Editing Magic circle (section)

==Techniques==
[[File:Heptameron magic circle 1565.jpg|thumb|The figure of a magic circle for the first hour of the Lord's day in spring]]
Traditionally, circles are believed by ritual magicians to form a protective barrier between themselves and what they summon.<ref name="Wiccap556">{{harvp|Cunningham|2001|pp=55–56}}</ref> One text known as the Heptameron says of the circle, 'But because the greatest power is attributed to the circles; (for they are certain fortresses to defend the operators safe from the evil spirits); in the first place we will treat concerning the composition of a circle.'<ref name="Fourthp191">{{harvp|Agrippa|2009|p=191}}</ref>

Moreover, as magician and historian Jake Stratton-Kent writes, 'In short a circle is not an obsolete symbol of a superstitious fear of spirits, but an intentionally created ritual space for various purposes. It is not always required for all kinds of ritual work, but neither is it of no value, quite the contrary. Making sacred space is among the most primal of rituals, such intentional actions are as worthy of the term psychoactive as any substance.'<ref name="Geosophiap46">{{harvp|Stratton-Kent|2010|p=46}}</ref>

Circles may or may not be physically marked out on the ground, and a variety of elaborate patterns for circle markings can be found in [[grimoire]]s and magical manuals, often involving angelic and [[Names of God|divine names]]. Such markings, or a simple unadorned circle, may be drawn in [[chalk]] or [[salt]], or indicated by other means such as with a [[Rope|cord]].<ref name="Wiccap556"/> Some traditions include tracing or [[circumambulation]].