Sacred Space

Calling in the Directions

In many cultures it is believed that the human soul shares characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the directions; East, South, West, North & Center. So when we call the directions, we are inviting and aligning ourselves with these elements. The energy of each element emphasizes those things that will help you with your intention. In order to shift consciousness and focus the energy towards the intention, we remove everyday distractions by casting a Circle. Casting a circle or “Closing the Circle” creates a container for the energy that will be raised – “to boil water, you need a pot.” The Elements

“Closing the Circle“

To invoke/”call in” the elements and powers of the directions we start in the east where the sun rises and move in a clockwise (deasil/sunwise) circle until we face the center. You can sing, drum, mediate silently or call out to each direction as you go…OR you may simply say “welcome east”. Below is a chant you can use.

Four Directions Chant

Facing East – By the air that is her breath

Facing South – By the fire of her bright spirit

Facing West – By the waters of her living womb.

Facing North – And by the earth that is her body

Facing center – The Circle is Cast

The ritual has begun. (May this circle protect me/us from all that is harmful and let in all that is healing.) We are between the worlds. What lies between the worlds can change the world.

Optional Center Chant & Hand Movement: Hold one hand high and one hand low, bringing them together at the heart. Saying,“Powers above, shimmering shining ones, and powers below, magma heart of Mother Earth, Welcome.”

Now you have created Sacred Space, a container for your ritual.

“Opening the Circle”

After you have completed your ritual, it is always important to release the container you have created. Start by giving thanks the directions, the mystery and the spirits that assisted the ritual, then you ground & release the energy back into the world by “Opening the Circle” back up. You can either repeat the chant above or simply say goodbye to the directions moving in a circle counterclockwisefrom N – E (wintershins) and return to face Center once again. You may want to end by saying something like, “The circle is open but unbroken. May the peace of the Goddess go in your hearts. Merry Meet and Merry Part and Merry Meet Again.”

Resources

12 Swans and The Spiral Dance by Starhawk, Reclaiming Tradition, Witch Vox