For it is written:
……"And it is necessary that the Circle which is the Temple of the Gods, should be truly cast and purified, and that it be a fit place for the Gods to enter.
"And the Wicca shall be Properly Prepared and Purified to enter into the presence of the Gods.
"With Love and Worship in their hearts, they shall raise power from their bodies to give power to the Gods.
"As has been taught of old….."

Whenever a circle is drawn under the Wiccan system the Gods are invoked. The circle once cast and purified is sacred ground. It is our temple, our church. Before one enters into the presence of the Gods one should be Properly Prepared and Purified.

This can best be done by having the correct mental state and by the use of ritual. One should never enter the circle lightly. If possible before Sabbats and Esbats one should brood on the significance of the ritual. If desired, one can increase the emphasis on the mind by the use of abstinences or more active brooding, such as meditation and/or prayer. Once can fast and at the same time set the mind by saying whenever hungry:' I fast that I may purify body and mind so that I may be in a fit state to have communion with our Lord and Lady.

In these modern times and for those who are not of the Priesthood of the God and Goddess, the above practices may be difficult and not altogether necessary. But at the very minimum one should eat only lightly before the Festivals and working nights (for food closes the psychic centers and therefore insulates us from that which we most desire.)

After arriving at the Covenstead, the mundane world should be left behind. One's mind should be centred to some degree on the reason for meeting. This is the time to start deliberately building this feeling. The use of 'Blessed Be' and the kiss and witch names, at the door are not just Wiccan conventions. They enforce a boundary between the Covenstead (the coven in a ritual sense) and the outside world.

At this point, only witch names should be used by everybody. The magical witch personality should be invoked to some degree and matters pertaining to the everyday world of family and business should not be discussed. Smoking should be indulged in only moderately, if at all and certainly not at all after showering.

Before entering the circle, all should purify by showering (traditionally immersion in cold water or by the use of the scourge). This should be more than a physical cleansing; it should also purify the mind. As the water flows over you say, e.g. 'With this water I purify my body and mind. I wash away all the problems of the mundane world and prepare myself to become …. (Witch-name, signifying magical personality).

After showering, nothing should be done which might negate this state. You are entering the magical world by successive stages - the first is when you cross the threshold of the Covenstead, the second is when you shower and the third is when you enter the prepared place for the Magic Circle, the Temple. For this reason you should ritually cleanse after entering the Covenstead, even if you shower before leaving home.

After the ritual cleansing you should enter the prepared place as soon as possible and immediately start the ritual, or if impracticable, enact some form of ritual which reinforces the purification by water, such as anointing.

Anointing should always be done before working. This is the First point at which you should endeavor to completely take on your magical personality, to become your witch name. There are many methods of anointing. You may anoint the soles of the feet, the wrists and forehead with whatever words feel correct to you.

For example "I anoint my feet, may they ever follow the true path… I anoint my hands. May they ever work to the service of …. and …. and the Wicca. I anoint my forehead. May my spirit ever guide me toward that which I desire, the Gods on high."

Or: "I am of thee and thou art mine,
I have nothing which is not thine.
In thy name (god/ess's name)
Behold thy servant anointing herself (himself):
I should some day be great like thee."

If after anointing it is not possible to start the ritual proper immediately, it is important to do nothing to damage the somewhat fragile personality you have worked so hard to invoke. It is probably best to do some form of exercise to maintain or increase your tense magical state (psychic energy exercise or appropriate chant).

Concerning Conduct in the Circle

Witch names should always be used in the circle, for they reinforce the magical state. Common names should never be used. In the circle the High Priest and the High Priestess should always be referred to in a manner, which indicates their position as representative of the God and Goddess. They should always be addressed with some respect within the circle during the ritual proper. To show disrespect to the High Priest or High Priestess in the circle is to show disrespect to the God and Goddess.

To think of mundane things while in the circle is to destroy to some degree the magical world which has been so carefully built up by you and by your brothers and sisters. For remember, thoughts have power, especially in a magic circle and it is not only yourself who is harmed. If you feel that you are not in the correct frame of mind then leave the circle. For you will damage the ritual if you remain in that state.

The Ritual Tools

These MUST be always treated with respect and must not be used for any other purpose. The athane especially should be kept wrapped when not in use, or kept in a consecrated place. It is an extension of yourself; of your magical personality and to handle it disrespectfully is to greatly reduce your chances of working magic successfully. The same applies to the other magical weapons when you begin to acquire your own. They will build up subtle vibrations and at the very least will greatly affect your state of mind.

After the Ritual

Now is the time to relax and enjoy yourself, pleased and happy because of a successful ritual. "Eat, drink and be merry … make music and love …." But remember, the magical world is not far away. The mundane world should not be allowed to intrude too violently. Witch names should still be used, your magical personality will still be upon you to some degree and the High Priest and High Priestess should be treated with respect. All the personal differences and arguments, which were banished while bathing before the circle should remain banished and the atmosphere, should be one of gentleness, peace and love.

Blessed Be.