Editing Magic circle (section)

==Uses==
=== In Sumer ===
The [[Sumerians]] called the practice of using ritual circles ''[[zisurrû]]'', meaning "magic circle drawn with [[flour]]",<ref>''zisurrû'' CAD Z, p. 137–138.</ref> and inscribed <small>ZÌ-SUR-RA</small>''-a''. This was an ancient [[Mesopotamia]]n method of delineating, purifying and protecting from evil by the enclosing of a ritual space in a circle of flour. It involved ritual drawings with a variety of powdered cereals to counter different threats and is accompanied by the [[gloss (annotation)#In linguistics|gloss]]: <small>SAG.BA SAG.BA</small>, [[Akkadian language|Akkadian]]: ''māmīt māmīt'', the curse from a broken oath, in ''[[Esagil-kin-apli#The Exorcists Manual|The Exorcists Manual]]'', where it refers to a specific ritual on two tablets the first of which is extant.{{sfnp|Geller|2000|p=233}}

=== In Judaism ===
Examples of [[Jews|Jewish]] customs showing the use of the magic circle can be found in the birth protection rituals of [[Alsace]] and the surrounding area. As early as 1560, a text by the rabbi Naphtali Hirsch ben Elieser Treves notes a custom in which a circle is drawn around the birthing woman to protect her from [[Lilith]] and demons. This was done using a Krasmesser (circle knife) which would be wielded by the [[midwife]] or the father of the child.<ref name="Lubrich">{{harvp|Lubrich|2022|p=31}}</ref> Paul Christian Kirchner’s description of Jewish birthing customs from 1734 includes an illustration showing a knife or a sword near the bed, and likewise [[Johann Christian Georg Bodenschatz]] describes a sword placed near the pregnant woman in the eighteenth century, indicating the likelihood that this custom continued through the centuries. Oral accounts from 20th century [[Baden-Württemberg]] in a publication by the [[Jewish Museum of Switzerland]] also reference circling movements with a knife in order to protect a woman in childbirth.<ref name="Lubrich" /> 

===In the Golden Dawn===
The [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]], which has had one of the largest influences on contemporary [[Western esotericism]], introduced the practices of the [[Lesser Ritual of the Pentagram]] and the [[Watchtower (magic)|Opening by Watchtower]]. The Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP) is typically used as a daily practice and is also performed before any magical working, while the Watchtower ritual is much more involved.{{how?|date=December 2022}} Both rituals are now used by a wide array of practitioners, including [[ceremonial magic]]ians, [[Hermetic Qabalah|Hermetic Qabalists]], [[Neopagan]]s, and [[Thelema|Thelemites]].{{cn|date=December 2022}}

===In Wicca===
In [[Wicca]], as also in traditional European grimoires, a magic circle is typically nine feet in diameter, though the size can vary depending on the purpose of the circle, and the preference of the caster.<ref>{{harvp|Buckland|2002|pp=43, 64}}</ref>    

Some varieties of Wicca use the common ceremonial colour attributions for 'quarter candles': yellow for [[Air (classical element)|air]] in the east, red for [[Fire (classical element)|fire]] in the south, blue for [[Water (classical element)|water]] in the west and green for [[Earth (classical element)|earth]] in the north (though these attributions differ according to geographical location and individual philosophy).{{cn|date=December 2022}}

The common technique for raising energy within the circle is by means of a [[cone of power]].<ref name="Wiccap556"/>

The barrier is believed to be fragile, so that leaving or passing through the circle would weaken or dispel it.<ref>{{harvp|Starhawk|1989|p=83}}</ref> This is referred to as "breaking the circle".<ref>{{harvp|Buckland|2002|p=224}}</ref> It is generally advised that practitioners do not leave the circle unless absolutely necessary.

In order to leave a circle and keep it intact, Wiccans believe a door must be cut in the energy of the circle, normally on the east side. Whatever was used to cast the circle is used to cut the doorway, such as a sword, staff or knife ([[athame]]), a doorway is cut in the circle, at which point anything may pass through without harming the circle.<ref name="Wiccap11920">{{harvp|Cunningham|2001|pp=119–120}}</ref> This opening must be closed afterwards by reconnecting the lines of the circle.

The circle is usually closed by the practitioner after they have finished by drawing in the energy with the athame or whatever was used to make the circle including their hand (usually in a [[widdershins]]: that is, counter-clockwise fashion). This is called 'closing the circle' or 'releasing the circle'.<ref name="Wiccap11920"/>