Merry Meet Seeker, A very good question indeed.

There are many ways in which you can cast a circle. The first thing to know is the reason for casting a circle. This is mainly to provide a safe place for us to work our spells. Malevolent spirits cannot come into our safe place because we have created a boundary beyond which they are not allowed. This boundary will be as strong as ourselves. If we are very strong, our circles will be so strong that no spirit can cross through while we have closed the circle. Many of the magickal experts use nothing but their energy to cast this circle. Some may use their Athame to draw the line in the air to mark the circle. The circle extends upwards as well as downwards. So make sure that there is no one living below your floor who can negate your sacred circle of energy. When you are ready to work on a spell, clean and cleanse the area around the altar first. Then stand in the center of the area where you visualize your circle to be. Center yourself and reign in your thoughts. Connect to the energy of the Earth below you and the energy of the sky above you. Visualize the energies around you swirling and shape it into a thick ball of energy that is smooth and round and fills the space that you are in.There is no time limit to work into this space and initially, you may need some time to move this energy around to your desire. When you feel that the energy is just right, invite the Deities and the Elements so that they can assist you with the spell working. If you wish to go out of this space, perhaps to get an item you forgot, remember to cut a door with your Athame and also put it back when you have retrieved the item and back in the circle. When you have completed the spell working, you should take down the circle in the exact way you set it up, except that you do all the steps in reverse. First thank the deities and elements for assisting you and then take down the circle. Coax the energies back into where they came from and your spell is done. Hope this helps you understand the importance of practicing these rituals so that you can soon be a pro. Brightest Blessings. Rose.

Earth Chiefly ruled by the Gnomes. These exist in a plane that is very close to the vibration level of the Earth.

Different Types: Gnomes, dryads, hamadryads, elves, satyrs, pans, brownies, sylvestres, goblins, and tree spirits.

Area of Work: Tend to work with rocks, stones, gems, metals, minerals, and plants. In humans and other animals, they tend to work with the bones.

Ruled by: Gob; hence, Goblins.

Appearance: Most earth elementals are generally small. Some are short and stocky (ever seen the Hobbit? :) tree spirits tend to look like the plant in which they live. Sometimes it is said that the spirits of poisonous plants are frightening to look at.

Personality: Most are slow to trust, but devoted when trust is won. Never betray an earth elemental, however; since they can be vengeful and formidable enemies. It is said that some like to eat a lot, and like to collect things. Sometimes they guard treasures (like the pot of gold).

Society: Sometimes the gnomes live in groups, and have families, society, culture and government; female gnomes are called gnomides. Hamadryads live in the plants that they take care of, and their bodies look like their host plant; these are also known as tree spirits. Satyrs and pans tend to live in the forests.

Astrological Associations: The elementals of Earth are associated with Capricorn, Taurus, and Virgo.

Air Chiefly Ruled by the Sylphs. The element of air has the highest rate of vibration.

Different Types: Sylphs, Fairies,

Area of Work: They form snowflakes, and cast the winds. They also work with the undines to make clouds. Sometimes it is said that they cause dreams, and prophesies. In the human body and other creatures,the Sylphs work with the gasses, and the nervous system.

Ruled By: Paralda.

Appearance: They appear as very airy spirits, and some of them have wings. Fairies are said to be very beautiful, active, and very benevolent.

Personality: They have great intelligence, and see the true natures of things. They change their mind quickly, and are generally very happy. Sometimes you can see the evidence of their dances in the grass in the mornings.

Society: They tend to live a very long time, and don't have any kind of sickness of disease. They like to live on the tops of mountains, and their ruler lives on the top of the highest mountain in the world. They don't like to stay in one place very long, however, and tend to wander around a lot.

Astrological Associations: Most closely associated with Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius.

Fire Chiefly ruled by the Salamanders. These are the most powerful elementals of all.

Different Types: Salamanders, Acthnici.

Areas of work: Without the Salamanders, it is impossible to make a fire. In the human body and other creatures, they tend to work with the emotions, the liver, the blood stream, and they help to regulate body heat.

Ruled by: Djin.

Appearance: They appear as the ball of light in the center of a flame. Other people said that they looked lizard-like; appearing in the flames. Sometimes the acthnici appeared in the masts of ships as balls of flame; this was called St.Elmo's Fire.

Personality: Nobody really knows for sure, since it is almost impossible to communicate with them. Probably they are passionate, quick to anger, and highly energetic. They do tend to be most attracted to people with passionate natures, or quick tempers.

Society: Not known.

Astrological Associations: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.

Water Chiefly ruled by the Undines.

Different Types: Undines, Water sprites, mermaids, limoniades, oreades, naiades, nereides, potamides, sea nymphs, and perhaps the Lady of the Lake.

Areas of work: They cause the ocean waves and help the tides. Some guard streams, lakes, and fountains. It is said that every streamlet and fountain has a guardian spirit. They also have the job of bringing beauty to the world. They love flowers very much, and also work to protect them. In the human body and other creatures, the Undines work with the fluids.

Ruled by: Necksa.

Appearance: They are usually described as being very beautiful. They are most graceful of all the elementals; usually they are depicted as being female.

Personality: Their names usually derive from the body of water which they guard. Sometimes they take on human form and interact with humans.They tend to be very emotional and graceful, and benevolant.

Society: They usually live in their chosen source of water. They sometimes live in coral reefs and caves under the ocean. Some live in waterfalls.

Astrological Associations: Most closely associated with Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Invoking and Evoking

By: Keitha (FireWind) Posted: June/00

What's the difference, and how do I do it? (As always, this is based on personal opinion)

One of the most confusing things that beginners deal with, apart from circle casting, is Invoking and Evoking. First of all, it may seem that there is little difference between the two, or maybe little point in doing it. But this is an important part of ritual, and is done quite frequently.

What is Invoking, and what is Evoking?

Evoking is when you ask a Deity, elemental, etc. to be present in the circle. Invoking is when you invite the Deity, etc. 'into' yourself, and for a time you 'become' that Deity.

Why do it?

You invoke or evoke to ask the Deity(s) to attend your ritual. When done well, a Deity will actually be present in your circle: you will be able to communicate with them, and they will be able to help you with whatever you have planned. (This is one reason that it is so very important to be clear in your intentions, and to have thought them out beforehand- the Deities are present, they are inside your circle, and they can see you).

Which one is best to do?

If you are a beginner, I would highly recommend sticking to evoking. For one, personally I find it easier to do. For second, it is more objective, and easier to figure out if you did it right. Third, being more objective, it's harder to fool yourself into believing you did it properly if you didn't. Finally, invoking can be especially difficult if you are conducting ritual alone.

How do I know which Deity to invoke?

Only one word of advice here: keep it simple. As a beginner, please don't invoke the Morrigan, Loki, Kali, etc. etc. etc. Not that I'm saying these are 'evil' Gods, it's just that you will probably find it more than you can handle. If you want a death Goddess, try Persephone. If you want success in battle, try Ares or Victoria, if you want feminine power, try Diana. If you want a trickster, try Mercury. There's no need to climb a mountain to see over the molehill.

So, how do I do it?

Cleanse your space, cast your circle, call your element(als). Generally, calling the Goddess is done in a 'Goddess position': arms and legs outstretched. Calling the God is done in a 'God position': feet together, with arms crossed across the chest (no, you don't have to do it that way). In doing the actual calling, you may or may not have something written down, or you might decide to adlib something; whatever suits you is fine. While you are reciting the call, visualize in your mind how that Deity looks to you. Are they short or tall, blonde, brunette, or redhead? Are they strong willed, poetic, young or old? How

does their 'soul' look to you, what colour is their aura, what kind of personality do they have, how do they make you feel? Send out a call to this image, asking them to come and join your ritual. The hard part is learning how to call with your mind while you're reciting a spoken call. :)

Should I always cast a circle before Calling a Deity?

I would say definately yes. There's nothing really wrong with calling on a familiar Deity at any time. However, I would advise against calling a Deity you don't know well outside your circle.

Will this give me cool powers, like 'Sabrina'?

No.

How do I know if I've done it properly?

If you've evoked the Deity, and they do decide to come, you will probably notice it immediately. The air becomes electric, you may notice a 'presence' in the room, the temperature may change. Heck, they may decide to give you a hug. :)

Can I invoke/evoke elementals?

Well, technically, any time you call the elements, or the elementals, you are evoking them. I really wouldn't advise invoking any elemental. Stick with evoking for them.

How do I 'unevoke' a Deity?

Simple, thank them for coming, and mean it. Say you're glad they came, but now ritual is over, and thankyou so much for stopping by. Just be respectful.

FESTIVALS & SABBATS:

Beltane: BEL-tayn Imbolc: IM-bolc Lammas: LA-mas Litha: LIH-tha Mabon: MA-bon Ostara: o-STAR-ra Samhain: SOW-in (as in "cow"), or sometimes sew-WIN Saturnalia: sat-er-nay-lee-ah Yule: yool

GENERAL WORDS:

Athame: AH-tha-may or ah-THA-may Besom: BEH-som Centaurs: sen-torz Cornucopia: corn-oh-coh-pee-a Coven: CUH-ven Deosil: JIH-sel (yes, that's right) Elysium: i-liz-ee-um Fauns: fonz Harpies: harp-eez Lethe: leeth-ee

Hesperides: hes-per-ah-deez Mead: meed Nibbelungs: nee-buh-loonz Styx: sticks Widdershins: WID-der-shins or VID-der-shins

COMMON DEITIES AND PEOPLE:

Andromeda: an-drom-e-da Aphrodite: af-ro-die-tee Apollo: a-pol-low Arachne: ah-rack-nee Ares: er-eez Ariadne: ar-ee-ad-nee Astarte: as-tar-tee Bacchus: bak-us Balder: ball-der Banshee: ban-shee Bellerophon: bel-er-oh-fon Beowulf: bay-oh-woolf Brigit: bridge-it Calliope: ca-lie-oh-pee Cassiopeia: cass-ee-oh-pee-a Cerberus: ser-ber-us Ceres: sir-eez Charon: cer-un

Chimera: ci-mir-a Chronos: kroh-nos Circe: sir-see Clio: clee-oh Cronus: croh-nus Cuchulain: koo-kool-in Cybele: sib-uh-lee Cynthia: sinth-ee-ah Dagda: dag-dah Danae: dan-uh-ee Delphi: dell-fee Demeter: dee-mee-ter Diana: dee-ah-nah/die-ah-nah Dido: die-doh Dionysus: die-ohn-eye-sus Endymion: en-dim-ee-un Euripides: yoo-rip-uh-deez Europa: yoo-roh-pa Eurydice: yoo-rid-uh-see Fianna: fee-ahn-ah Flora: flor-ah Freya: fray-ah Gaia/Gaea: ga-ee-ah/jee-ah Ganymede: gan-uh-meed Hades: hay-deez Hecate: heck-ah-tee

Hermes: her-meez Hestia: hes-tee-ah Janus: jay-nus Jove: joh-v Juno: jew-no Latona: lah-toh-nah Lavinia: lah-vin-ee-ah Leda: lee-dah Lleu: lee-oo Loki: loh-kee Maia: may-ah Minerva: min-ner-vah Minos: m-eye-nos Morrigu: mor-ri-goo Orestes: o-rest-eez Orpheus: or-fee-yoos Palinurus: pal-in-yoo-rus Perseus: per-soos Pleiades: plee-uh-deez Prometheus: proh-mee-thoos Proserpina: prose-er-pee-na Proteus: proh-tus Rhea: ree-uh Sabine: sah-been Sappho: sah-foh Semele: sem-uh-lee

Sibyl: sib-l Syrinx: si-rinks Thethys: teth-is Thalia: thay-lee-ah Urania: yoo-ray-nee-ah

Altar - A small table or surface on which items meaningful to owner are placed. Can be an intricately carved table made only for this purpose, or as simple as a cardboard box or tree stump. Generally used during ritual. Can also be a central place for meditation, divination, etc.

Athame - (pr. AH-tha-may or ah-THA-may) A ceremonial object usually used to focus energy. Most frequently a black-handled knife, but other objects may be used. Generally will only be used by it's owner.

Besom - (pr. BEH-som) A broom; most frequently used to sweep a circle clear of unwanted energy. Generally, but not always, used by a woman. Usually stored Bristles pointed up to prevent damage.

Book of Shadows - Sometimes abbreviated BoS. This is a collection of rituals, information, research, spells, and other information that is meaningful to the owner. Can contain the individual's magickal journal. Generally a black book or binder. Since an individual's BoS is a collection of their journey through the Craft, it is not generally shown to others.

Burning Times - A period of time where Witch Hunts were common. Victims may or may not have been Witches. More often than not the victim(s) were women. For more information please read my page on "The Causes of the Burning Times".

Cauldron - A pot which may be used for ritual purposes. Generally looks like the stereotypical black cast-iron pot. Can be used to burn things in.

Censer - A pot, dish, or other object that incense can be burned in.

Chakras (pr. SHA-kras)- Energy votexes in the body; each one has a specific property. While popular in many modern Wiccan circles, chakras actually have little to do with modern Witchcraft. However, they can be quite useful if so desired.

Chalice - A cup in which wine, water, or other beverages may be held. A ritual tool that can symbolize the Water element, etc.

Chant - A series of repeated words or tones that are usually used to help induce a trance state. Can be as simple as a one note hum, or a long song or series of words.

Circle -A group of people gathered together for a ritual, etc. -A sphere of energy used in a ritual, generally to create a space "between the worlds". For more information, please read our "Circle Casting" page. -Another name for a ritual. i.e. "I'm going to circle tonight".

Coven - (pr. CUH-ven) A group of individuals who regularly meet together for ritual purposes.

Cowan - (pr. COW-an) An old term meaning basically "outsider", or "one who is not a Witch". Not used as frequently today.

Crone - The Hag, the old Goddess. Frequently a death Goddess, usually wise and powerful. Also a woman who has passed menopause. Sometimes the Dark Moon Goddess.

Crystal - Usually a semi-precious gemstone thought to have specific qualities.

For example, clear quartz can be used to focus energy, Black Onyx can be used for grounding, etc.

Dedicant - One who has been dedicated.

Dedication - A ritual that marks a person's decision to dedicate themselves to the Craft. In eclectic circles, usually a first step "I'm going to study this" decision. Frequently marks the beginning of a year and a day period where an individual studies and decides if this is a path they want to follow. Solitary Practitioners may wait and perform a self-dedication as a "this marks the point that I choose this as my path" ritual. Not all dedications are equal. The definition of a Dedication varies between traditions and paths.

Degrees - A title that is earned, generally beginning at initiation. There are usually 3 degrees, initiation being the first.

Deity - An individual's view of the Divine. May be an all-encompassing entity, or one of many Gods.

Deosil - (pr. JIH-sel) The direction of sunwise; the direction the sun takes through the sky. In the northern hemisphere this is clockwise.

Drawing down the Moon - A ritual in which the Goddess may be invoked at full moon. Also a highly influential book by Margot Adler which examines many modern Neopagan traditions.

Eclectic - A path that takes it's "traditions" from many paths. One who is Eclectic may take rituals and philosophy from sources as widespread as traditional Witchcraft to Taoism to Christianity.

Elementals - A creature associated with a given element. For example, Gnomes are Earth elementals, Sylphs are Air elementals. For more information, please view our page on "The Elementals".

Elements - Generally one of 4 or 5 "energies" that are thought to create all matter and thought in the universe. In modern Wicca there are thought to be 5 elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit. Each has specific qualities; ie. Earth is home, law, stability, Air is thought, change, beginnings. For more information, we have a basic page on the "Elements", or our "Element Correspondence Chart".

Energy - Exactly what it sounds like. Energy, thought, vibration, life.

Esbat - Generally a celebration of the Full Moon, but can also celebrate the New Moon and Quarters, as well.

Evoking - To call a Deity or Element(al). To ask someone/thing to be present. There is more information on our page on "Invoking and Evoking".

Familiar - Generally a cat, although not necessarily. During the Witch Hunts, was thought to be the incarnation of a demon that helped a Witch perform evil magick. A Familiar can be a magickal helper, but it certainly is not a demon.

God - The Divine male principle. Can be the Horned God, the Greenman, the god of the Hunt, an agricultural god, a specific God from a certain mythology, etc.

Goddess - The Divine feminine. Can be the Maiden, Mother, Crone, Earth Mother, Moon Goddess, Dark Goddess, a specific Goddess from a certain mythology, etc.

Greenman - Generally the God of the Forest, etc.

Grounding - A process by which you bring yourself to a normal, clear state of consciousness. Usually involves shedding all the extraneous thoughts and

worries that get in the way of self.

Handfasting - A Pagan "marriage", although the word marriage' isn't quite right at all. Can be of short duration, such as a year and a day, or can be a permanent bond.

Herbs - A plant that has a use. For medicinal or magickal purposes.

Hived - A coven that has branched off of a previous coven is said to have "hived off" the older coven.

Initiate - One who has been initiated.

Initiation - There are many different definitions of initiation. Generally, however, it is a ritual that marks an individuals formal acceptance into a tradition. A solitary initiation may be a ritual that vows "I am dedicating my life to the gods". Generally one who has been initiated into a tradition has earned the title of Priest/ess.

Inscribe - To carve or mark something. For example, carving a rune into a candle is to inscribe that candle.

Invoking - To call a Deity, etc. "into" yourself. Please read more on our page on "Invoking and Evoking".

Law of Three - A law that states "whatever you do returns threefold". ie. Harming someone returns harm on you three times, helping someone returns good things three times.

Magick - Spelled with a "k" to note its difference from stage rabbit out of the hat' magic, it is the art of causing a desired result through no apparent

measurable cause.

Maiden - The spirit of the wild, untamed feminine; the young Goddess. The strong, free Goddess. Sometimes the Waxing Crescent Goddess.

Mother - The Mother Goddess, who gives birth to all life. Sometimes consort to the Horned God, sometimes the Full Moon Goddess.

NeoPaganism - A way of life, or a spirituality, who's movement began during the 20th Century c.e, and whose practices are usually based on Pagan practices.

Paganism - A way of life, or a spirituality, that generally involves Pre-Christian practices and or beliefs.

Pantheism - Basically a belief that all gods are part of one greater encompassing Deity.

Pentacle - A five pointed star within a circle thought to represent the five elements, among other things.

Pentagram - A five pointed star that can be drawn in one single line.

Polytheism - Basically a belief that all gods are separate beings.

Rede (pr. Reed) - A Wiccan "moral guideline" that states "An' it harm none, do as ye will".

Ritual - An activity, generally repeated over time, that has some sort of spiritual meaning. For more information, please view our page on "Ritual

Construction"

Ritual Bath - A ritual cleansing, generally a bath, but a sometimes a shower, swim, etc. .

Sabbat - A day with specific meaning in the wheel of the year. There are generally 8 Sabbats, roughly a month and a half apart representing the turning of the seasons, etc.

Solitary - One who practices the Craft alone; usually with their own personal "tradition".

Spell - A method of bending reality to will. For more information, please view our page on "Spells".

Summerland - Sort of a Pagan "heaven"; a place after death.

Sympathetic Magick - Magick done by acting out the situation to your desired result, thus encouraging reality to do the same.

The Broom Closet - proverbial; One who does not acknowledge they are Wiccan to non-Wiccans is said to be "in the Broom Closet".

Tools - Athame, Besom, Altar, Chalice, etc; an object that helps achieve a purpose.

Tradition - A specific way of practicing the Craft.

Visualization - To see something clearly in your mind.

Warlock - Not a Witch. An Oathbreaker.

Wheel of the Year - The turning of the seasons, the cycle of the year.

White Handled Knife - Sometimes used to harvest herbs, sometimes for all the menial cutting chores (plants, paper, cloth, etc.).

Wicca - A Neopagan spirituality that emphasizes spiritual balance and the idea of "Harm None".

Widdershins - Not Sunwise; counterclockwise.

Witch Queen - A Priestess who has hived off three or more covens.

Witchcraft - Without annoying too many people, the art of practicing Earthbased magick, and sometimes a Pagan spirituality.

Circle casting is an important, and at times, difficult activity. It involves the use of many skills, and for the beginner it can seem like a pointless, if not impossible, routine. How do you do it properly? When should it be done? And perhaps most importantly: how do you know if you've done it? (Keitha mentally rolls up her sleeves and grins).

What is a Circle?

A circle is a boundary of energy extending halfway above the ground and halfway below. It marks the boundary between the worlds: inside the circle is a cleansed space where the two worlds can interact. Outside is the mundane, 'regular' world. That's the basics; more on this later.

Why do you need a Circle?

A circle is cast to create a clean space in which to do ritual and magickal workings. It creates an area in which both worlds are present; in a very real sense, it is between the worlds. To invite a Deity, or an Elemental, etc. without a circle (into the mundane world) isn't always such a great idea. It's easier to interact inside a circle. It also acts to keep magickal energy inside until it is ready to be released, or to keep negative energy outside.

What do I need to know to cast a circle?

Well, you must have a lot of focus. You must be able to clearly visualize what you are doing, and how you are doing it. You should be able to feel the energy you are attempting to move, and have a clear idea of where you want to put it. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. What is the purpose of your circle? To protect from outside negativity; to contain magickal energy; to create a space between the worlds; another purpose; a mixture? The nature of your circle will depend on the ritual you are planning on doing.

2. How big will your circle be? If you are casting the circle for practise, then all you need is a circle the size of your own body. For a larger group, no big surprise, a larger circle. In my personal opinion, it should be large enough that you don't keep wandering to the edges and sticking your head through it.

3. How will you visualize your circle? If you are just learning, it might be best to stick with simple colours. Later on, you can learn funky patterns and effects. Practice casting a circle in your mind during meditation. You must learn how to visualize things clearly, hold them in your mind, and focus while you rotate and move them. At the beginning, stick to the basics: there's no substitute for them.

4. Can you keep your focus for as long as it takes to set up the circle? If you are constantly second-guessing yourself, you can't maintain your concentration. Trust yourself.

5. Treat it with respect. Constantly walking in, through, and out of the circle without cutting a door, or otherwise ignoring its boundaries doesn't really help you much. You can't really expect to cast strong circles if you can't create and keep it in your mind first. The circle is real because you make it real. You make it real by believing in it and acting on it.

6. Finally, don't be disappointed if you don't get it the first time. Or the second. Or the 30th. It takes time; it takes self-trust; it takes PRACTICE.

When do I cast the circle?

I've found that the best time is right after you have cleansed the space (by blessing, sweeping, or making lots of noise), and before you invoke any elements or Deities. If you have others with you for the ritual, save up jokes, and try to make each other laugh really hard just before you create the circle. This further gets rid of any negativity that might be present, and provides enough positive energy to cast a good circle. My friend and I have had some fascinating rituals this way.

So, how do I cast a circle, exactly?

Well, there are many ways. If you're reading this for information, then you'll probably want a simple one.

First, ground and center yourself. Stand with both feet firmly on the ground, and relax your arms at the sides of your body. Simply feel and visualize the energy of the Earth below you, and the Sky above you. Face one of the directions, and physically reach down with your arm and gather the energy of the Earth into your hand. Reach up to the Sky and gather the energy of the Sky into your other hand. Now scoot down near the ground and face your palms

outward, sending that energy into a smooth wall of colour that will spread itself into the shape of a circle. Rise up as you do this, shaping and smoothing the wall at this corner. Repeat this at the other three directions, constantly smoothing and shaping it with your hands. At each direction, the circle gets stronger and thicker; there are no gaps because the energy of the circle constantly swirls around evenly. See the energy as a thick, fluid stream of colour. It also flows under the ground, to even itself out as a complete sphere. You can shape it underground by visualizing it through the floor. Solidify it by visualizing the energy of the circle as sticking together, like hot glue or warm honey. When you feel the circle is 'set', all you have to do now is keep it in mind, and perhaps make minor re-adjustments if you feel it is necessary. Take as much time as you need, and don't rush. No-one's holding a stopwatch. Don't be afraid to move around spontaneously; no-one's marking you on grace or coolness. And most importantly, don't be afraid to screw up; that's an important way to learn.

How do I know if I did it?

This is the fun part. Everybody has their own unique way of sensing circles. Some people can see the circle; as a band of colour, or a thickening of the air. Some people can feel it as a spark of electricity, or again as a thickening of air. Some people can hear it as a low hum. Everybody is different. One thing is certain, however: circles get really hot. In a strong circle you can feel the cold air rushing in when you cut a door. When you take it down, you can practically feel a breeze. In the beginning, you may not be sure whether or not you've succeeded; don't let that bother you. When you really get the hang of it, you'll know for sure.

What's this about cutting a door?

Cutting a door basically means opening a hole in the circle so you can leave it. It's best to stay in the circle the whole time it's up, but there are times when you've forgotten something important in another room (like a lighter), or there's something you have to deal with. My personal favourite way of cutting a door is to hold your fingers and hand in a straight line, and move your hand around a rectangular outline large enough for you to walk through. Visualize the energy of the circle inside that rectangle being sucked into your forearm where you can store it until you get back. When closing the door, do this in

reverse, and then smooth out the edges of where the door was. Visualize the energy of the circle swirling around until the location of the door is lost. Still, cutting too many doors in a circle can also weaken it eventually.

I live in an apartment; will the people downstairs walk into my circle and mess it up?

I just added this question because I've wondered about it myself. Yes, the circle does extend halfway below the floor, and yes, someone downstairs could walk right through the bottom part of it. All I can suggest is that you either do your rituals after you're sure they're out or asleep, or just try not to think about it. :)

When and how do I take the circle down?

At the very end of ritual. After the Deities are gone, the Element/als have returned to their respective realms, etc. etc. etc. The only thing that generally follows taking down the circle is eating, drinking, and chatting. Take the circle down exactly the same way that you set it up, in reverse. Take as much time to take it down as you took to set it up. Send the energy back into the Earth, the Sky, or wherever you chose to get it from. If you used the energy from the Earth and Sky, then it's a good idea to change it into healing energy for our planet and our skies before you channel it back.

What's the best way to practise circle casting?

Actually: alone. If you can do it alone, then you can do it in a group; it doesn't always work in reverse. Working alone also lets you develop your own style, and you don't need to worry about people staring at you. You can work on your concentration more easily by yourself, and you don't feel like you're boring people if you take a while. Write your own visualizations and keep track of your results in a journal. But above all, learn to trust yourself and your instincts; it's one of the most valuable gifts you can give yourself.