The Five Steps To Ritual Preparation
1. INTENTION:
Intention is the focus of your spell and the absolute will to succeed. I try to never do a spell unless I feel it well up inside of me beforehand. Spells don’t work unless you are able to focus your Will. Your intent must be clear, or your spell may have unintended results.
2. PREPARATION: Assembly of tools and materials
The spell actually begins at this stage because your Will starts to focus itself as you gather the herbs, select the candles, choose the incense, decorate the altar and lay out your tools. Knowledge of correspondences is essential here, so that you select materials appropriate to the spell.
Incense, candles, music and ceremonial dress, makeup or masks can be used to make sacred space, set the mood for a spell. You must have something to represent each Element – earth, air, fire, water – on the altar or working surface.
3. CAST THE CIRCLE:
• Call Corners (also called calling quarters)
• Cast the Circle, invoking the Lords of the Watchtowers.
Raise power. You should feel it between your hands, like the force of two magnets that repel each other, as you invoke the Lords or Ladies and cast the circle.
4. THE SPELL:
Perform the spell, reciting its words and carrying out whatever actions it requires. The words of a spell should be said aloud, in a commanding voice. This is the Word that goes forth and comes into being, so mote it be. Manifestation of word into deed is the essence of magick.
5. CLOSE THE CIRCLE:
Close the circle and ground the power you have raised. Clean up. Carry out any afterspell actions that the spell required.
Reference
Lady Ishtar’s Complete Guide to Wicca Protection Spells
Witches Of The Craft® 