
- Understanding The Three Realms.
Within ritual the edge of a cast Circle represents the Physical Realm however, beyond that reference line and to the actual edge of the Circle there exists a corridor of elemental energies, which are part of the Elemental Realm. The energy that flows through this corridor connects the realms to each other separating that which is held within Circle from the Physical Realm and joining that which is within Circle to all realms: Physical, Elemental, and Astral. These realms do not occupy space as we understand it here on Earth and their relationship to each other is not literally one above or below the other, instead they occupy the same space at the same time, but exist as different states of energy. They are unique vibrational frequencies and all that exists within each realm aligns with that specific frequency. To read more about Circle casting within a Wiccan Ritual read this blog post: The Tenets of Wicca: Understanding the Symbolism and Power of Ritual.
The Physical Realm is the realm of form. This is the realm where things exist within dense matter. It is within this realm that the five senses (smell, sight, taste, touch, and sound) of human beings are experienced. Shared reality is experienced within the Physical Realm and is the realm that most individuals consider when speaking of “the real world” or “reality”.
The Elemental Realm is considered the realm of Forces and represents the actions of the four creative elements (earth, air, water, and fire) that comprise anything manifested in the Physical Realm. It is Spirit that oversees these elemental forces and their actions through which manifestation takes place. The consciousness of these elements are perceived as Elementals and all of the Physical Realm is created, influenced, and animated by the presence of them.
The Astral Realm is considered the realm of the Space/Time continuum. It is comprised of astral light, which is able to be shaped and molded by intended imagination and visualization. Emanations from the Physical Realm as well as influences from Spirit Realms influence astral light and situations and events generated from the Spirit Realms take shape on the Astral Realm and are manifested into the Physical Realm through the Elemental Realm.
The Astral Realm is the state of being that Wiccans align with when crafting, casting, and working their magick. Divination is the art of tapping into this realm and discerning the images forming within the astral light to perceive what is in the process of manifesting in the Physical Realm. The dream world is the gateway to the Astral Realm.
The Summerland / The Otherworld exist within the Astral Realm. This is where the spirit of the dead cross after physical life has ended and remain until the Elemental Realm draws the spirit towards rebirth. It is through the vortex of sexual union that occurs within the Physical Realm that the spirit is then born into physical form.