Casting a Circle

Before all rites a circle is cast. Traditionally of 9 feet in diameter, (space permitting), the circle is made to create an inner space. A circle is cast using an athane, Starting at the North, circling three times in a deosil (clockwise) direction. A candle is lit, invoking first the Goddess and then the Horned God. Sometimes only the Goddess is invoked.

The candles and any tools used should have first been consecrated and annointed.

Upon the alter there is a pentacle. The four quarters, are invited to witness and guard over the ceremony. These are the Cardinal points of a compass, North, South, East and West and are each assigned a particular element:-

North is Earth
South is Fire
East is Air
West is Water

These elements are often referred to as Watch Towers, and each are represented by a Guardian Spirit. After casting a circle, each Guardian Spirit is invited in turn, to watch over the Rite, and welcomed by saying "Hale and Welcome". After the Rite is over, each Guardian Spirit is thanked, ending with "Hale and Farewell".
The Goddess and Horned God are also thanked and "Hale and Farewell" is said to each.
The Circle is then exited but left intact to dissipate of it's own accord.

Ceremonies, if possible should be performed outdoors, to be at one with nature, a safe, private sacred space should be sought, a back garden is ideal if not overlooked by neighbours. Although our ancestors did not have access to the bathing facilities we have, it is good before a ritual to cleanse our body, a bath in water to which salt and an essential oil such as lavendar has been added helps to wash away the daily "dirt" both mental and physical of the twenty first century. Afterwards, lovingly choose some favourite clothes to wear, appropriate to where the circle is to be cast, ie indoors or outdoors. Most often, solo witches such as myself, usually celebrate indoors.
I would like to stress that there is no need whatsoever to perform a rite naked, or skyclad as some like to call it, unless you are a naturist and are comfortable that way. The main emphasise is on feeling relaxed and comfortable, this is paramount to creating good magick. Never ever do anything that you aren't 100% at ease with, no matter what anyone tells you, follow your own instincts.
After the rite, "ground" yourself by returning to "earth", this can be done by walking around bare-footed, using a grounding crystal such as smokey quartz placed between the feet, or my favourite, taking a communion of wine with cake or bread.

Most witches use meditation and/or the ancient technique of opening the Chakras, to obtain a state of awareness, whereby the brain is giving out alpha - rythmns (a calm, peaceful, but awake state of mind).