Editing Magic circle (section)

===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"/>