Ok, before we jump right into this, you might be a little shaky on the exact need for a Magic Circle. Here's a brief explanation:

A Magic Circle is not used to protect you from physical dangers, like robbers, ax murderers, the IRS, etc. You see, there are non-physical things (negative energies, non-human entities, and disembodied humans), that are attracted to the energy raised during Magic. Don't worry: these things will not harm you inside of a circle, and will leave when the circle is released. If their energies aren't compatible with the ones you're using, the spell will be screwed up. Since most Pagans like their Magic to work, they cast a circle which gets rid of all the bad junk in a certain area and keeps and other negative entities out. One catch; the circle has boundaries which cannot be broken. Think of it like being inside of a soap bubble. Everything's cool, unless you accidentally bump into an edge of it: POP!! The circle is released. That being said, make sure you don't go too close to the edge of the circle. To help you see where the boundaries are, you can draw one on the floor; chalk, salt, magic marker, it doesn't really matter. You can also use stones to make a circle.

Ok, so now you know basically what a Magic Circle is FOR, but what IS it, exactly? Well, it's a cleansed space, surrounded by a wall of energy. But where does the energy come from, you ask? Simple. From YOU! Yep, you might not know it, but you've got powerful energies flowing through you. Pretty cool, huh? So put your energy to work to protect you!

There are so many rituals for casting the circle, it's not even funny. Everyone has a ritual according to his/her own preferences. A sample ritual will follow. Feel free to make alterations according to your own preferences.

By the way, some people use a broom to cleanse the space their circle will be in before they start- the bristles don't even have to touch the ground.

Here's the ritual; have fun!