The Powwow Guy

There is no real precedent for the use of a magic circle within the tradition of Powwow. That being said, I use one. Not always, of course. Most of the time, my Powwowing is done on-demand, whenever and wherever I may be. Almost 99% of the time, this means I'm not using any sort of tools or props or preparation. However, there are times when my work is more private, personal, and necessitates the use of a magic circle.

There are all sorts of magic circles across many traditions. For my work, I use one of two circles, depending on the situation.

The first type of circle I use is for general work when I feel I need some extra protection. This is done by drawing a circle in the dirt with my Powwow cane or on the floor or cement with chalk while speaking directly to who I'm calling on for protection (God, the angels, or a specific Saint). When I am finished, I thank God (or whichever Saint or Angel offered the protection) and I erase the circle.

The circle I use for more ceremonial and/or talismanic work (shown above) is inspired by magic circles from the Lesser Key of Solomon, a Judeo-Christian manual of magic. I've blended what I found in that tome with the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and came up with what you see above. It is drawn on the floor with chalk or flour. If you are outside, you can scratch it in the dirt with a stick.

The creation of this type of circle is complex and lengthy and requires absolute devotion. It is a biblical ceremony, meaning you will be working directly from the Bible to create your circle. Your faith and devotion must be genuine, otherwise your circle will be powerless.

I believe a period of preparation is needed before such work is undertaken. I think confession, fasting, and abstaining from worldly things (sex, drugs, etc) for a period of three days prior to working within the magic circle is important. You may feel differently, and that's ok. This website is about how I experience my Powwowing. Your experience won't be exactly the same as mine.

For the creation of the circle, you will be working with Psalms.

Have your chalk or flour or stick ready. You will not draw the circle just yet. Stand in the center of your working area, facing East. You will be reciting Psalm 2. Psalm 2 affirms your devotion to God despite the temptations and evils of the world.

When you are finished, you will draw or mark the circle around you, as shown above.

In the East is written IHVH, which is the unknowable name of God, pronounced ye-ho-wah

In the South is written ADONAI, which means LORD. It is pronounced ah-doh-nie

In the West is written AHIH, which means I AM. It is pronounced eh-aye-ah

In the North is written AGLA, which means "thou are might forever, my Lord". It is pronounced ag-lah

When finished drawing the circle, face West and kneel and repeat Psalm 53.

Now stand and move to the East. As you recite Psalm 112, you will be moving clockwise around the circle three times. 

When finished, stop and face East and read Psalm 66.

When finished, continue facing East and read Psalm 46. This finalizes the power fo the magic circle.

Now repeat Psalm 67, as an invitation to God.

Finally, read Psalm 50.

When you are finished, your magic circle is locked in place and you should not, for any reason, step over the boundary until you are finished with your work. The circle is a holy and powerful place and you should respect it as you work.

When you are finished, you will dissipate the circle with the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram.