Diagram

Not to be confused with "circle" used as a synonym for coven,<ref>This wasn’t just Laird pulling something with people looking in. He was involving them. A coven -a circle-, getting involved. - excerpt from Breach 3.3</ref> a magic circle or ritual diagram is a geometric pattern drawn out as part of a magic ritual.

Symbolic Function

A circular diagram is preferred because it's inherently balanced, rather than "tilting" toward any one part of the diagram and accidentally making that the focus of the ritual.<ref>“Explain what you’re doing?” Verona asked. She sat on her heels, wincing and bringing her hand to her lower stomach as she did so, looking at the lines. “This is a magic circle?”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve drawn any diagrams,” Matthew said. “It might help to think of this as a stage. If you don’t spread things out evenly, it’s imbalanced, the stage tilts.”

“We were told, uh, one person shouldn’t do all the shopping,” Avery said. She had her hands in the pockets of her track pants. “Or bring all the things. Same idea?”

“Similar idea.”

“What happens if the stage tilts?” Verona asked.

“I… that’s complicated, and might not have a singular answer,” Matthew said, as he drew out a circle. “I could see a situation where the spirits look to one person in your group as the spokesperson or leader. One person ends up holding the cards or having more power, while the others are supporters. In the very worst case, the other two practitioners could be suppliers of energy or power for the primary figure. I wouldn’t worry, we’re well past that and into safe territory.” - excerpt from Lost for Words 1.2 </ref> A circle, even a simple one, can also act as a symbolic border for Binding or shielding something.<ref>His attention fell on the chalk circle around him. Three concentric circles, the first about five feet across, the third about nine feet across. Each had been elaborated on with an intricate, almost lace-like

border that ran along the perimeter, pointed outward.

“What’s this?” he finally asked, while pinching the bridge of his nose, his eyes screwed shut.

“That’s pizza. Pepperoni and onion. The coke might have gotten a little flat since we poured it. You took a few hours to wake up. I was

almost worried.”

“That’s not what I was asking,” he said. “The circle.”

“It’s a problem if any of your friends, family, or allies find you,” I said. “That circle means they shouldn’t be able to.” - excerpt from Void 7.1 </ref> Certain beings, such as the Abstract Demon, have their chaotic nature inherently opposed by geometric shapes.

Appearences

References