Why I Call Corners

Because I like my magic to work, I always call corners. Circles are not always required, but they matter. Beginners especially need circles. Calling corners creates an enclosed environment, sealed from everything unhelpful.

Consequently, only what we allow enters, and only what we send out passes through.

Think of the circle like a sacred bubble. Therefore, everyday noise stays outside, and the work stays nice and clean.

Calling corners and casting circle are performed differently in various traditions and cultures. While this may seem like a lot, it’s actually pretty simple: cleansing/clearing the space, striking the divine light, calling the corners, invoking deity and casting circle.

This article is a bit lengthy, but only due to my explaining things as detailed as I can.

Calling Corners and the Nature of the Sphere

When I cast, I never imagine a flat ring. Instead, I create a full sphere that grows around me. Because of that, the space feels whole. It exists outside normal time and space, sealed from distraction.

I make it just large enough to fit the work. Sometimes it fills the room. Consequently, I never waste energy building something larger than needed.

Calling the Corners for Beginners

Because new witches crave structure, I always recommend calling the corners. It gives practice, grounding, and discipline. Consequently, you learn how to hold space before attempting riskier workings.

You may one day choose to work without a circle. However, calling the corners first will teach you control. It prevents distractions, protects your focus, and reinforces that the sacred space belongs only to you.

Preparing the Space

Some of my besoms

Before I cast, I prepare. Because chaos never helps, I gather every tool I need. I cleanse with sage, a besom, or sound. I strike Divine Light, then form the Instant Alpha Trigger. With hands sweeping down, I anchor into ritual awareness.

If you are unfamiliar with making an instant alpha trigger (to induce a state of alpha brainwave).

Check out these two articles: Alpha Brainwave which explains this brainwave in relationship to witchcraft. Meditation for Witches: Alpha Trigger explains how to create and reinforce a psychological trigger to achieve this state at will.

Striking Divine Light

Wooden match in hand, in a state of alpha, I light the match and speak as I light the altar candle “I strike this candle with Divine Light, light of Dryghten, the Dark Light from which all came forth.” That flame is later carried to all other candles in the working area, clockwise.

Striking the Divine Light; I am referencing Dryghten. Dryghten (also spelled Dryghtyn) is an Old English word meaning “Lord,” and in some Wiccan traditions it names the supreme, universal deity. Rather than being a personal figure, Dryghten is often viewed as an impersonal, pantheistic, or monistic presence—the source from which the God, the Goddess, and all other deities emerge.

Over time, practitioners and writers have connected this concept with other names for the ultimate divine. Scott Cunningham, drawing on Neoplatonism, spoke of it as “The One,” while others refer to it simply as “The All,” an all-encompassing, impersonal divinity. In certain pagan contexts, the Sanskrit word “Akasha,” meaning “aether,” is used to describe the same omnipresent spiritual energy that threads through existence.

Feminist Wiccans, including Starhawk, have evoked the image of the “Star Goddess” as the universal creator, and the phrase “Ancient Providence” occasionally appears in blessings as another way of invoking Dryghten. I am not wiccan, just a plain old witch.

From there, I connect with each element.

Elemental Connection Before Calling Corners

As I stand before the altar, now in a state of alpha, I first feel my roots, see them running deeper and deeper into the earth.

I say, “I am connected to the earth.” Roots spiral downward, and I send some energy back upward to air.

I say, “I am connected to the air.” Branches spiral upward, and I send some energy downward to earth.

I say, “I am connected to the fire.” Flames spiral clockwise, and I send some of that energy outward toward water.

I say, “I am connected to the water.” Waves spiral inward, and I send some energy outward toward fire. I feel all these energies spinning and spiraling through me.

Finally, I affirm, “I am connected to all things,” (I visualize and fathom the universe, The All and this earth and everything in and on it. “I am life,” (I see my own energy pulsing). “I am power,” (I will it and see my aura change, normally it is a green and gold fire) … Next, I am magic (with an astral hand, without moving my physical body, I inscribe a clockwise pentacle in the air.

What the Corners Really Are

When I say calling corners, I mean I am calling elemental energies, not elementals. In this instance, the corners represent the forces of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water moving into balance.

The corners are sometimes called guardians or watchtowers. They can also be worked with as spirits, angels, dragons, demons, faery folk, or whatever powers align with your path.

I stay with the raw elemental energies unless the working calls for specific guardians.

Call upon and summon what you will, but I advise you do your homework first.

You may also want to build relationship aforehand too. Take the time to learn about those dragons, angels or elementals.

Show respect in all aspects of summoning.

Do your research, consider corresponding offerings for the four guardians you intend on calling upon.

Paracelsus’ Elementals

Paracelsus’ elementals.

In some traditions, Paracelsus’ elementals are called upon. In the lore of alchemy and hidden wisdom, the 16th century Swiss alchemist Paracelsus spoke of spirits born from the raw fabric of creation, beings he called elementals. Each was bound to one of the four great forces that shape existence.

Beneath the earth move the Gnomes, guardians of stone and seed, said to hide both treasures and secrets in the dark places below. Flowing with rivers and tides are the Undines, water-spirits who embody love, intuition, and the mysteries of the deep. High upon the winds dance the Sylphs, airy beings of breath and inspiration, stirring dreams and guiding the currents of sky. And within every flame burns the Salamander, fierce and radiant, carrying the power of transformation and will.

Paracelsus taught that these beings belong wholly to their elements: a Gnome cannot live in fire, an Undine cannot take to the air. Yet together they form the living weave of earth, water, air, and fire—the eternal companions of those who seek to understand and work with the elements.

For some, this is a great way to visualize and focus on the elements.

Altar Correspondences for Elements

My altar fully loaded.

Outside the basic elemental forces, I consider correspondences. The right correspondences strengthen the working and ground the intention. On my altar, starting at North and moving clockwise,

I set salt for Earth, a cauldron for Fire, a bell for Air, and a chalice for Water. Some will use additional color-corresponding candles in the quarters/corners, or images of Paracelsus’ elementals, perhaps corresponding images or figures of angels, dragons etc.

Of course, let’s not split hairs. A cauldron or a chalice can represent any or all of the elements. A candle to most is fire, but others will want to have it represent all four elements.

I burn things in my cauldron, so for me it embodies Fire. A chalice might hold salt water, wine, or even a crystal, so it flexes too.

The point is intention, not rigid props. Go to bargain hunt and argue about a sticker price if you are argumentative, I’m not having it.

If you need, we have ample altar supplies here on our site, and in our metaphysical shop.

Traditional Order and Variations

Traditionally, many witching cultures and paths call the elements in the order of Earth in the North, Air in the East, Fire in the South, and Water in the West. East connects with Air because of breath and morning breezes. South connects with Fire because of heat and passion.

However, some of us associate East with Fire, the rising sun, manifestation, and enlightenment. Because of this, I sometimes alter the order to match how energy feels to me in practice. Authentic witchcraft adapts to both tradition and personal connection.

Calling Corners Step by Step

There are many methods, again partly depending on what your are calling for, angels, dragons, spirits, elemental energies or elementals. I recommend basic elemental energy for beginners. But there are also many ways of calling/opening portals, target areas where you wish the energies to come.

First, I always have mapped out different circumferences. I measure, I walk it, I make note of “landmarks” in the four directions.

The simplest is using your receptive hand while focused in a direction of that energy, standing in the center of what will be your circle/sphere. Call those energies to gather where you will them too. Another method, much more complex, using the athame, drawing counter clockwise pentacles to open portals, and clockwise pentacles to close them.

I typically use an open hand, my receptive one, and sometimes hold my pentacle altar tile while summoning. For very serious magic workings, it’s the athame and tracing pentacles. A counter-clockwise for summoning, clockwise for banishing (widdershins or deosil, respectively.)

It may also depend on tradition, magical culture and personal path.

Start with the North. I face North, extend my receptive hand, and speak.
“Guardians of the North, Powers of Earth, Foundation. We respectfully summon you, and bid you joyous welcome. Come, join us Old Friend. Welcome Earth.”

I visualize green and brown energy forming in the North like a ball of energy.

Calling the Corners of East, South, and West

I turn East, visualizing the North energy fixed in place. When done properly, I actually do see that ball of earth energy fixed in place, even when I turn with my eyes closed. “Guardians of the East, Powers of Air, Faculty. We respectfully summon you, and bid you joyous welcome. Come, join us Old Friend. Welcome Air.”

I turn South, visualizing both Earth and Air. “Guardians of the South, Powers of Fire, Creation and Destruction. We respectfully summon you, and bid you joyous welcome. Come, join us. Welcome Fire.”

I turn West, visualizing Earth, Air, and Fire. “Guardians of the West, Powers of Water, Mystery and Depth. We respectfully summon you, and bid you joyous welcome. Come, join us. Welcome Water.”

Now all four elemental guardians stand in place. I always pause and feel for each energy as I call them, once I sense them, then I add “welcome, earth” etc. It really is weird but wonderful, when I turn and call these corners with my eyes closed and see these balls of energy.

Invoking Hecate

Because calling corners sets the stage, I then invoke deity. I light the candle, burn herbs, and pour libations. You do not have to or necessarily need to invoke deities when calling the corners and casting circle. And the deities you choose to invoke require their own accolades, placations, offerings and correspondences. These are simply who I honor and am honored by.

In this picture on the left is one of the oldest symbols for female.

For Hecate, I speak: “Mother Night, Goddess Bright, Queen of Heaven, Queen of Hell, Mother of the Craft, Protector of Witches, Queen of Ghosts, Keeper of Hell’s Keys, Bringer of Storms. Mighty Hecate, I honor you.”

Offerings for Hecate: dandelion, garlic, myrrh, mugwort (black sage), and wine.

Invoking the Horned God

This picture is one of oldest symbols for male.

I then invoke the Horned God: “Father Dark, God my Spark, Lord of the Land, Who corrects my aim and teaches me to Hunt, Master of the Wilds, Guardian of Strength, Bringer of Balance, Lord of Light and Dark who prepares my hands for war but my heart for peace. Great Horned God, I honor you.”

Offerings for the Horned God: white oak, frankincense, cedar, barley or bread, and ale.

These are but very simple ways to honor and invoke these deities. Trust me, there are much greater rituals than this, but this is a good place to start.

I also keep corresponding statues of gods and goddesses on my altar. If you feel called to work with a deity, look through our occult books, Greek, Egyptian, Celtic, Norse – we have oodles.

Magic with gods and goddesses can run deep and be very profound and effective. What I have shown you here is to simply honor them and garner blessings.

Casting the Circle Proper

Because intention needs action, I then cast. I form a triangle by touching index fingers and thumbs to create a triangular/spade shape. I hold this before my navel to gather energy inward. Although it resembles Yoni Mudra, this is not yoga. It is a witchcraft gesture. It reclaims energy and centers me.

I then say, “Guard our hearts, protect us well. With this I cast my circle and start the spell.”

Because sound carries power, I ring the altar bell over the candle. Not just once either, I keep ringing it. I visualize energy along with the sound waves, a sphere, turning and growing clockwise. The energy grows until it’s boundaries touch where the guardians hold their posts, and deity watches. The space hums with power. Once the boundaries are reached with energy and sound, I stop ringing.

The Circle as a Living Sphere

I never picture the circle as flat. Instead, it expands in every direction, above and below. Because of this, I live within a sacred sphere, protected and whole.

This sphere exists outside normal time and space. Therefore, only what I allow enters, and only what I send out leaves. Consequently, the work flows clearly and without interference.

Your circle can be as small or large as needed. I tend to cast it just big enough to accommodate the work area.

There are other traditions where more than one practitioner is involved, sometimes each responsible for one corner or element.

Closing the Circle After Work

When finished, I thank the guardians. With hands open, I say, “North, South, East, and West, all did come, all did bless. Go if you wish, stay if you will, either way, be at peace.”

I recognize deity with gratitude and perform the reverse, male deity first, then female. Now I make the male and female signs “Father Dark, God my Spark, Great Horned God – Mother Night, Goddess Bright, Mighty Hecate.”

I form the Triangle again and gather energy back. I say, “You guard our hearts, protect us well, we thank you! With this I close my circle and end the spell.”

I ring the bell again, visualizing the sphere collapsing counterclockwise until it shrinks to a spark. It winks out, scattering stars, poof!

Some say it is not a good thing, dangerous even, to let a circle degrade on it’s own. I agree. The energy that remains can be like a beacon to other beings, and as it degrades, something could enter that space. I always dismiss and close properly, even though my home and property are well-protected.

Final Thoughts on Calling Corners

So in recap and in order: it’s cleansing/clearing the space, striking the divine light, calling the corners, invoking deity/deities and casting circle.

I call corners not because it is pretty, but because it works. Circles create focus, protection, and the sense of stepping outside the ordinary. It keeps unwanted energies and vibrations from interfering.

Sometimes my circle is no larger than my desk. Sometimes it holds a full group, even encompassing most of my house. Always, it remains only as large as needed.

Beginners benefit most from circles. Calling corners offers structure and confidence.

With practice, you may set them aside for some routine workings. Until then, call them, work within them, and let them teach you.

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The post Calling Corners, Casting a Circle appeared first on Coexist - The Alternative Path.

Everything on Earth—and in the cosmos—has its own vibration. Every stone, tree, and being hums with infinite frequencies. Additionally, like-vibrations resonate and build collective consciousness. That’s not just poetic—it’s metaphysical physics.

I’ll get into how witches harness the elements soon, but come on—you know me. We’re doing history first.

We have hundreds of occult books on our website and in our metaphysical shop, come visit! Connect with us for more on Instagram, Facebook (Meta) or TikTok.

The Four Elements: Ancient Influences

Let’s be honest—Sumerian mythology didn’t exactly hand us a tidy four-element diagram. However, elemental forces still shaped their cosmic worldview. For example, the Enuma Elish tells of a universe born from a chaotic sea. So yes, water took center stage early, even if fire, earth, and air lagged behind.

– The Enuma Elish (Akkadian Cuneiform: 𒂊𒉡𒈠𒂊𒇺), often translated as “When on High,” is a Babylonian creation myth from the late second millennium BCE. Named after its opening line, it remains the only fully intact account of ancient Near Eastern cosmology.

Later thinkers, however, got more system-oriented. The ancient Greeks took these chaotic forces and said, “Let’s categorize.” Thus, fire, water, air, and earth became the standard model for explaining… well, everything. Feeling irritable? Too much fire. Can’t make a decision? Clearly an air imbalance.

Eventually, Hermeticism appeared and gave the four elements a spiritual upgrade. This tradition, pieced together from Egyptian mystery schools and Greek philosophy, absolutely adored symbolic frameworks. Hermes Trismegistus—yes, that Hermes—gets credit for highlighting the spiritual value of these elemental forces. The Hermetic Principles play a huge role in witchcraft, the four elements are naturally incorporated in them too.

Naturally, Hermetic thinkers didn’t stop there. They expanded the idea into alchemy, Kabbalah, and nearly every form of Western occultism. Because obviously, the elements are too convenient not to use for explaining soul paths, planetary magic, or Tuesday’s mood swings.

In short, the Sumerians didn’t invent elemental diagrams, but they absolutely sparked the concept. Later cultures just added drama, symbols, and fire—lots of fire.

Gnomes, Sylphs, Salamanders, Undines

I deeply respect Hermeticism—don’t get me wrong. But I suspect humanity knew about these elemental forces long before Hermes branded them. Still, Hermes Trismegistus did frame them with far more spiritual depth and philosophical flair.

In many magical traditions, especially Western occultism, people often refer to the four elements using mythic entities. So yes, you’ll see Gnomes (Earth), Sylphs (Air), Salamanders (Fire), and Undines (Water) pop up. Eventually, you’ll run into them in spell books or rituals—and probably ask, “What the heck is a Sylph?”

While the concepts are ancient, are these specific elemental beings? Not so much. Paracelsus, a 16th-century Swiss physician and alchemist, made them trendy. He didn’t invent them—but wow, did he run with the idea.

His Book on Gnomes, Sylphs, Salamanders and Undines didn’t just introduce elemental spirits—it basically became the textbook. Thanks, Paracelsus. Seriously.

The Four Elements in Witchcraft

So, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water aren’t just poetic—they’re essential. You literally can’t live without all four. Consider this: you’re made of minerals (Earth), you breathe air (obviously), you burn energy (Fire), and you’re mostly water (hello, 70% hydration).

Some practitioners also refer to a Fifth Element—not the movie. It’s Aether, or Spirit, and it ties everything together. It’s also referred to as “The Will” or “To Go”. So now, congratulations—you’ve got a metaphysical explanation for the five points of the pentagram.

In witchcraft, the elements move beyond biology. They shape your practice, your energy, your intention. That’s where the real magic begins. Here is a super-simple breakdown of elemental correspondences.

• Earth: Often associated with grounding, stability, practicality, and the physical world. It also corresponds with money, prosperity, fertility and growth among other things. Earth “rules” over jobs, employment and everything else listed here in the Tarot.
• Air: Represents communication, intellect and reasoning. It also corresponds with ideas, philosophies, justice and legal matters among other things. Air “rules” over intellectual struggles, and the conflict that arises from these things and our own truths in the Tarot.
• Fire: Symbolizes energy, passion, transformation, and the ability to ignite change. It also corresponds with inspiration, creativity, war, lust and passion among other things. Fire “rules” over careers and passions in the Tarot.
• Water: Linked to emotions, intuition, and the subconscious. It also corresponds with divine feminine energy, goddess, psychic talents and experience and dreams among other things. Water “rules” relationships of all kinds in Tarot.

When casting a spell, I often focus on one element more than the others and sometimes attempt a real equal balance of elements. A witchin’ tip from me; cascarilla (eggshell powder). Eggshell corresponds with all four elements and brings great strength to any spell.

Calling Corners and Casting Circle

I will write an entire separate article on calling corners and casting circle soon but just want to explain the elements in this concept.

The corners are the four cardinal directions and people will argue about which element corresponds best with which direction. Widely accepted: Earth (North), Air (East), Fire (South) and Water (West).

In my own practice though, Fire and Air are switched, Fire is East and Air is South. My reason for this is that the East is associated with the rising of the sun, enlightenment. As the sun rises its fire warms the earth, flowers open and everything seems to just come alive. It just makes greater sense to me.

The idea is to open a portal one at a time in each cardinal direction and call upon the corresponding element to come take its place. This is to help guard the circle and lend that energy to the work. You could also say to witness the work too.

These corners, these four directions and corresponding elements are also referred to as Guardians, sometimes Watchtowers. For these energies (and sometimes entities) a witch can conjure simple elemental energy, or elementals, angels, dragons or other spirits.

Four Elements on the Altar

In most witchcraft traditions and cultures, there are witch tools on the altar placed in the cardinal directions that correspond with these elements. See my article about altar setup to learn more.

I use a special stone ritual bowl and salt for the North (Earth), a cauldron for the East (Fire), a ritual bell for the South (Air) and a chalice for the West (Water).

In addition, while an altar has an altar candle, sometimes candles that correspond to the individual elements are also placed in those corners.

I do that too sometimes; it depends on the work I am doing.

Sometimes I move the altar to the center of the room and place markers and color coordinated candles at those markers. Again, it depends on the magic I am performing.

Choose corresponding colors for each candle, and many will carve a symbol for that element on the candle. A step further is dressing each candle with corresponding herbs and oils.

We have a lot of herbs on our site, 1 oz packets, 2 oz packets and bulk 1 lb. herbs. We also have hundreds of essential oils, different brands and bulk oils too.

In closing, you can also meditate on each element, see how it might be out of balance, too much focus or perhaps neglect.

It can also help you to understand the elements with regard to tarot suits too.

Earth for “social, family and money”, Air for “Struggles of the mental plain and communication”, Fire for “Passions and creativity” and Water for relationships, emotions and all matters of psychic talents.

Check out the Divination category and also my P.E.N.S.I. method to learn tarot easily.

This can help bring your life into a better, healthier balance. I suggest you start with this instant-alpha brainwave meditation.

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