Question about Casting Circles and Altars

[Ruin Feri]

Well, I've been trying to cast a circle now that I have a few books on it. But everytime I do, I don't really feel anything other than silly. Though after I cast a circle the first time and banished it, I think I felt or sensed that there was a circle where I cast the circle that was..well...pure or clean...I don't know, maybe my imagination's gone ahead of me or I'm just wishing too hard. What should I do about my feeling silly about this? I've also never actually "seen" white or blue energy pouring out of my finger as I do this, though a book I'm reading says not to worry about that as my imagination will eventually develop and influence my sight while I'm doing this. Also, are there certain spells that you DON'T need to cast a circle for? I've read spells that you do before going to bed...do I need to cast a circle on my bed or something so that when I chant the spell, it'll work?

Also, my other questions were about altars. I have a small altar set up made of pieces of breaking boards (for Tae-kwon-Do), but I do want to use a white cloth to cover it. Can I cut up an old shirt to do this, or do I really need to go to a fabric store and specifically buy white fabric?

 

[Angel Bruja]

An old shirt is fine as long as it's clean. You use what resources you can.
I feel weird casting a circle too. I think envisioning one is just as good, so sometimes I try that.  

[Dragoness Arleeana]

Whatever you want to use a cloth is just fine, so long as it's clean. Yeah, we all feel a bit silly when we first start. I feel silly waving a wand around to cast so I either use my athame, use salt, or just imagine it. (that's probably best for you)

Not all spells need a circle. You need a circle when doing an extended ritual so that something harmful can't get in and ruin your magic. If you're doing a spell to give you good dreams then you should cast a circle, to keep the bad dreams out. Pretty much all spells need a circle. The only kind that don't are the kind where you make sachels or something with herbs to help promote something (but that's a charm, not a spell). I suggest always using a circle, it doesn't hurt.  

[Freyis]

I agree with the dragoness using a circle is always a good idea for extended spells or ceremony and being uncomfortable is natural right at first. I felt so stupid the first time I did it because I couldn't envision it the way the book I was reading at the time explained it eventually though I began to adapt the ritual of casting the circle to fit me better. Remember to keep trying and adapt it so it feels more comfortable to you.

 

[Kitanya_Rose]

I also suggest to hit garage sales. You'd be surprised what you can find for a buck or two... I stocked my first altar completely from garage sales and goodwill. It was awesome.

As for the casting part, eventually it becomes second nature. Anymore I do more a mental casting, rather than drawing it out with a wand or dagger. I don't suppose you remember riding a bike for the first time. I do.. it felt wierd and awkward. Same with driving a car. Now, no big deal...  

[Diana_Moon]

I feel silly sometimes...I do more visualizing than actually drawing of the circle, though.  

[WitchyBoy]

well the fabric thing is fine, i was doing that for a long time too, as for the feeling silly bit, thats fine its always weird in the beginning but it becomes second nature soon enough, i would advise practicing raising energy in the form of a circle around you as practice for casting the circle.  

[The gypsy Queen]

i have a question also, my alter is against a wall. so when i cast a circle, do i just pretend the wall is not there?  

[too2sweet]

You can visualize the altar being at the very edge of the circle and cast the circle so that the wall is the boundary line of your circle. Or you can just ignore the wall and cast your circle just a bit wider than the room. Whatever works for you.  

[Dragoness Arleeana]

lol, mine's against the wall as well, I just make it the limit of the circle. Mines...kind of big, I wouldn't be able to have it in the middle of the room if I wanted to. xd

I have a suggestion that might help you feel a bit more comfortable working spells. Set up your altar with candles and all that good stuff. cast your circle how you feel most comfortable, and then just do whatever comes naturally and feel "right" with the altar. I do this when I can't decide what to do, I often end up doing spell work right then and there, it's great for trying to get used to spell-working.  

[The gypsy Queen]

thanks so much, both of you!  

[Faerth]

I know this might sound weird, but so that I can see the circle, I usually make a circle on the ground with sea salt... sweatdrop

Also, I cast it on dirt, not concrete, or any of that crud. It's because my goddess that I worship is Gaia... kinda awkward... sweatdrop