In Crane Tradition there are Four Guardians. Each one is associated with a Turning of the Master Pattern, an Element, a grouping of Soul Runes, and a deeper Mystery. We are only going to be going into their aspects of creating magical and spiritual work space in this article.
When creating and setting any type of magical or ritual space, a Crane Practitioner can call in the four Guardians. They not only hold the space and protect it while we work, but they also lend their energy to the work we are doing.
If we are just setting a work space we will only be using the “calling in” and “releasing” actions that are detailed here and in the video below.
If we are setting a more permanent sacred space, we will go through the longer method for initiation of the space. This can be a place outside, a room, or any other space where we are creating our personal Temple – this can also include your inner temple, within yourself in your spirit space/ mind.
Why Create a Circle for Magical and Spirit work?
Some traditions create a circle before doing their work mainly as a protective measure. Although that is one aspect this can be seen from, the reason we cast a circle in Crane Tradition is to contain all the energies and magic we are weaving until we are finished and ready to unleash it.
When we call the Guardians in, they create an energetic bubble around the space. The dome holds all the energies and work contained while we weave and blend them. When completed, the finished work will be unleashed when we deconstruct the circle.
The First Guardian – The Great Phoenix
When raising the circle, The Phoenix is the first called in. What it gives to us in this phase, and while we work, is amplification and magnification of your power.
Calling in words:
Great Phoenix, Rise and burn bright,
Bring the power of Will, of Creation, of Sight,
I greet you with an open heart,
Weave this Circle, owning your part,
The first of four who guard
When closing a circle it is last to be released. When it is released, its power is to bring the work done to life, manifesting it – adding the power of all the Guardians to the manifestation of your spell or ritual.
Releasing words:
Our Work is done, this web we weaved,
As we release this circle, the Power is unleashed,
With deep gratitude I thank you for your assistance,
Great Phoenix, carry forward with my deepest reverence.
The Second Guardian – The Great Elephant
When raising the circle, The Elephant is the second to be called in. What it gives to us in this phase is a deeper awakening of understanding of the work we are doing. It also helps us to weave/ blend the various elements together in the best alignment for the desired outcome – bringing order from chaos.
Calling in words:
Great Elephant, Rooting our essence,
Bring the power of Senses, of Strength, of Presence,
I greet you with an open heart,
Weave this Circle, owning your part,
The 2nd of four who Guard
When closing a circle, it reveals the secrets in the work, bringing clarity to the intention. Amplifying the aspects aligned with your specific intention, and dampening the hidden aspects that may hinder it.
Releasing words:
Our Work is done, this web we weaved,
As we release this circle, the Power is unleashed,
With deep gratitude I thank you for your assistance,
Great Elephant, carry forward with my deepest reverence.
The Third Guardian – The Great Dragon
When raising the circle, The Golden Dragon. What it gives in this phase is the power to put the creation into action, harnessing and directing all the elements and power of the spell or ritual being performed.
Calling in words:
Great Dragon, Leading through Wisdom,
Bring the power of Voice, of Healing, of Rhythm,
I greet you with an open heart,
Weave this Circle, owning your part,
The 3rd of four who guard
When closing a circle, it gives control for the direction and movement of flow of the work. It also brings deeper clarity and focuses the intention with precision.
Releasing words:
Our Work is done, this web we weaved,
As we release this circle, the Power is unleashed,
With deep gratitude I thank you for your assistance,
Great Dragon, carry forward with my deepest reverence.
The Fourth Guardian – The Great Crane
When raising a circle, The Crane is the last to be called in. It completes the circle and is the cornerstone for all the others. It keeps the order and timing of the work, the rhythm. It uses the flow of natural forces, the Master Pattern, to empower our intention and align the energies in the right order for the greatest effect. Conducting the energies and spirits you call in, as well as, directing the other Guardians in the work.
Calling in words:
Great Crane, Key of Transcendence,
Bring the power of Memory, of transformation, of convergence,
I greet you with an open heart,
Weave this circle, owning your part,
The 4th of four who Guard
When closing the circle, the Crane is the first to be released. In this phase, the Crane brings the Unity between all of them, aligning their powers, and creating cohesion among them as they are released to carry out the work. The Crane is the first released because it empowers the wealth gained through the journey (creation of the work), keeps the work aligned with the emotions and desire of the caster, and sets the rhythm for the other Guardians to follow as they release their part.
Releasing words:
Our Work is done, this web we weaved,
As we release this circle, the Power is unleashed,
With deep gratitude I thank you for your assistance,
Great Crane, carry forward with my deepest reverence.
To see the process of setting and closing a circle in practice watch this video.
To see the full process of setting a permanent sacred space join our Crane Community, details below.
To learn more about Crane Tradition and Crane Practice, you can pick up the book Grimoire of the Crane. Or join the Crane Community, where we are expanding upon and going deeper into these practices. Hosting various monthly live discussions, free monthly workshops, and much more.
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