There is one major key to casting a circle correctly: and that is that you can't do it wrong! The standard way used by most Wiccans is to sweep the area clean of all energies with a ritual broom and surround themselves with a circle of either four candles to symbolize the four directions, or five candles to symbolize the five elements. After the candles are lit, stand or be seated in the center, and imagine yourself surrounded by a protective bubble. No one and no thing can penetrate this bubble. Offer a prayer to the Goddess and the God, and ask them for their supervision during your work. Keep in mind that Wicca forbids the use of harming another in the use of spells. When you feel that you are ready, cast your spell or do your workings within the confines of your protective circle. When your workings are complete, offer another prayer to the goddess and God, thanking them for their time. Blow out the candles in the opposite direction as you lit them (closkwise or counter clockwise) and sweep your area once more to remove any residual energies from the area. It is especially important to leave no magickal trace of your presence. Some Wiccans add other things to their circles, such as incense and statues and stones and other objects, but what you add is up to you. Casting a circle is important to practice, at least to the point that you can focus on your working and not preparing for your working.
