Circle ConstructionNow you know circle makeup its time to make your own.
In this topic I will cover the 3 main parts that I covered briefly in the previous section.
The reason for use of a custom circle is to help protect, empower and give a guideline to your spells. I must say now that they are not necessary for a spell to work but they help (especially if you are new to the scene or are trying things out of your depth).
I recommend circles for anyone who lacks confidence, has not mastered meditation or is experimenting.
Power Source
There are a number of different power sources. They first originate from a point in history when there has been a dramatic event of which a symbol is recognised at that point in time (the Nordic runes are an excellent example, as is the Crucifix and a Pentagram).
Another way for symbols of power to come about it an empowerment or assigning to a character by a powerful Magi (the Angelic & Demonic seals in Echoian Magick and The Book of Geoita are also good examples).
Below I list some more common power sources;
| | Triad World
The symbol was originally an oriental symbol. In fact it is more popular than first look as it has strong connections to the Ying Yang. This however is Ying Yew and Yang.
It was adopted by the Gnostic society as a symbol for cosmic, astral and earth energy. | | | Triangle The triangle as previously said represents the male or female power depending on intended direction. It also symbolises the holy trinity of the father, son and holy spirit. Yet differing variations of the triangle can represent the 4 basic physical elements. | | | Square Used more for material circles. The Square power source originates from the alchemists of the past (as does the 8 point star). It represents the 4 basic physical elements (Water, Fire, Air and Earth) | | | 5 Pointed Star The Pentagram (Pentacle) is one of the most famous symbols associated with Magick. It does however symbolise Christ on the cross (feet, legs and head) as the actual crosses used in them days were more like an “X”. However it does hold the power of all 4 basic elements and the element of spirit. This allows (through sprit) a manipulation of the 4 basic elements from the astral planes (making your spells more powerful and allows the inclusion of spirits and other beings). | | | 6 Pointed Star The “Star of David” as it is also referred to is the symbol the top man himself. It also represents the union of male and female energies which in theory is equal perfection to that of angelic beings. So a powerful symbol.
I always feel great power radiating from the star but hesitate to use it as I’d rather not get involved with the divine one. |  | 7 Pointed Star Incredibly more powerful than the Pentagram. While representing the 4 basic physical elements it also includes the spirit, soul and body. This is my favourite common symbol of power but also one of the most difficult to control, some may take years just to gain use of a smidgen of its power, I myself always use this as a test of skill, the more you can do using the star alone the better your skill.
Its use requires the combination of perfect union of your spirit, soul and physical Magick. |  | 8 Pointed Star Used once more by alchemist of the past. It represents (again and again) the 4 basic physical elements but also the in betweens. The elements in clockwise order are as follows; Fire, Hot, Air, Cold, Water, Moist, Earth, Dry (then back to Fire). |
Please do not take these as law though. All symbols have 100’s of meanings and it’s the intention of which they are drawn which holds the real power. Most symbols are empowered because of the belief in them; imagine how much power the beliefs of millions of people has, how many centuries of belief these millions concentrated into a single image, it has to count for something right?
ContainmentThe containments to a circle can be a tricky thing to do. It requires a delicate touch as it shows the being what you think of them. Many astral beings are happy to help but some can be mischievous or evil so it’s important to use the right circle so they feel comfortable and you’re adequately protected.
You may have heard of people summoning spirits without the use of a circle and this is possible. However it takes a fair amount of experience to be perfectly safe while doing so. This means that it is best advised you do use a circle otherwise you could end up fatigued, cursed or even possessed (as I have myself on three occasions). Get a feel for the spirit before you actually summon it so you know which sort of circle it requires.
The containments also apply for seals and circles, different containments can alter the way the item is affected.
Below I list the main containments (I will use a pentagram as an example);
As you can see there’s more to a circle than you think.
The basic concept of it originates from the fact its never ending, something that has symbolised such an incomprehensible idea holds tremendous power and is a representative of life itself in many cultures. The Gnostics believed in a great serpent devouring its own tail. The serpent holds great knowledge but also because there is a serpent aspect in ourselves, this is the source of our power.
ProgrammingThe circle is just a piece of raw power and a containment field, useless unless you programme it.
Programming is using your Magick to manipulate and harness the energy it contains so you can keep it stable. The basis of programming is willing the energy to do as you want. This is harder than you think as it takes your mind, body and soul working in union to truly do so.
Most of you will only tap the spirit power, this is fine, with your sprit you will get the job done but I implore you to try (once taught later) to have a shot at using soul Magick, it’s so much more pure and once grasped “easier”.
Here I am telling you haw difficult programming is but you must be thinking “Well he mentioned easy programming”.
Easy programming is a basic method of preparation where symbols and runes are used in the makeup of the circle so limits are set. The problem with this is that they don’t hold much sway with big bad boys of the astral realm and although it will use less skill to do so it hammers your energy levels as your putting energy into the runes as well as the circle itself. A basic willing has also got to be offered but it doesn’t take as much concentration to do so when you have the set guidelines.
An example of easy programming is the holy names in the Circle of King Solomon.
An example of regular programming is the incantation that goes with it in Latin.
Spells do not (and I repeat do not) have to be said aloud, this is a common myth. Say your incantations however you want to if this is your way of doing things (I mainly use willing). Spells don’t have to be in Latin either, another common misconception.
The reasons most spells are in Latin are;
- Most of the pioneers in Magick spoke Latin
- Many of the more recent scholars wrote their findings in Latin as many couldn’t read their studies (for fear of persecution) and those who could were more than likely fulfilling the same Magickal quest
- Latin is a very specific language and words things more carefully to that of the English language so it is thought it holds more sway
- Latin has its roots from the original Hebrew language (differing from todays modern Hebrew) that Adam spoke upon being exiled from The Garden of Eden. It was the closest to the language of the angels so obviously being closely linked it too has tremendous power.
I feel if we just ask nicely it’s our willing and want that does most of the work and feelings are a universal language so try less words and you’ll find a lot of power in thought.
Using a CircleA circle can be used in 2.5 ways, that’s right two and a half.
Empowerment – To empower an object is to enchant it really, this makes what’s called an amulet (which I will teach you more to do with later)
Summoning – Now if the empowerment is the 1, summoning is 1.5 and that’s because it can be used in 2 ways but it still requires the summoning.
EmpowermentAn empowered object is usually a piece of jewellery “enchanted” to give it Magickal effects; they are commonly referred to as Amulets of Talismans.
The advantage of having an empowered object is that you’re carrying your ammunition already. By empowering an item you transfer power into it and set boundaries on it, depending on how you program it, it can act off its own accord upon the holder/wearer or only activate in certain circumstances. The possibilities of their uses are endless but the main reason I always tend to keep one handy is that the power they hold can be reabsorbed for a quick boost of energy if needed in an emergency.
Remember however that Magickal energy is like water, you cannot tell it where to go, only set boundaries and hope the energy flows where you want it to.
Ok, down to the grit;
To empower an item you will need basic medative and visualisation skills as well as a good use of the shiver technique.
- Choose your object (whether it be a ring, a necklace or a stone off the ground). This will need to be cleansed as it will already contain some power from people previously handling it or thinking “oh I like that”
- To cleanse the object you can follow any of the three methods in the chapter on cleansing (I would advise the Purging method)
- Now, just like the Purging method you need to transfer your energy into the object
- Once the object is charged keep the power visualised inside, now when viewed, “will it” to do what you want the object to do
The willing can be a barrier (very easy for visualisation), or it can be more subtle by making yourself feel a certain emotion so the next time someone is in possession of the object they feel it too.
To make an empowered item activate the taught needs to be held in mind while empowering the object. Most items made in the way stated above loose power over time and usually requires a period of rest to replenish its power. However the exception to this rule is to connect the empowered item to an already departed spirit, now while doing this to one all willy-nilly is classed as Necromancy, doing so to one of your own past life spirits tends to be good practice.
You can also create artificial power wells that run on the same principle of spirit connections, this even better practice but highly advanced Magick.
Direct SummoningThe use of a circle in a summoning is to stay protected and give some initial guidance on commanding the being. The uses of summoning a spiritual being are to ask for its help if you are inexperienced at commanding Magick yourself or consultation (asking it questions you need to know the answers too).
Many demons have the "power to know the future". The reason of this is that they are probably the being with the most involvement with humans. The older they are the more likely they have a good idea of "the human pattern", this means that what they tell are only predictions of the past and as such should not be take literally. Although it rarely shows we humans do actually learn from our mistakes.
As stated previously in this chapter the circle can contain a power source or "seal". This is a representation of the being or source of power and when summoning it is well versed that you should use the appropriate seal or symbol of power to that associated with the being.
Here is a table that I would generally follow for summoning:
Type of Being
| Example | Power Source Name | Brief "Why"
| | Astral | Spirits | 5 Pointed Star or 6 Pointed Star | Spirits tend to be under the guardianship of The Creator. As such The Creator probably has the best control over them (and years of experience) | | Aetherial | Demons, Angels and Souls | Their Appropriate Seal or 9 Pointed Star | The appropriate seal is best as Magi in the past have poured great power into making it so. If not however a 9 pointed star is just as good as it wields the power of 3 realms. | | Elemental | Fairies and Dragons | 8 Pointed Star or Square | The alchemic symbols of the past hold great power over these beings as they belong to the elements. Like using a Demonic seal, a combination of alchemic symbols and stars will do the trick. |
Indirect Summoning"How do I summon a being without knowing I did?"
This is called indirect summoning, some of you who have already tried a spell my feel a presence around yourself, some believe this is residue from the spell you've just cast. However popular theory and from my own experiences conclude this is an indirect summoning.
Indirect isn't a summoning you can learn, if it was it wouldn’t be "indirect". It happens when you try a spell out of your league or you didn't protect well enough. When drawing in energies from around yourself you cross into a different plain to do so, going there can bring back beings from beyond the veil and thus it may bring back a few nasties along the way. However not all indirect summonings are evil blighters, some are just spirits who want to help you along.
In my eyes though I feel indirect summoning is a learning curve. Whether the being be good or bad, send it back! It came across because you were ill prepared or lacked sufficient skill so to banish the spirit back is good training.
Final Word on Magick CirclesWell wasn't that exciting?
I absolutely love Magick Circles; I just find the combinations fascinating and the history behind them more so.
The amount of power in them is unbelievable and there is so much more potential in them that I cannot teach you. The only way to gain that knowledge is in the journey of seeking it yourself.
I hope that you will carry on your studies of Magick Circles, have no fear and keep experimenting.
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