I think that it's important to develop a practice that works for you, each practitioner I've known has had their own variations of casting a circle for ritual. Everyone has to start somewhere, many start with the same simple steps, but that doesn't mean you have to stick with the same routine forever. Casting a circle can be as intensive and as physical (or mental) as you want it to be.

This ritual is meant to be the first in a four part cycle, ideally started at the New Moon you began an intentional look into the element of Air. This provides time for you to grow your knowledge and perception as the moon grows. As such it's suggested to perform the ritual at the full moon. This provides time to reflect on the experience before moving on to the next element when the moon is new again.

YouTube video by Behind the Bastards

In European mythology, specifically French, Air elementals have been referred to as sylphs, graceful ethereal creatures that are the personification of Air. They can act as natures protectors and are often depicted dancing in the sky among clouds. Sylphs are said to have power over the wind and clouds and thus have the ability to fly. Various cultures throughout time have had their own spin on an Air spirit or deity, certainly more than I could cover here but I will give a brief overview of a few common ones and some mythology attributed to them.

Each of the elements has it's own individual energy. This week I will be writing and thinking about the element of Air. Of course I will not be able to list everything that has been or could be associated with the Air element, instead I intend to give a brief description of how I view the element of Air. Take what you like and leave the rest.

The most obvious way that I work with the elements is casting a circle for rituals. After calming my mind, rooting myself to the land and sky I call on the four elements before completing the circle with a call to Spirit. I will (or have) at various points discuss the other aspects of casting a circle but for now lets move our focus back to working with the four elements.