How do you visualize the magick circle?

Question

I've read various descriptions, but the one that annoys me is the idea that it is a sphere. In most situations, the sphere construct just wouldn't work. Suppose you have a 9-foot sphere, bisecting the floor or ground. Even if you stand right in the center of the circle, part of your body would be outside the sphere (since it would only rise 4.5 feet off the floor).

What's your take on this? Do you see a 2D circle, a 3D sphere, or what?

If you don't know what I'm talking about, please just ignore the question. If Christians and atheists can ask questions that assume everyone else here is part of their groups, so can Pagans.

Answer 1

I've always seen it as a 3-D sphere. I've always visualized it as a shimmery bubble that nothing can penetrate that I don't allow. My question is, why does it have to be 9 feet? That's too Gardnerian for me. Make it any size you like. Make it 20 feet. That's the beauty of being a Pagan or a Wiccan. There's no doctrine we have to bow to. We create our own. Make that bugger big enough for an elephant. ;-)

Blessed be!

Answer 2

I understand what you are saying. I cast three-dimensional circles larger than 9 foot, and I visualize them as surrounded by mist. Mist/fog has very special meanings to me personally. I like the symbology.

Several years ago when I was camping alone in a primitive area in the hills, I took a late afternoon nap. When I woke up, the sun had set and a thick fog had moved in. I couldn't see anything. I went to my circle and built a fire for a ritual. The fire burnt away the fog for about a 15-20 foot diameter in a perfectly-made visual semi-circle (when I magically casted the circle I included the underground other half). Inside the circle it was clear, warm, and bathed in golden light from my fire. I couldn't see past the thick fog of the edge of the circle. It made sense to me that my sacred space would be where I could see things clearly (I know the physics of why the fire burnt away the fog but the symbols were very meaningful to me). The circle was big enough that I could easily walk around without my head poking into the fog. Since that time, I have usually used that experience to help me visualize most of the circles that I've cast.

Answer 3

the magick circle doesnt have 2 be a perfect sphere. it should be big enough that u can walk anywhere inside the circle & still b in it. also, it can be as small as u like. if u r solitary, 9ft isnt really practical. & actually, u dont even have 2 cast a circle. its a personal choice. i know how 2 & can cast a circle if i have 2, but usually dont. again, personal choice. i would 4 banishings & other heavy duty magick, but other than that, no.

Answer 4

I have the same issue. Basicly when I cast a "circle" I cast a bubble around myself. If you're casting it, it's for protection of some kind or another, so I make sure everything that I want protected is. Don't know if it helped, but that's what I do.

Answer 5

I dont visualize that way I see the circle as if from above and use it like a pie chart sort of.

Answer 6

I think of it as a 3d sphere. But one that is able to change to accommodate those in it!