Quarter calling - what it is

[icymist]

Calling the quarters is a practice commonly used at the beginning of Wiccan rituals. The quarters are the four cardinal directions -- north, east, south, and west. Each quarter, or direction, has an element associated with it. The elements are earth, air, fire, and water. The quarters and elements pair up like this:

Direction Element

north earth
east air
south fire
west water



Because the relationship between the direction and the element is so strong, calling the quarters is also referred to as calling the elements.

A basic quarter call will do 5 things:

1. Identify which quarter is being called.
2. Describe the quarter that is being called.
3. Explicitly invite the energy of that quarter to the circle.
4. State clearly what the energy of that quarter is for.
5. Welcome the energy of the quarter that has been called.

For example, you might say something along the lines of, "Guardians of the North (item 1), Powers of Earth (item 2), I invite you to this circle with me (item 3). I ask your assistance, support, and protection in this ritual (item 4). Welcome to my circle (item 5)."

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