Calling the Quarters

 

Calling the quarters is a common practice in various pagan and magical traditions, including Wicca. It involves invoking the energies of the four cardinal directions (North, East, South, West) and the corresponding elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) to create a sacred and protected space for your ritual or magical working. Here’s a simple guide on how to call the quarters.

1. Stand at the Centre.

Begin in the centre of your ritual space, facing the direction associated with the element you wish to invoke first.

2. Facing North. Earth

Raise your dominant hand (usually the right hand) and extend it towards the North.
Visualize or imagine the energy of the earth element, stability, and grounding.
Say an invocation that resonates with you, such as. “I call upon the energy of the North, the realm of Earth. May its stability and strength bless and protect this sacred space.”

3. Facing East. Air

Turn to your right, facing East.
Extend your hand towards the East.
Visualize or imagine the energy of the air element, inspiration, and communication.
Say an invocation, like. “I call upon the energy of the East, the realm of Air. May its clarity and wisdom fill this space with inspiration and insight.”

4. Facing South. Fire

Turn to your right once more, facing South.
Extend your hand towards the South.
Visualize or imagine the energy of the fire element, passion, and transformation.
Say an invocation, such as. “I call upon the energy of the South, the realm of Fire. May its passion and drive infuse this space with energy and creativity.”

5. Facing West. Water

Turn to your right again, facing West.
Extend your hand towards the West.
Visualize or imagine the energy of the water element, emotion, and intuition.
Say an invocation, like. “I call upon the energy of the West, the realm of Water. May its intuition and healing flow through this space, connecting us with our emotions and dreams.”

6. Returning to Centre.

Turn to your right one last time to face the centre.
Extend your arms out to the sides, as if you’re embracing the energies you’ve invoked.
Imagine these elemental energies forming a protective circle around you.

7. Thanking and Dismissing.

Express your gratitude to the elements and their energies for joining your ritual.
You can say something like. “I thank the energies of the North, East, South, and West for their presence and protection.”
If you have specific intentions or workings for each direction, you can share them now.
Remember, the words you use and the specific invocations can vary based on your personal beliefs and the tradition you follow. Adapt the calling of the quarters to what resonates with you and your practice.