What are the 12 elements to a Magic Circle?

Question

I had posted this question a few weeks ago...Didnt find what i was needing.

SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY

They are the foundations of magic, and the building blocks of creation. I know 6, I need all 12 to complete...One of the answers mentioned one that I knew already...But I am still insearch of the rest.

To all....may you be helpful, and not insincere.

To this, in leu of other posts...I know that people think that there are just your Basic 5- Earth Fire Air Water and Aether/Spirit...I know one more, but Its the others that I need to know. I know the construction of the circel and how it is used....I've been practicing for many years now...I understand it completely...I am not a novice...

I follow no path, and it is somewhat ceremonial.

And if I decide to Incorporate Interpretative dance, I will....So what if my life is complex, and I want it that way.

Shedoblyde- There are certain laws in Magic and the Way, that must be followed... I take it that you do not practice...you have no idea. So, if you don't know about something, I reccomend that you remain silent. And why would I "screw" something that is older than time itself. Hmmm? You follow your own way..I will take my path.
BB

Answer 1

You're talking about one particular tradition's method of creating a Magic Circle. One problem that pagans and witches have is that English lacks a decent vocabulary for discussing this stuff--so a lot of groups say "magic circle" when they mean very different things.

Some mean a protective barrier that keeps harmful energies & beings outside. Some mean a containment to keep the wanted energies in. Some have a permeable barrier, that transforms unwanted energies into something else. Some have a "sacredness" circle, that pulls and focuses divine energies on a limited area, so the participants are more aware of those energies.

Some work inside a containment circle, to raise energies for their own purposes & direct it inside the circle. Some work *outside* that circle, to trap whatever they've got inside.

It'd help if you knew what tradition of magic you were looking for--is this a form of Western Hermetic magic? An Eastern-influenced tradition? A pre-Christian tradition using entirely non-Christian ideology? (My guess is western hermetic.)

Okay, elements of a circle: traditional circular pentacles associated with the planets contain the outer circle, a 5-point star, the spirit, seal & intelligence sigils of the planet, the name of the planet, the numerical square, a positive color & negative color.
No, that's only 8 elements, 9 if you count the circle. So that's not the tradition you mean.

The altar elements include chalice, wand, athame, pentacle; offering bowl, lamps of art, thurible, bell, scrying mirror; salt, water, and incense. That's 12, but I don't think those are the 12 elements you're looking for, because you could find that list anywhere.

Answer 2

I have never heard of this. I am an eclectic Pagan and practicing witch of 3 years... I feel like I missed the boat on this one... what are the first six you have already found???

I agree with the person who says it doesn't have to be complex, though. Who cares? I really dislike spiritual practice that is too ceremonial and showy. I think it's unecessary. I don't think the God and Goddess care what color the handle of my athame is, or whether or not I use a "traditional" Deity invocation or my own original one to invite them in. (Actually, I would imagine they would appreciate originality much more!)

It is all about being yourself and doing what YOU feel is right for YOU! Let go, be free, and have some fun with it!

Answer 3

I find it very funny how so many Pagans insist on intricate and complicated rituals, as if they were more powerful than something you do yourself. The whole point of Paganism is to oppose the Institutionalisation of religion! When you make a spell yourself, then, rather than just casting the echo of someone else's spell, you create something much more powerful, with yourself at its very core. Screw the "12 Elements," and make up your own!

Answer 4

Lightning, Rock, Darkness, Water, Wood, Fire, Light, Air, Faith, Fear, Spirit, Time

Answer 5

I have never heard of 12 elements.

There are (4) principles for magick: To know, to will, to dare, to keep silent.

Maybe the 12 elements is for ceremonial magick?

Answer 6

It might be more helpful if you said a bit more about which path you are following.