Magic Circle

## Summary

Magic circle is a general term used to refer to designs or arrangements, typically in a circular form, constructed to facilitate the usage of magic. Magic circles have been created and used since the early days of magecraft as a means to aid magicians, often witches and sorcerers, in their magical practices.

Although it is most popular in western occultism, many scholars argue that eastern occultism is where the art of magic circles really developed, particularly thanks to the efforts of the Daoists from China and the Onmyōji from Japan. Because of eastern influences, the primeval magic structure evolved from simple circles to intricately-drawn designs, with special symbols and markings to maximize the magical output.

However, due to the innate magical nature of most Phantasmal Species, for the most part, magic circles are only pivotal to magicians of human origins. For the most part, inhuman magic circles serve the function of signature, differentiating one magic practitioner to another. Those of noble origins such as pureblood devils often have similar magic circles with their family members, often as a way to honor their ancient lineage, albeit with small differences to make it personal such as the sizes of the symbols or the colors of the symbols.

Even for humans, magic circles differentiate from one group to another. For witches and sorcerers, magic circles are important parts within their craft and their designs are crucial in the success and effects of their spells. For wizards, however, due to their innate ability to wield magic and their affinity toward wands than other magical foci, magic circles are mainly used for ancient rituals or faction-based magic systems.

## Characteristics

There are various elements that can be used within a magic circle and various forms which they can take - The simplest form being that of a lone circle. As the amount of information and designs used in constructing a magic circle has a direct relation with its power, magic symbols such as the pentagram, the Star of David, and the Seal of Solomon are often drawn within the circle for additional effects. Other symbols and magic words are written along the circumference of the circle to draw power from what they present through Ceremonial Magic.

However, as the result, the more complicated a magic circle is, the more difficult it is to control the magic. If there is a difference between what the user intended and what is interpreted incorrectly by the magic circle itself, the magic will go out of control and, in most cases, the user will suffer from serious repercussions as "Magic always comes with a price".

Magic circles can be created through various means, from drawing designs and arranging certain objects, to using the positions of the sigils themselves. Although they are often constructed on two-dimensional surfaces, most experienced magicians can also construct them in three-dimensional space on a near-automatic rate by using a combination of magical essence and the magician's mana. The materials used to create the magic circle are also important, as certain materials can have positive and/or negative effects to the spell's potency, efficiency, and accuracy.

## Trivia and Notes

### Trivia

* Common symbols used in magic circles included: Circle, triangle, square, pentagram, hexagram, sigils, and lines/intersections.
* Many symbols used in magic circles often come from religious and/or mythological backgrounds, and can be further empowered if the magic practitioner is a follower of said religion.
* The first recorded usage of magic circles dated back to the ancient Sumerians, who called the practice **Zisurrû** and created circles made of flour-paste to delineate, purify, and protect their houses from evil spirits.

### Notes

* Magic circle is considered Geometric Magic - A form of Hermetic Magic, frequently paired with Ritual Magic. Traditional Hermetic Magic often required creation of elaborate pentacles, pentagrams, magic circles, runes, etc. before a spell could be cast.