Proper Steps for a Ritual

Though there are of course many variations on this, this is one of the easiest for most to remember and accept--as well as this is the order that we use.

1. Prepare the ritual area.

1. Semi mark the area that you plan on using as your circle
   
2. Set up your altar for your ritual.
   
3. Consecrate your altar.
   
4. Set up any quarter candles you may wish to use. (This can be done during the casting of the circle if you wish.
   
5. Turn off all electricity that you can if indoors.
   
6. Light some incense that is appropriate for your magickal work.
   

2. Take a cleansing ritual bath.

1. You may wish to use salts and/or oils.
   
2. Make sure all your negativity is released during this unless your ritual is designed for the release of negativity.
   
3. Try to have a clean dry towel prepared and your ritual clothes, unless you plan on air drying or working skyclad.
   

3. Meditate on what is to be done during the rite.

1. You can use any meditation that you are comfortable for this.
   

4. Consecrate and bless yourself. (Optional: anointing with oils).
   
   
5. Light more incense if needed.
   
   
6. Ring the bell and light altar candles that are not associated with the God or the Goddess

1. Sometimes there are candles other then the gold and silver ones that are used for lighting.
   

7. Go to the East (or North depending on rite) and call upon the guardian of the East. Please note the list of options that you may wish to use during this step.
   
   
8. Repeat step 7 by going to the South, the West, and the North.
   
   
9. Options for calling the quarters and casting circle.

1. Options for 7 and 8. Lighting quarter candles.
   
2. Lighting circle candles.
   
3. At East holding up either incense, a wand, or a sword.
   
   South: representation of fireat both points or a wand , holding up a wand or a sword. (Do not use a sword these are but two of the various craft tools that can be used.)
   
   West: chalice or bowl containing waterabout.
   
   North: holding up , you may wish to even sprinkle this a pentaclesymbols. , a bowl of earth, a shield, stones or other earth.
   
   
4. Many prefer to walk the circle for each quarter. Example: East, light the incense, walk around circle then go to south continuing pattern.
   

10. Cast your circle deosil

1. Deosil means clockwise.
   
2. You can have a pre-made circle though it is always best to walk the perimeter anyway.
   

11. Meditate again if needed.
    
    
12. Invoke the Goddess and the God according to ritual needs.
    
    
13. State the reasons for the rite.
    
    
14. Raise energy.

1. Chanting, or Mantras.
   
2. Dance.
   
3. Drawing down the moon.
   
4. Erecting a cone of power.
   
5. Drumming or rhythmic music.
   
6. Use of crystals or other stones.
   
7. Tantric practices.
   

15. Cast energy, perform spell etc...
    
    
16. Optional: Perform the Great Rite. (This can be done at other times.)
    
    
17. Consecrate the food and drink.
    
    
18. Drink from your chalice.
    
    
19. Eat. But remember to save some of your drink and your "cakes" as an offering.
    
    
20. Acknowledge the God, Goddess, and reason for rite in farewell statement.
    
    
21. Dismiss the guardians.
    
    
22. Un-cast your circle.

1. This can be done numerous ways but usually it is done by actually walking widdershines around the circle. Widdershines means counter-clockwise.
   
2. Most un-preferred way is to simply walk out of the circle---this leaves energy residues and can distort the magick you may have performed.
   
3. Pulling in the energy from the circle and directing it out at a focused point used for the ritual---not often performed. The best way is the first way.
   

23. Cleanse your circle area.

1. Put away all your magickal tools.
   
2. Pick up anything on the ground that you wish to keep---candles etc...
   
3. Sweep the circle area, yes preferred with a broom though it can be done psychically if you wish to add to it.
   
4. Clean up your ritual area and the area surrounding, especially if outdoors.
   

24. Leave the sidhe offering for the Goddess and/or the God.

1. Leave the offering on the altar over night.
   
2. Leave the offering near a tree.
   
3. Bury the offering near the base of a tree or bush.
   
4. Leave offering on a faery mound if available.
   

25. Make a note of what you have done in your B.O.S.

1. You should keep a record of all your magickal practices.
   
2. B.O.S. stands for Book of Shadows.
   

26. Meditate again if needed.

     Support your efforts in your spell or rite by helping it along in your life. You may need to change as well to make your desires come true. Magick is not a cure all, there is still work to be done.

     There is another aspect that should be mentioned about your circles. Electrical currents going through circles does not effect them. Animals do not effect a circle. Children that do not know any better do not effect the circle either. The only actions that truly effects a circle once it is cast is a full grown adult--yes even one that doesn't know the circle is there in the first place. Nature seems not to be bothered by any of the other entities listed.