circle

circle

circle, closed plane curve consisting of all points at a given distance from some fixed point, called the center. A circle is a conic section cut by a plane perpendicular to the axis of the cone. The term circle is also used to refer to the region enclosed by the curve, more properly called a circular region. The radius of a circle is any line segment connecting the center and a point on the curve; the term is also used for the length r of this segment, i.e., the common distance of all points on the curve from the center. Similarly, the circumference of a circle is either the curve itself or its length of arc. A line segment whose two ends lie on the circumference is a chord; a chord through the center is the diameter. A secant is a line of indefinite length intersecting the circle at two points, the segment of it within the circle being a chord. A tangent to a circle is a straight line touching the circle at only one point, the point of contact, or tangency, and is always perpendicular to the radius drawn to this point. A circle is inscribed in a polygon if each side of the polygon is tangent to the circle; a circle is circumscribed about a polygon if all the vertices of the polygon lie on the circumference. The length of the circumference C of a circle is equal to π (see pi) times twice the radius distance r, or C=2πr. The area A bounded by a circle is given by A=πr². Greek geometry left many unsolved problems about circles, including the problem of squaring the circle, i.e., constructing a square with an area equal to that of a given circle, using only a straight edge and compass; it was finally proved impossible in the late 19th cent. (see geometric problems of antiquity). In modern mathematics the circle is the basis for such theories as inversive geometry and certain non-Euclidean geometries. The circle figures significantly in many cultures. In religion and art it frequently symbolizes heaven, eternity, or the universe.

Circle

The simplest and most fundamental of geometric shapes; a continuous curved line, every point of which is equidistant from a central point.

Circle

Unlike many other religions that have permanent, consecrated places of worship, a Witch may consecrate any area deemed suitable at any time, for the length of that ritual only, giving her far greater flexibility and convenience. That area is enclosed in a circle. Witches used to meet in a field, or a clearing in a woods, or any other open place convenient to all members.

Witches refer to their ritual Circle as the place "between the worlds," neither in this world nor in the next. This is the place where all the rituals take place and where magic is performed, if needed. Circles have long been considered sacred, whether consecrated or not. A Roman ambassador in a foreign land would draw a circle around himself with his staff, indicating that he should be safe from attack. A circle of flour was drawn on the floor around the bed of a sick person, by the Babylonians, to keep demons away. German Jews would draw a circle around the bed of a woman in labor, in the Middle Ages, to protect her from evil spirits. Britain, and other parts of Europe, contains dozens of ancient stone circles, erected in times past for a variety of religious and magical reasons.

The dimensions of a circle depend on who is drawing it and for what purpose. A Wiccan circle is usually nine feet in diameter, although it can be smaller or larger depending upon the number of people it must enclose. In Ceremonial Magic, on the other hand, the drawing has to be exact and actually forms three concentric circles of nine feet, ten feet, and eleven feet diameter, with various Words of Power written between the lines. A ceremonial circle is to keep forces out; to keep negative entities from encroaching on the magician. The Wiccan circle is to keep in the power raised in the rituals, which is of a positive nature.

The Wiccan circle is first marked on the ground, to indicate exactly where the sacred space lies. If the meeting is to take place out of doors, then the circle can be indicated by simply scratching a line on the ground. If the meeting is indoors, then it can be marked with a piece of chalk or charcoal, or by laying down a length of cord or actually painting a circle on the floor. Some modern Witches have a circle permanently marked on a piece of carpet, which can be rolled up and put away between meetings.

With the area marked, the construction of the magic circle starts with a tracing of the line by the presiding priest with a sword or athamé. Some traditions first ritually sweep the area with a broom, removing all negativity. The line is then sprinkled with salted water and passed over with a censer. This circumambulation is carried out clockwise, or deosil. To move counter-clockwise, or widdershins, is considered negative.

In order to orient the circle to the four cardinal points, candles are placed at the east, south, west and north. In the center (or to one side, depending on the tradition) stands the altar on which the coven tools or those of the individual Witch are placed. All within the circle are also consecrated, so that nothing unpurified is within it.

Although ritually cast and consecrated, it is possible to pass out of and back into the circle. This is done ritually, carefully "opening" the circle and then resealing it (see pentagram) after the passage of the individual. Such opening and closing should be kept to an absolute minimum; ideally, the circle should not be disturbed during the ritual.

The Wiccan deities are invited into the circle to share the ritual with the Witches. Unlike in Ceremonial Magic, there is no commanding or conjuring of the gods or of any spirits or entities. All should be within the circle of their own free will. At the end of the ritual, the gods are thanked and the circle is opened.

Since Wiccan rituals are held inside a circle, the term "circle" is also a synonym for a meeting. Witches therefore speak of "having a weekly circle" or of "planning a healing circle."

Circle

Sitters at a séance invariably are seated in a circle, either around a table or with an open area in the center. Hence, séances are often referred to as “circles.” A Spiritualist circle usually calls for a medium to be among the number. There can be any number of people at the sitting, but twelve is usually preferred. This circle is made up, as far as possible, of equal numbers of positive and negative energies. Although most females are sensitive and negative and most males positive and magnetic, there are exceptions, and energies do not necessarily indicate gender. Some circles are arranged with the negative energy on one side of the medium and the positive energy on the other. Circles are also sometimes arranged with the negative and positive energies alternating around the circle.

Janet Cyford (The Ring of Chairs) said, “The movement of energy in the development circle is clockwise. A ring of closed energy forms when we join with others and sit in a ring of chairs.” The circle of people may hold hands or, if there is a table in the center, may rest their hands on the table with each touching his or her neighbor’s hands. Usually the medium is included in the circle though sometimes the medium sits apart from the circle, either inside or in front of a cabinet.

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Circle

Circle

What does it mean when you dream about a circle?

A circle encompasses many meanings in numerous areas: the wholeness of numbers in mathematics, the spiritual oneness depicted by the circle and the mandala, protection from evil by the ritual drawing of a circle, bringing attention to something by circling it. It may also express frustrations, as when one doodles in circles or goes around in circles. Socially, it may represent being “in” the right circle of friends. The love relationship is sometimes symbolized by the wearing of a ring, around the finger, the neck, or in the nose. In Jungian psychology the circle is a symbol of the self archetype. (See also Zero.)

circle

circle

Circle