Lesson 3 - Altar and casting of the Circle

This is the third lesson in the free druidry course of the Druid Order of Tristram.

The altar is a special, flat surface set aside for Druid work, spiritual practice, healing and religious
acknowledgements. It can be set up indoors or outdoors. Most Druids prefer to work out of doors, but sometimes this is not possible. The altar must be large enough to hold all of the tools required for your working. The altar is an important focal point and it can be simple or elaborate. While some Druids prefer a permanently fixed stationary altar which remains in place, others may choose to use a simple wooden folding table with a shroud over it. No matter what you choose, give some thought as to how, when and where it will be used and the number of tools that it will hold.

Before doing any Druid work, such as magick or healing, it is advised to cast a circle which protects the Druid from outside forces. The circle is considered a doorway between the material and divine worlds, and allows us to move between the two. The circle is drawn using a wooden stick, dagger, or your index finger, as protection against potentially dangerous forces. In Druidry, a properly drawn circle becomes an invisible boundary, having power in this and other realms. Once cast it is unwise to cross the boundary until your work is finished. Cats and small children for some strange reason are able to cross the boundaries without upsetting the power flow.

How to cast the Circle: hold your tool of choice in your hand and, beginning in the eastern quarter of the area to be circled, aim the tool at the ground or floor while visualizing a green flame coming from the point. 'Draw' a circle clockwise with that flame, overlapping the ends of the line in the east. More important than a perfectly round circle is that you see, at least with your inner eye, the boundary of green flame around you.

After casting the circle, say a prayer, e.g.:

Divine Spirit, Flowing Awen,
Be with me all this day. (or night, morning, afternoon, evening etc)
In your abiding Light strengthen me to work your will.
Let your trust be worked in me.
Whenever, wherever, however your illumination is to be served,
there let me be...

Now you can do your work. When finished, uncast the circle in the opposite direction.