The directions and elements

The 4 elements pot, showing the side of fire. To the left is water as a waterfall, and to the right air (a butterfly)...and on the opposite back side, a cave demonstrates the element of earth.

Where do you learn how to cast a circle with calling the 4 basic elements and the five directions?

Celtic paganism has been rediscovered in the last century, and is built upon the best of imaginary rites that probably have a few roots in the rituals that existed prior to the Burning Times of the Inquisition. Neo-pagans everywhere use somewhat the same ideas, calling upon the 4 cardinal directions with attributes that are similar to each. The 5th direction is center. North American natives have their ways...and we borrow from them many times. A Medicine Wheel has the four basic directions, as well as many others.

When asked about why a circle has the directions called, and where that came from, I referred to several of my favorite sources...but there are many more. Starhawk was my first teacher, in "The Spiral Dance." Barbara Walker gave many easy to read rituals, and Patricia Monaghan offers delicious descriptions of seasonal celebrations. These yearly holy rituals are designed to create sacred space.

Sacred space is simply a space apart from the regular world of our duties, obligations and sense of self. We can get in touch with a deeper Self when we set aside a place and time to cast the circle. If you get a sense of spiritual renewal when meditating or in church, this is very similar...and doesn't depend upon a mandated method of procedures. Each circle becomes the place and time that the participants create...and each is totally different.

The basics are the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, and what these elements suggest to us humans.

Photo by Annie...thanks for reminder of our fire pit for Imbolc this year.

Fire is a source of heat, our passions, and represents the direction of the south.

A goddess of old, whose wings suggest the air element. Air is the element of quick movements, communications, and our breath...and comes from the East.

The water element is delightful, whether to drink, play with, or just look at. Water also reminds us of how we float in our dreams, and is represented by the West.

Earth element reminds us of chemicals, rocks, concrete, mountains, and the wisdom of the Earth Mother. The north is where to look for the Earth element.

Center of every circle includes the third dimension of a circle...creating an orb or sphere by going up and down, not just around on a flat plane. The Center is grounded where our feet stand, as well as gifted from the heights that extend into outer space.

I've been part of many circles, and it wasn't until I stopped reading someone's scripted "calling of the directions" that I learned what they really mean...different things to each of us, different suggestions each time a circle is cast. The whole idea isn't to do things "right" but to express your inner self in creating a place for having something special. We each are responsible for that creation, and for how special it may be.

Of course, this is just one woman's opinion!