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William J. Kiesel

Introduction

Images of magic circles can be found in popular books on magic and witchcraft, and in such classical magical works as Heptameron, Solomon's Key and Liber Juratus. Drawing on visual and textual material from European grimoires and handwritten magical treatises, in this monograph I intend to explore the various forms and functions of this traditional weapon of Western magic. I am going to show how the magic circles gave the operator power and protection when working with the spirit world. There is ample evidence of the role played by magic circle in operations of divination and search for treasures. The geometric and linguistic analysis of the form and content of these circular patterns will be supplemented by explanations of the relevant occult symbolism contained in the works of various magicians and in the grimoires themselves. In addition, I propose to analyze the structure of the magic circle in detail with a few specific examples.

[Fig. 5. The great circle of Solomon ("Grimoire of Pope Honorius")]

Grimoires are special guides to occult practice that describe the main essence of certain magical methods. They were intended for masters already initiated into the secrets of magical art. Thus, books of this kind were owned mainly by magicians, but still there were other uses for them. During the early Renaissance, the boundaries between the sciences remained much more blurred than they are today. Therefore, not only magicians turned to grimoires in search of knowledge, but also natural philosophers and astrologers, priests and scribes. Originally, grimoires existed as manuscripts on parchment or paper, but they continued to be compiled after the invention of the printing press. For several centuries (approximately from the 13th to the 20th centuries), these books transmitted from generation to generation extensive lists of spirits, angels and demons that were used in magic. In addition to listing spiritual entities, the grimoires contained descriptions and images of seals and sigils of spirits and tools necessary for magical work, as well as texts of spells and invocations, with the help of which the operator could call these entities to a “visible phenomenon”. But we will focus on only one of the most important components of the magical apparatus presented in these manuals, namely, the Magic Circle.
A cursory glance at these so-called "necromancy textbooks" is enough to see that the texts of invocations, spells and recommendations for rituals are interspersed in them with visual material: images of circles, crosses and other figures endowed with both symbolic and practical meaning. The drawings of magic circles, in turn, consist of geometric figures and divine names and are accompanied by images of crosses, pentagrams, squares and triangles. In addition, various sigil figures are present in the grimoires - for example, graphic signs of angels or spirits with which the magician has to deal. Such a combination of geometric figures with textual material suggests a comparison of grimoires with the mnemonic systems of Giordano Bruno or Raymond Lull, but we will still limit ourselves to the question of the ceremonial use of magic circles as described in the grimoires themselves.
The true authorship of most grimoires has not been established. There is no historical evidence that, for example, Lemegeton was actually written by the biblical King Solomon. Attempts to attribute the authorship of certain grimoires to famous personalities - Solomon, Moses, St. Cyprian and even the popes of Rome - are explained only by the desire to give the information contained in the books more weight and reliability in the eyes of the reader. A similar technique was used in the Western esoteric tradition even before the advent of grimoires: for example, the authorship of the treatises included in the Hermetic Corpus was attributed to the mythical Hermes Trismegistus.
The history of grimoires and other magical literature shows that the practice of using pseudonyms in this area became traditional quite early. In particular, Pietro d'Abano, the author of works on medicine and astronomy, was famous enough that his name on the title page attracted the attention and respect of readers to the Heptameron, regardless of the true authorship of this treatise. And despite the fact that in the writings of Abano there are some echoes with the ideas set forth in the Heptameron, historical documents indicate that Pietro de Sclavione, the son of Costanzo de Sclavione, who became known under the name Pietro d'Abano, is in fact the author " Heptameron" was not. The notion that Pietro d'Abano was a magician and necromancer only spread through rumors and the judgments that supported them, such eminent figures as Pico della Mirandola, Trithemius and Agrippa. The latter seems to have played a major role in establishing this legend by attributing the Heptameron unreservedly to d'Abano and publishing it along with his own writings. We will return to the practice of using well-known names in order to give credibility to certain statements a little later.
More frankly than many wrote about the books of magicians and sorcerers, which he encountered in the study of natural magic, wrote the theologian of the XIII century, William of Auvergne. In his treatise On the Created Universe, Wilhelm notes that such magical books describe the hosts of spirits that live in heaven, and the methods of communication with them, established by those who conducted the corresponding experiments. Referring to a necromantic text called "Great Circle", Wilhelm explains that the caster had to summon four demon kings from the four corners of the world, each accompanied by a great many minions. As bishop of Paris, Wilhelm naturally condemned such writings as idolatrous and declared that there was nothing divine in the corners of the Solomonic pentagon.

[Fig. 6. Faust in his office (Rembrandt).]

A review of the history of grimoires is a very exciting and promising topic, but, unfortunately, it goes too far beyond the scope of this monograph. We, as already mentioned, intend to focus on magic circles as one of the main illustrative components of the grimoire text. But in order to put the functions of the magic circle in a relevant context, we will have to consider the divine names and figures that are included in magic circles in European grimoires; the ways in which these names and figures endow the operator with divine authority and protection; and the role of these names and figures in such operations as the invocation of angels and the evocation of spirits, as well as divination and the search for treasures. The last two varieties of magical operations are aimed at acquiring, respectively, spiritual and material treasures - the attributes of patriarchs and kings.
The task of the king is to rule the peoples, and the task of the patriarch is to serve as an intermediary between the people and the deity. In iconography, the material and spiritual dimensions are symbolically represented by two geometric shapes: a square and a circle. The range of meanings of these symbols includes, respectively, the power of the king over his kingdom, and the power of the priest over the spiritual world. This was precisely the purpose of the rituals described in the grimoires: to grant the magician power over the material and spiritual worlds. The magician expressed his claims to this power with the help of divine names and figures - and he could acquire this power only through his special relationship with God. In other words, God was an active force that provided the desired result for magical operations.

[Fig. 7. Pact with the devil ("Evil's Compendium")]

On ill. 7 of Francesco-Maria Guazzo's treatise The Compendium of Evil (1608) depicts the scene of a pact with the devil. The comments of an author who expresses his thoughts from a Christian point of view, of course, are not of such value as the reasoning of an initiated practicing magician would be. But, nevertheless, Guazzo has one interesting observation, namely, that when concluding such agreements, the magic circle was used “because the circle is a symbol of the divine, and the earth is the footstool of the throne of God; thereby he [the magician] wants to convince them [the demons] that he is the God of heaven and earth.

The practice of magical operations

What was the purpose of the magic circle and what role did it play in ceremonial magic? By examining the functions of the magic circle, we will see that in practice it could serve a wide variety of purposes. Let's start with a general overview of examples to get an idea of ​​the variety of variations of this magical device, and then we will consider in more detail the use of the circle for some more specific tasks, such as theurgic operations or treasure hunts.
According to Pliny, a magic circle is sometimes drawn with a sword around a plant that was to be plucked on a certain day and hour, and in strict accordance with a certain magical procedure. The same author mentions that the protective circle is sometimes outlined by the plant itself: for example, heliotrope - to protect against scorpions or an initial letter - to protect against snakes. These opinions are confirmed by Roger Bacon (XIII century), followed by Agrippa (XV century): “It is also said that when collecting roots and herbs, you must first draw three circles around them with a sword, and then dig them out, being careful about the opposite wind” . In other manuscripts, it is recommended to draw a circle with tools made of ivory, gold, silver, wild boar tusk or bull horn.
In the instructions for ritual practice attributed to Michael Scots, the operator is advised to choose the time in accordance with astrological rules, and carefully observe all the rules of the ceremony itself. According to one of the prescriptions, drawing a magic circle should be done with blood from the heart of a freshly killed white dove. The use of bird blood to draw circles is also recommended in the Munich Necromantic Grimoire: a double circle of this kind is necessary for the operation of evocation of the spirit, which helps in comprehending all the liberal arts.
In another "Solomonic" manuscript, held in the British Library, the ceremonial use of the magic circle is explained in detail. It is noted here that for the evocation and subjugation of spirits, it is necessary to comply with a number of conditions and prepare certain tools and materials. All prayers, invocations, spells and other components of the "experiment" should be learned by heart, and all materials should be collected before the ceremony as such. In addition, it is necessary to observe the days and hours corresponding to the summoned spirits, otherwise the spirits will not be able to appear.
Immediately before the start of the operation, the magician must draw a circle on the ground with a sword and a cross in the air. The circle on the ground and the cross in the air mean the connection of the macrocosm with the microcosm: the circle - spiritual symbol- is applied to the earthly sphere, and the cross - the earthly symbol - is depicted in the air, thereby raising the earth and bringing it closer to heaven. This is how the formula is put into practice solve et coagula, well-known to adepts of alchemy.

[Fig. 8. Ceremonial sword (after Eliphas Levi).]

As noted above, in many grimoires the magic circle is combined with a square or cross inscribed in it. It is likely that the division of the circle into four quarters is directly related to the astrological views of that era. The position of the celestial sphere relative to the earth's horizon in one direction or another of the world gave astronomers a coordinate system for studying the movement of stars. Many examples can be found in grimoire literature of how important the observance of certain astrological aspects, along with the hour and day of the operation, was considered for the success of magical work. Therefore, the names of the seasons and planetary spirits were located around the earth, like stars in the firmament:

Oriens - East - Raphael - Air
Meridies - South - Michael - Fire
Occidens - West - Gabriel - Water
Septentrio - north - Uriel - Earth

The division of the earthly circle into four quarters is found already in the early Greco-Egyptian ritual, where the operator in the rites opening the ceremony was supposed to make libations or pour certain powders on certain cardinal points. Going around each of these four quarters in turn, the operator thereby described a circle in motion. Crossroads also played an important role in witchcraft traditions. And wherever the four cardinal directions are designated, a center arises - or is implied - also. In modern practice, dating back to the tradition of the Golden Dawn, the ritual of the pentagram is used for the same purpose, in which the magician affirms the four quarters, activating the protective pentagram in each of them and vibrating the divine names. After establishing these protective (or, in some cases, calling) seals, the magician calls by name the archangels of the four quarters. In other traditions, the names of other entities and other correspondences between the elements and cardinal points are used.
The idea of ​​a connection between the four cardinal points and the four elements has been around for a long time. Examples of this are found both in grimoire literature and in the later ritual practice described in modern books on ceremonial magic. True, as was just said, not all correspondence systems are the same, but the differences between them are explained only by the fact that in different traditions certain cardinal points were given different symbolic meanings. In one of the grimoires of the "Solomonic" tradition, it is stated that the summoned spirit comes in the garb of the element corresponding to it. Thus, the spirits of the East, corresponding in this system to Fire, are shrouded in flame. In the Dee system, the four cardinal points are represented in symbolic form four Watchtowers; this symbolism was preserved in the Enochian system of the Golden Dawn. In the ritual of the Opening of the Watchtowers, the main role is played by the kings of the elements and the spirits of the four corners subordinate to them.

[Fig. 28. Golden talisman (Cazobon, "True and honest story ...").
ill. 29. Great Circle of Art with twelve banners and entrance gates.
ill. 30. Great Circle of Quarters (according to John Dee).]

In one of the methods of working with the four quarters of each of them, a certain hypostasis of God was put in correspondence: the letters of the Tetragrammaton, the four-letter Name of God, were distributed among the four cardinal points. Some kabbalistic traditions use permutations of the letters of this divine name, giving a total of 12 variants, which are called the "Twelve Banners of the Holy Name" and correspond to the twelve signs of the zodiac. Similarly, the magic circle can be divided into 12 sectors, into which the correspondences of the zodiacal signs are distributed. A version of the circle, subdivided into 12 parts, is shown in ill. - this scheme is borrowed from John Dee's Mystical Heptarchy. On ill. 29 of particular interest are the "entrance gates" of the circle, that is, the place through which the operator could enter or leave the circle, using some ritual gesture or word of power to open and reseal the circle. In addition, there are no crosses in this drawing, which usually fit into one of the rings of a complex magic circle, but their function is performed by the four Hebrew letters Tav (the literal meaning of Tav is “cross”).

[Fig. 31. Land of blood: circular seal of the sacred alphabet (Andrew Chumbley, "Azoetia")]

In the scheme called "The Land of Blood: The Circular Seal of the Sacred Alphabet" of "Azoetia", the four-part structure becomes more complicated and becomes eight-part: each quarter is divided into two.

Divine Names and Pentacles: Power and Protection

... and in the circle of majesty let the names of the ineffable and the names of angels be inscribed.
- "Key of Solomon"

Magic names have been used since ancient times, and the effectiveness of the magic circle, in which they were included, largely depended on their correct choice. In this respect, the grimoires were strongly influenced by the Kabbalah: importance was given not only to the very power contained in the divine names, but also to the numerical correspondences of these names. Names and numbers are a kind of conditional classification signs that concretize or single out from the whole spectrum of options any one kind of force or one aspect of spiritual emanation. The power of names is determined by rank in the magical hierarchy: thus, the divine name represents the corresponding divine power, and the name of the king or patriarch bears a reflection of the worldly or spiritual power of its bearer. Such a two-way connection between heaven and earth is inherent in the very structure of the magic circle.
Divine names or words of power provided the operator with a guarantee God's help because they were perceived as conductors of divine power. Kabbalistic texts such as the Sefer Yetzirah claimed that the universe itself was created using the letters of the alphabet and that these letters could accordingly be used to magical influence to the natural world. Many grimoires feature Hebrew words and expressions prominently, as well as Kabbalistic Sephiroth, souls, and angels. Such texts include the Book of Enoch and the Sefer Raziel. There is nothing surprising in the fact that Kabbalistic methods play such an important role in magical operations: Kabbalah, like magic, attaches great importance to working with angels and divine names, as well as influencing the natural world with the help of these forces. The idea that nature can be influenced by such means does not in the least contradict the Kabbalistic teaching about the divine world and its emanations. According to Yosef Dan, “The Hebrew sacred books were considered to be written in a divine language that existed even before the creation of the world.<…>this language was not just a means human communication, but an infinite particle divine wisdom, and therefore the meanings did not lend themselves to exhaustion.
Of all the books of the grimoire tradition, Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy (1533) has been most influenced by such ideas. In this treatise, Kabbalah is presented as a magical art of working with numbers and divine names, and is directly associated with the Renaissance tradition of magical correspondences. The book of Agrippa is largely responsible for the erroneous idea that prevailed until the 20th century of Kabbalah as a kind of alloy of witchcraft, numerology and magic. However, it should be understood that the Kabbalah that we are discussing is not the traditional Kabbalah of Orthodox Jews, but a tradition coming from Renaissance humanists who tried to interpret biblical texts using Kabbalistic methods. Kabbalistic hermeneutics of this kind entailed a break with the orthodox Jewish approach and laid the foundation for the speculative Christian Kabala.
As we remember, the authorship of grimoires was often attributed to various famous sages and righteous men of antiquity. This gave the text additional weight and significance in the eyes of readers; and if the names of the patriarchs on the title page had such power, how much more powerful must the divine names contained in the text itself be! In the Kabbalistic tradition, these names symbolize various aspects of the deity itself, and each of them rules over the corresponding area of ​​the spiritual world. In addition, angels, demons, spirits of planets and elements also have their own names. Knowledge of these names grants the magician power over their bearers. The hierarchy of the divine world has turned into a real one onomasticon, serving the purposes of ceremonial, or "divine" magic. Theurgy, as it is sometimes called, is divine in the sense that the names and attributes of God occupy no less important place in its ritual texts than in church services and prayer books.
Traditional angelic and demonological texts give the names of spirits that rule over certain periods of time, whether it be hours, days, seasons, or special astrological periods. Such names are included directly in the structure of the magic circle. They not only designate the time suitable for a given magical operation, but also directly involve in the work those forces that are associated with a given period of time. The power possessed by the ruling spirit of the hour, day, and so on, provides additional protection for the operator, who is aware of this fact and consciously enters into an alliance with the appropriate spirit for the duration of the ceremony.

[Fig. 32. Circles for conjuring spirits ("Grimoire of Honorius").]

On ill. 32 reproduced magic circles from the "Grimoire of Honorius", serving to invoke three of the seven spirits associated with certain days weeks. The inscription in the first circle, corresponding to Monday, reads: “+ In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity I forbid you, Lucifer, to enter this circle,” and the second and third circles (intended for Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively) contain imperative inscriptions: “Obey me, Frimost” and "Come, Astaroth."
Names and seals reinforce the circle of art, as evidenced by the spells used to summon spirits. During the operation, the magician calls on divine names and angelic powers, and also uses crosses and other sigils precisely in order to enlist support from above. He addresses various aspects of the deity in a hierarchical sequence, thereby embedding himself in the "chain of being" and assuming, so to speak, "delegated powers." This principle is reflected both in the Kabbalistic doctrine of emanations and in the hermetic doctrine of the microcosm as the image and likeness of the macrocosm. Such operations also used incense, stones and other materials associated with the respective spirits.
In order to visualize his powers delegated by divine power, the magician often used small magic circles - the so-called pentacles. Such devices and seals were made and consecrated in accordance with strict astrological and ceremonial rules and presented to the spirits as a means to call them to obedience. On these seals, again, divine names appear, denoting the source of power of the magician himself.

[Fig. 33. Shield of Solomon ("Heptameron")]

The aforementioned hermetic principle "As above, so below" is reflected in the structure of the "Shield of Solomon" - one of the main forms of the pentacle used in ceremonial practice. This "shield" is a hexagram made up of two triangles - straight and inverted. When combined, these two triangles symbolize the union of opposites (such as fire and water) and, more broad sense, connection of the microcosm with the macrocosm.
In some magical ceremonies, the operator was supposed to recite, in the manner of a litany, long lists of divine names and words of power, sometimes called "barbaric" or "foreign" names. Ptolemy's "Key of Solomon" explains what happens after the magician enumerates all these names with the greatest reverence: "Therefore let the majesty of God enter." It is understood that through this hierarchy of divine names, the operator invokes certain aspects of the sacred divine power and concentrates them in the magic circle, and then in himself. In The Accursed Book of Honorius, this process culminates in the Beatific Vision, or meeting God face to face. Grimoires warn novice experimenters that they should not use any sacred pentacles before the descent of this divine grace.
If circulation faced with frightening and menacing visions, he is advised to avert his eyes or even cover them with his sleeve. The master of ceremonies should reassure his assistants by speaking in a firm and confident voice; if the spirits continue to send monstrous visions, then he should powerfully raise his voice and order the spirits to stop their excesses. The caster must remove the covers from the pentacles and show these pentacles to the spirits on all sides of the circle, accompanying these actions with an imperative spell. After that, the spirits will obey and calm down. Thus, pentacles in combination with divine names indicate that the caster has every right to command the spirits.
One of the most famous functions of the magic circle is protective. Without a doubt, this is due to the fact that the operations of invoking spirits to a visible phenomenon are by their nature very serious and dangerous. The circle of art is often called a "fortress" or "castle", that is, it is associated with a military fortification, associated, at the same time, with the symbolism of royal power. In addition, the caster uses in his work the symbols of Mars - pentagrams and a sword. Those who favor a more friendly approach to the spirits question the usefulness of such aggressive symbolism, but it should be noted that the fortress is just a place to provide protection in case of need. A successful pact between mage and spirit can significantly reduce the amount of bellicose rhetoric in further operations, but you still need to stay alert.
An engraving by Robert Fludd (ill. 34) depicts angels protecting the circle on four sides, and the stream of the divine power of the Tetragrammaton pouring out on a kneeling figure in the center. Belief in archangels as protectors of the operator has survived in modern magical practice, as evidenced by the Ritual of the Pentagram already mentioned above.

[Fig. 34. Watchtowers (Robert Fludd).]

The Key of Solomon explains how the operator obtains divine protection and power over the spirits he intends to invoke. He must turn his face to all four directions of the world in turn and repeat the following words four times: “O Lord, be a strong protection for me from all manifestations and attacks of evil spirits.” Then he should again turn in turn to the four cardinal directions and say, addressing the spirits: “Here are the Symbols and Names of the Creator, which will inspire you with Horror and Fear. Obey me by the power of these Holy Names and these Secret Symbols of the Secret Secret." After that, he must read - again, to the four cardinal points - a spell that calls the spirit. According to the grimoire quoted, the magician must turn first to the east, then to the south, then to the west, and finally to the north; thus, the rotation occurs clockwise, or in the course of the sun.

[Fig. 35. Seal of Solomon ("Goetia")]

These pentacles and inexpressible names must be exalted with the highest reverence and surrounded by love; and one should look at them only in great reverence, for they are more sacred than all holy things for the protection of the body and soul.
- "The Key of Solomon as presented by the Greek Ptolemy"

[Fig. 36 (left). Pentacle ("Grimoire of Pope Honorius"). ill. 37 (center). Talisman of Arbatel ("Magic Arbatel"). ill. 38 (right). Seal AGLA (Lehner, "Symbols, signs and seals").]

And the pentacle from the "Grimoire of Pope Honorius", and the talisman of Arbatel, and the AGLA seal - all these are different pentacles of art. John Dee inscribed the AGLA seal on the back of his wax Sigillum Dei Aemeth, over which he placed a magical crystal for contemplating spirits. Exactly the same four round seals were placed under the legs of his "sacred table", on which the first seal and the crystal rested. Similar examples are found in Francis Barrett's Almadel and Magus. The "sealing" of the Sacred Table seems to be intended to provide security during magical work, and the fact that the Seals of God are placed under the legs of the table and under the crystal probably emphasizes that this work is based on the highest powers received from the deity. For such an educated magician as Dee, these considerations were extremely important, as evidenced by his pious prayers that preceded each operation of crystalmancy. Other drawings are also known that are functionally similar to the triangle of art: they placed a fortune-telling crystal, a bowl of water or a black mirror, in which the summoned spirits were to be shown.
The famous jeweler Benvenuto Cellini describes a magical operation, before which the necromancer who carried out the work handed him special pentacles to protect against spirits. In combination with such pentacles, foul-smelling substances like asafoetida or sulfur were used. During the evocation carried out in the Colosseum, Cellini resorted to the help of a clairvoyant boy.

[Fig. 39.]

The British Library has a manuscript depicting another similar circle containing the Kabbalistic abbreviation "KIS", which stands for "Kadosh Ieve Sabaoth" - "Holy God of Hosts" (ill. 39).
Of course, the pentacles of Solomon by that time were already well known among Western esotericists, and the said manuscript lists in detail the various powerful forces that were attributed to these seals. It was believed that they give help to their wearer and give him the power to curb spirits, protect from dangers and all enemies, overt and secret. They also give protection from poisons, from fear and inclement weather, and generally provide a person with perfect security in all circumstances. You can not be afraid of anything either in reality, or in a dream, or during a meal. The owner of these wonderful seals is under reliable protection both in travel, and at home, and in trade affairs, and in war; he is absolutely invulnerable and invincible. In addition, Solomon's pentacles extinguish fire, stop streams of water and instill fear of their owner in all living things, and also relieve all the dangers that threaten him from heaven, on earth and in the underworld.

[Fig. 40. The secret seal of Solomon ("Goetia")]

The secret seal of Solomon is mentioned in the Goetia as a means by which Solomon imprisoned spirits in a copper vessel and sealed this vessel with it. According to the text of the grimoire, it should be made on Saturday or Tuesday, that is, under the influence of Saturn or Mars.
The “Key of Solomon as narrated by the Greek Ptolemy” advises the operator to urgently warn his assistants that they should never leave the circle, even if they are frightened by something or tempted by some miracles. “And when the disciples enter and stand in the appointed places in the circle, let the master direct that they do not leave these appointed places under any circumstances, even if they see great miracles, or mountains and towers of fire falling on them, or the death of their father and their mothers, or the whole world is on the verge of destruction, [- in a word,] no matter what vicissitudes they see, let them not move from their place, for all of the above will not cause them any harm. From this text, again, it is unequivocal that the magic circle is intended to protect those within its borders.
Remembering the great importance attached to the names of people and entities endowed with notorious authority and power in evocation, some will probably be surprised to learn that spells made up of completely incomprehensible sounds and words were considered no less powerful. Similar gibberish or incoherent speech is called "barbaric names" or "barbaric words of power". In Lucian, Menippus mentions such "barbarian names" in the speech of Mitrobarzanes, the Chaldean magician, who helps him perform a necromantic operation: this "gray-haired old man with a noble beard<…>like bad heralds in a contest,<…>spoke very quickly and indistinctly; however, apparently, he called on some gods. All this happened in a circle that the elder outlined around Menippus. In grimoires, "barbarian words of power" are very common, and magicians who practice in line with this tradition warn that one should not deviate from the prescribed form of these names: their magical effect is a special sound that should not be distorted when pronounced. The divine names are powerful in their conventional forms, the meaning of which is generally clear enough; "barbaric" words influence through sound, not meaning. Nonsensical sequences of sounds create an atmosphere of "otherworldliness", putting the operator into a trance and thereby revealing the subtle perception necessary to communicate with the supernatural world.

Divination and treasure hunting

Since divination is a very broad subject, I will limit myself here to examples of using magic circles to obtain information about future events or to question angels, demons and other spiritual entities on certain topics. The topic of divination can be absolutely anything, although the most popular, apparently, were questions about the return of the stolen and the capture of the thief.
Above, in connection with the protective function of pentacles, we have already mentioned the famous Renaissance sculptor and jeweler Benvenuto Cellini, but here it is worth adding that Cellini decided to take part in the magical ceremony in order to ask the spirits about his beloved. Carefully drawing circles on the ground, the necromancer summoned the spirits and ordered them to answer the artist's question.
Any search for knowledge - whether mundane or spiritual - with the help of spirits falls under the definition of divination. And in the grimoires there are a great many examples related to this practice. So, in the "Goetia" we meet whole line spirits capable of informing the operator of information about certain people or places, about the past, present and future.

Demons of the "Goetia", responsible for acquiring knowledge or penetrating the secrets of the past, present and future

Vassago (No. 3). Announces the past and the future and finds all that is hidden or lost.
Marbas (#5). Truthfully answers questions about the hidden and the secret.
Amon (#7). Reports on all past and future affairs.
Barbatos (#8). Knows about all the affairs of the past and future.
Paimon (#9). Teaches all arts and sciences, and other arcane things.
Gusion (No. 11). He talks about all things - past, present and future, and reveals the meaning and solutions of all questions that you ask him.
Eligos (#15). Reveals the secret and knows what is to come.
Botis (#17). Talks about all things past and future.
Purson (#20). He knows about everything secret and can open treasures and report on all the affairs of the past, present and future.
Ipos (No. 22). He knows all that was, is, and is to come.
Glasia-Labolas (No. 25). Instructs in all past and future matters.
Berit (No. 28). Gives truthful answers about what was, is and is to come.
Astaroth (No. 29). Gives truthful answers about what was, is and is to come, and can reveal any secrets.
Gaap (#33). Answer truthfully and fully about what was, is, and is to come.
Furfur (No. 34). Gives truthful answers about secret and divine matters.
Raum (#40). Tells about everything that was, is and is to come.
Wine (No. 45). Reveal hidden things<…>and deeds past, present and future.
Uvall (#47). Reports on matters past, present and future.
Balam (No. 51). Gives truthful answers about what was, is and is to come.
Orobas (No. 55). Discover everything past, present and future.
Gremory (#56). Reports on all the affairs of the past, present and future.
Howres (#64). Gives truthful answers about everything that was, is and is to come.

Prophetic dreams

In The Accursed Book of Honorius, a magic circle is mentioned, which is drawn on wet ashes scattered around a couch or bed. Around it, in turn, it is supposed to draw 100 names of God. After cleansing and consecrating with water and incense, the caster lies down to sleep on this bed in order to dream of "the heavenly chamber, and the majesty of the Lord in all His glory, and nine angelic ranks and hosts of all blessed spirits. The grimoire emphasizes that purity is necessary for the success of such an operation. Prophetic visions that visit a person during sleep in a magic circle or after working in it are also mentioned in other grimoires. In the "Munich Manual", for example, the operator is advised to write the divine names and the names of the angels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael in a circle with a double ring for this purpose and pronounce a special formula over it so that "the dream is not forgotten." Having repeated the spell three times, the magician must put this drawing under his right ear before going to bed, and then angels will appear to him in a dream and provide the necessary information.

Crystalmancy

Famous examples of crystalmancy are the operations of John Dee and Edward Kelly, who conversed with angels using a crystal ball or an obsidian mirror. The experiments of Nostradamus, who used a round bowl of water instead of a mirror, are also widely known. Other descriptions of such practices indicate that after drawing the circle, the operator had recourse to the help of a child (usually a boy) who acted as a medium or clairvoyant. Having read the spells, the operator asked questions to the child, and he answered them, looking into a mirror, a crystal ball, a bowl of water, or even into a puddle of ink on his palm. To see the spirits, a reflective surface was required. In one experiment of this kind, a mirror smeared with olive oil was used, and the magician recited spells standing in a circle sprinkled around the perimeter with vervain grass.

[Fig. 41. Ceremonial implements for crystal-mancy depicted in Francis Barrett's The Magician: three magic circles, wand, candles, and incense-burning tripod.]

[Fig. 42. Treasure hunters in a magic circle (Hans Weiditz Jr., also known as the "master of Petrarch", c. 1520).]

In this charming engraving, we see four people working in a magic circle: a master and three assistants, one of whom holds a lantern, the other a book, and the third is preparing to dig up the treasure. The scenes depicted in the background allude to the acquisition of both spiritual and material treasures. The demon trying to interfere with the operators is outside the circle and cannot get inside. The assistant with the shovel turned his back on the demon, defiantly ignoring him. He looks at his teacher, who encourages him with confident words.
Circles in fig. 43 and 44 have a number of common features: there are candles on the sides of the central triangle, and a fire burns at the top of the triangle. In addition, on all these drawings, places are marked for the "karcist" and two assistants. One possible etymology of the word "karcist" is from cirque or lat. circus, "a circle"; in other words, a karcist is one who works with circles. In addition, the circle from the "Great Grimoire" is marked "Route du T", that is, "the path to the treasure", and also contains the letters JHS - the first three letters of the name "Jesus" in the Greek version (this divine name serves here for protection). According to the Grand Grimoire, these letters should be inscribed along the base of the triangle so that "spirits cannot do you any harm."

[Fig. 43. Magic circle indicating "the path to the treasure" (French edition of the "Grand Grimoire"). ill. 44. Option ill. 31 (alternate edition of The Grand Grimoire).]

As part of the second circle, from the Black Hen, there is no path to the treasure, and the circle itself is surrounded by a ring containing various sigils, astrological symbols, and possibly distorted Hebrew letters. These two circles are sometimes referred to as "treaty circles". In one of the most popular scenes of grimoire magic - the conclusion of a pact with Lucifuge Rofokal - the magician demands that this spirit endow him with wealth, and even threatens him with divine names when he is initially stubborn. In the end, the spirit agrees to the magician's demand, but puts forward counter-conditions, and as a result, the two parties enter into an agreement.

[Fig. 45. Goetic circle of black evocations and contracts (Eliphas Levi, Higher Magic).]

On ill. 45 reproduced the "circle of contracts" from Eliphas Levi's book "Higher Magic", where it is characterized as a "goetic circle of black evocations and contracts." According to Levi's extremely picturesque and ominous description, the physical basis for such a circle was the skin flayed from the sacrificial animal and nailed to the floor with four coffin nails. Next to the nail heads were placed the head of a black cat, a human skull, a bat and goat horns; these four objects marked the four cardinal directions. The presence of a brazier with fire, two candles and another monogram of Christ makes this circle related to the two previous ones. By the way, such a monogram of Christ is classified as an axial symbol and, therefore, emphasizes the importance of the center and orientation to the cardinal points.

[Fig. 46. ​​Treasure circle ("The sixth and seventh books of Moses")]

On ill. 46 shows the circle of art depicted on the title page of a text called "Shemhamforash" from the appendix to the Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses. The text itself states that this circle was taken “from the secret Bible of Moses” and “will certainly bring to light the Earthly Treasures, if it is buried in the Earth that stores the Treasure.” In its structure, the motif of a compass rose is used - an obvious allusion to indicating the path to the treasure.

[Fig. 47. Drawing from an illustrated manuscript of the XIV century "The Pilgrimage of Life": a necromancer in a magic circle and a demon carrying treasures to him.]

Demons of the "Goetia", specializing in the search for treasures

Barbatos (#8). Reveals hidden treasures sealed with magic spells.
Purson (#20). Can open treasures.
Foras (No. 31). Can open treasures.
Asmodeus (#32). Shows the place where the treasure is buried.
Raum (#40). His service is to steal treasures from royal houses and bring them where he is ordered.
Shax (#44). (The description of this demon directly mentions the triangle.)
Gremory (#56). Reports<…>about hidden treasures and where they are buried.
Ami (#58). Can open treasures guarded by spirits.
Volak (No. 62). Gives truthful answers about hidden treasures.
Kimeyes (#66). Finds lost and hidden things and treasures.
Seere (No. 70). Truthfully tells<…>about treasures.
Andromalius (#72). Opens treasures.

Laws against treasure hunters

In England, in 1563, a law was passed prohibiting the use of magic and divination to recover stolen goods and to search for treasure. This law was based on the biblical prohibition formulated in Deuteronomy: “You should not have a soothsayer, a fortuneteller, a soothsayer, a sorcerer, a charmer, summoning spirits, a magician and questioning the dead.”

[Fig. 48. Portrait of John Dee (Casobon, "True and honest story...").]

John Dee took this law as a threat to his research. He himself considered his experiments essentially scientific, but he understood that the authorities might have a different opinion on this matter, and he tried to obtain from Elizabeth I, through the mediation of Lord Cecil, official permission to search for treasures "by the means used by philosophers and mathematicians" . However, his request was not granted. Woolley suggests that such permission, if given, would give Dee a monopoly on all the treasures he could find, when by law any treasures found in the ground belonged to the queen herself. In fact, Dee was not at all chasing after all the treasures of the English land: to replenish his library or collection of scientific instruments, he would have been quite content with a small pot of gold.

Contemporary examples

Magic circles still occupy an important place in the arsenal of the modern ritualist. The esoteric societies and groups that use the Circle of Art in their practice are numerous, but I will confine myself here to examples from a few of the most influential and original traditions.
The Golden Dawn, which operated at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries, was primarily a magical brotherhood, and the rituals of the pentagram and hexagram, which in its practice are assigned essential role, in structure and function, are largely similar to the purpose of the magic circle in the earlier grimoire tradition. They are also related to the circle of art by the method of going around sacral center, and appeals to the four cardinal directions, and Solomon's seal and shield.

[Fig. 49. Circle of Art for Operation Barzabel (Crowley, "Liber CCCXXV").]

The circle of art described by Aleister Crowley in Magick: Liber ABA also goes back to the Golden Dawn tradition. Crowley's circle combines the symbolism of the changing aeons with Kabbalistic symbolism developed in the Golden Dawn. Crowley places the tau-cross inside the circle and correlates these two symbols with the sacred pairs of opposites in various mystical traditions. The union of the circle with the cross is a prototype of the union of opposites in general and, therefore, one of the emblems of the Great Work, or "chemical wedding." In addition, Crowley stresses the importance of the central symmetry and balance of the circle, by which the magician "asserts his identity with infinity." The size of the circle, according to Crowley, should be determined by the size of the squares that make up the tau cross, and these, in turn, are based on the proportions of the altar. Recalling that the size of the altar depends on the height of the operator, Crowley advises that there are "a few moral lessons" to be drawn from this. One possible "lesson" of this kind is that the circle is also the union of the microcosm with the macrocosm, and therefore a symbol in itself. magnum opus.
But no matter how sublime all these correspondences, the telemic circle of art retains its traditional applied functions. The main of these functions, protective, is expressed in a stern warning that the magician must not "neither go beyond the circle, nor even lean outward, otherwise hostile external forces will destroy him." Outside the circle, Crowley has pentagrams, which he describes as "Fortresses at the Edge of the Abyss": "They drive away the forces of darkness that might otherwise break through into the Circle." Additional protection to the magician is provided by the sacred names of God. Elements such as the tau-cross and the kabbalistic decimal are quite modern innovations, but functionally they also remain within the framework of the grimoire tradition, which prescribes that the magic circle be strictly oriented to the cardinal points. Valuable evidence of working with the magic circle is contained in the book "The Vision and the Voice", which describes the operation of invoking Choronzon, which Crowley performed with Victor Neuburg in 1909.

[Fig. 50. Double uroboric circle for the HU ritual (Chumbley, "Dragon Grimoire")]

Another interesting and important example of a modern magic circle is found in the Dragon's Grimoire, compiled by Andrew Chumbley and other initiates of the Cultus Sabbati witch order. This Book of the Dragon also contains the usual single circle model, but in this example, the "Land of Blood" (ie the site of the operation) is outlined by a double circle - the uroboric symbol of infinity. This double circle, in which the signs are not drawn on the ground, but applied with special powders, seals the operation, like a double seal. The junction of the circles - the equatorial line dividing north and south - is called the "Midnight Gate"; and the north and south themselves are marked respectively with a skull and a heart. Access to the second circle - to the "Limit of non-setting stars" - through the mentioned gates is opened with the help of a two-pronged staff - stanga. These gates are closely connected with the symbolism of life and death, as well as with the idea of ​​a magical transition from the ordinary, earthly circle to the outer zone of the “other world”. In addition, by constructing the second circle, the magician thereby invites into this world his nightly "body of dreams", a subtle likeness of his body shell. Magic circles described in the Book of the Dragon, like other circles of the art, are supposed to be built taking into account the time suitable for those other operations: in some cases it is appropriate to use a single circle, and in some - a double one.

[Fig. 51. The magician in the magic circle ("The Pilgrimage of Life")]

Conclusion

Having built a magic circle and entered it, the magician thereby asserted his place in the divine hierarchy - with all the powers, knowledge and guarantees of protection that accompany this place. This was done in order to gain spiritual knowledge and material power in the earthly world, following the example of those kings and patriarchs who were credited with the authorship of grimoires.
In this monograph, I have tried to demonstrate the basic forms and functions of the magic circle as found in grimoires and in traditional ceremonial practice. The abundance of examples cited shows how varied and multi-purpose such schemes can be, provided that the principles on which they are based are properly understood. In its basic form, the "circle of art" is a combination of a circle with a square - a field of activity for the communication of the natural world with the supernatural, the microcosm with the macrocosm; and this combination in itself is a well-known magic formula in Western esotericism called "Squaring the circle." Note. transl Note. translation

See Yosef Dan's article on Kabbalah in Hanegraaf, Dictionary of Gnosis and Western Esotericism.

Abbreviation of the Hebrew phrase "Ate Gibor le-Olam Adonai" - "Forever and ever you are strong, O Lord."

John Dee's Sigillum Dei Aemeth (The Seal of the God of Truth) has been reproduced in many other books, so there is no need to quote it here. There is no doubt that one of its prototypes was the so-called "Seal of God" from Dee's copy of Liber Juratus, a manuscript that he had read even before he began to talk with angels. See: Stephan Clucas, ‘Non est legendum sed inspicendum solum’: Inspectival knowledge and the visual logic of John Dee’s Liber Mysteriorum in Emblems and Alchemy est legendum sed inspicendum solum’: Inspectival knowledge and the visual logic of John Dee’s Liber Mysteriorum in Emblems and Alchemy ed. Alison Adams and Stanton J. Linden.

This article is devoted to such a topic as a protective circle.
A protective magic circle must be used without fail, unless of course you want to get hit hard by the entities of the other world.

Everyone, at the first stages of their practice of magic, at some point wants to conduct a ritual (it doesn’t matter what, the principle goes here; “if only there was”), thereby allowing themselves to feel the power of themselves and their strength, not bothering to protect themselves from danger from outside otherworldly world. In this article, we will look at the principle of protection called " protective circle”, which I myself have been using for more than a year.

Protective circle - theory

Let's start with theory. The circle itself symbolizes a closed space, infinity, cyclicity. The circle was used as a defense even in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, in order to protect the priests from danger during the ritual. Being inside the circle, you are, as it were, on a small island in the middle of a raging ocean.
So, let's finish with the theory and proceed directly to the manufacture of the magic circle.

Protective circle - practice

1 Six hours before applying the magic circle to the surface, alcohol-containing drinks, smoking, swearing, and sex should not be drunk on this place. Ideally, of course, it is recommended that you have a special room for your magic, but if this is not the case, then at least follow these rules!

2 The circle is usually drawn in chalk, its radius should be approximately 160-180 centimeters, that is, the height of an average person, but in the conditions of modern “Khrushovka” you can’t boast of a special scale, and it is allowed to use a smaller circle, but the circle should be no less than the length of your elongated hands, since with smaller sizes you cannot physically fit into it with your accessories (an altar, in other cases mirrors, etc.)

3 In the first circle (outer circle) an eight-pointed star is drawn in such a way that its corners look at all cardinal points.

Next, draw a second circle at a distance of 10-15 centimeters (about a little more than your palm) from the first circle and put candles in it for all eight corners of the world (North North (N), South (S) - South (S), East (B ) - East (O), West (3) - West (W) and northeast (NO) - northeast, Northwest (NW) - northwest, Southeast (SO) - southeast, Southwest (SW) - southwest).
3 And finally, at the same distance from the second circle, a third circle is drawn, into which a five-pointed star fits, one of the rays of which should point to the east.

Destruction of the protective magic circle

After the ritual, the circle should be destroyed, as it will be a kind of portal to other world and will always function. Huge Request. You don’t have to hope for a chance and think that if you close it with a carpet, then nothing will happen and you can use it in subsequent rituals, then firstly you will leave the portal uncontrolled by you, and next time it will definitely let you down.

The protective circle is removed as follows. Take the ritual knife, raise it above your head and visualize the fiery circle you have drawn being drawn into the knife. We repeat the same with each side of the world, but in reverse order (that is, counterclockwise). Further, the physical circle itself is gently washed with a cloth (not a floor cloth, but a cloth, which you can burn due to severe contamination, but not throw it away, or flush it down the toilet).

Magic circle - conclusion

We examined one of the types of protective circles. It will come in handy for divination rituals, calling the deceased (we will talk about this later), causing damage, cursing and removing them.

This circle should NOT be used to summon demonic creatures!!! It is simply not designed for such power, there are other types of circles and rituals for this.

What magic circle? It is a very powerful protective tool in magical practices. It performs a number of necessary functions, without which the magician - even a beginner, even a professional - will not be able to reveal all his inner potential and innate abilities.

Moreover, without such a tool, the most harmless magical action can negatively affect a person’s condition.

This is a reliable protection from the harmful effects of the strongest energies, protection from evil spirits endlessly hovering in the atmosphere, help from most of the problems that arise during rituals. And it is also a guarantee that the magician will not make mistakes in the course of his actions.

The complexity of the magic circle and its outline depends on the level of the rite and the symbolism used.

We can say that the circle in magic is a symbol of a safe enclosed space. Its boundaries separate a person from everything unnecessary and harmful.

This is the personification of the infinity of our universe. The magician, being inside the magical figure, stands at the central point of Eternity. At that moment, he can change the world.

What are magic circles for?

Experienced magicians and sorcerers advise beginners to carry out any rituals, ceremonies or exercises in magical circles.

Why do you even need a defensive figure? Here are its main properties:

• Creation of personal space.

• Powerful protection from evil demonic entities penetrating into our world from other realities.

• The accumulation of ritual energy within a vicious circle.

• Withdrawal of any witchcraft influence- damage, evil eye, fear. All negativity is collected in a single energy ball and cannot go beyond the closed space.

Some sorcerers and black magicians use this tool for their evil purposes. But at the very beginning of the development of magic, he was considered just a powerful amulet.

If you have a desire to summon spirits or hold powerful rite, do not rush to immediately create a protective circle. To begin with, check the level of your knowledge and skills - study the magic circles and their meanings. In fact, this process can be quite dangerous.

Types of magic circles

Among the varieties of protective circles, it is worth highlighting:

• drawn in chalk - the most common option;

• poppy or grain (the Slavs used it to protect against dead enemies and evil spirits penetrating our world from the other world);

• created with light (usually the magician uses a lot of wax candles);

• sound(mages only) top level can correctly fill the magical space with sacred sounds);

• verbal(this option is available only to a select circle of magicians and sorcerers, since it is difficult to keep the energy within the boundaries of the delineated space with the help of verbal magic).

How to create a magic circle?

There are several steps in creating magic circles:

• Preferably a day (if not possible, then at least a couple of hours) before the ritual, give up cigarettes and alcohol. Also, do not allow yourself to swear or fight.

• White chalk is used to draw the circle. In some cases, small stones are needed. These are the simplest options.

• The radius of the circle depends on the growth of the magician. This is an important point - you cannot be inside a shape that is smaller than necessary.

• First, the outer circle is created - this is the first element. Inside it, draw a star with eight rays, four of which should be directed clearly to the cardinal points.

• Step back a short distance (about the size of your palm) and do another one.

• Place a candle on each ray of the star.

• Retreat the same distance again, and create the final element - the third. Enter in it five-pointed star, one corner of which points to the east.

Beginners are sometimes allowed to use a simplified procedure for creating a protective circle. First, an external element is drawn with a five-pointed star inside, and then an internal element for the performer of the ritual.

In any case, after completing the rite, you must completely destroy the ritual area. There is a danger that evil demons and other astral beings can cross into our world through it.

And the first to suffer from this will be you. Loss of vitality, deterioration of health and general condition - all these are symptoms of the negative impact of the "gap" you created.

The destruction procedure is not complicated. You will need an ordinary ritual knife: lift it high on outstretched arms and hold it slightly above your head. Visualize energy flowing into the blade. Turn to each side of the world and repeat this action. After that, wipe off the line drawn in chalk with a damp cloth and spray the place with water from a natural source.

How to open and close a circle?

To open the elemental circle, you need to activate the powers of all four elements. Remember: you can only move clockwise.

• Look to the East, light the incense and say:

Swipe incense across the eastern area of ​​the figure and imagine how the element Air becomes stronger.

• The turn has come to activate the southern part of the world and the fire element.

Say, facing South and holding a burning candle in your hand:

Fumigate the southern part of the circle with a candle flame - you create the border of Fire.

• Turn to the West and say clearly:

At the same time, do not let go of the stone - a symbol of the earth element.

• The northern part is activated like this:

Sprinkle this area of ​​​​the ritual zone with pre-prepared water, so the North is associated with Water.

• Now stand in the center of the outlined space (this place is called the altar) and say:

To create a special atmosphere of magic, you can light candles and use aromatic oils.

But to close the protective area, move counterclockwise.

Turn to the North and say:

Repeat the same words for the western, southern and eastern sides.

And to complete the ritual, say the following spell:

As can be seen from the above, the rite does not require special paraphernalia. And, if the size of your home allows, you can spend it at home.

Within the walls of your own home, you will feel more confident and relaxed. This will allow you to establish contact with the spirit world much faster.

Alena Golovina— psychic, white witch, master of Cosmoenergetics,site author

Interesting

One of the simplest and most useful spells is to protect your own home. This ritual protects your house and everyone in it from spiritual or even physical attack (but in order to reliably protect yourself from physical threats, do not forget to lock the doors and use the alarm if necessary!) It also helps to dispel negative energy, entering the home from the outside.

The protective circle can be used in a variety of situations, for example, when performing magical rites and some other actions (, necrobiotic rites, etc.). AT this case it turns into an invisible border between two worlds - ours and the other world.

Here's what you need:

• salt
• concentration
• Full moon

How to perform the ceremony

According to an old tradition, salt must be bought at the market on the "men's" day (in other words, on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday). When you have salt, leave the house. It is best to read, but in case of an urgent need for protection, the ceremony is allowed to be performed on any other day.

Salt repels negative energy

Move clockwise (in the old days this direction of movement was called "salting") from your front door around the house and sprinkle salt around the perimeter. This should be done without haste and fuss. Be careful not to sprinkle salt on any ornamental plants, and if possible, don't sprinkle salt on the grass.

Pure salt protects this house and everyone who lives here. She will keep those who try to harm us from the house, protect us from negativity, enemy anger and midnight fear.

Then say out loud:

This home is secure negative energies and dark forces. May it be so!

In the process of performing the ritual, you must also actively visualize the energy barrier that is forming around your home. You can imagine it as you like, for example, as a sparkling azure dome or as an impregnable stone wall.

The reader may have a legitimate question - but what if I do not live in a private cottage, but in an apartment building? In this case, you can act in two ways. First, you can create a protective circle around the entire house (and then its impact will extend not only to your family, but also to your neighbors).

Secondly, you can act according to a simplified scheme and pour salt in a semicircle near your front door. The effectiveness of such a rite will be somewhat lower, but it is better to have mediocre protection than not to have any.

In witchcraft, as in other magical systems, the protective circle is of great importance. Without it, performing any magical actions is very dangerous. The protective circle protects from the negative influence of subtle energies, protects from the negative impact of astral beings, which often accompany any magical act, and from a host of other problems that may arise as a result of a witch's mistake.

Naturally, the more serious the ritual, the greater value acquires a magic circle, and its symbolism becomes more complicated.

The protective circle symbolizes a closed space, it outlines the boundaries, separates what is inside from what is outside. He personifies the "island" in the boundless sea of ​​Being. The circle is also a symbol of infinity. Thus, the witch, standing in the center of it, is in the center of eternity, in the center of the entire Universe, and therefore is endowed with the ability to change the world, because magic is the art of changing the surrounding space.

Almost all of her actions, rituals and the manufacture of amulets, amulets and talismans, and, if possible, exercises, the witch is recommended to perform in a magic circle.

The magic circle is created in the following way.

1. Three hours before the creation of the magic circle, where it will be, you can not drink alcohol, smoke and use foul language,

2. The circle is usually outlined with white chalk or laid out with pebbles. Its radius traditionally corresponds to the growth of the one who conducts the ritual, but a smaller size is allowed, especially in a modern city apartment. But, in no case, the protective magic circle should not be less than the length of your outstretched arm.

3. The outer circle is the first circle. Enter an octagonal star into it (two squares superimposed on each other) so that its corners look strictly to the cardinal points. Then, from the first circle, draw another circle at the distance of the palm of your hand. Place candles in each of the eight directions of light.

4. Then, at a palm's distance from the previous circle, draw another circle (you will get three circles) and draw a five-pointed star in it so that one of the corners points to the east.

Sometimes a simplified form of the ritual protective circle is used, when one outer circle is drawn, then a five-pointed star, at the corners of which candles are placed, and another inner circle is drawn inside the pentagram.

After the ritual, it is desirable to destroy the protective circle, otherwise it will turn into a “door” through which evil spirits and demons can enter our world, and you, through the “gap” formed, will lose your vitality and, ultimately, you can soon die.

To destroy the magical protective circle, you must first remove its astral projection. To do this, take it again in both hands, raise it above your head and imagine how the fiery pattern you created is drawn into it. Repeat the same for each side of the world, but in reverse order. Disassemble the physical circle counterclockwise, and sprinkle the place with water.