It's purpose was designate a space to be hallowed for rites; a place "special" for that purpose. Your circle doesn't have to be as accurate as the ceremonial magician's, yet it i s drawn with a certain amount of care, the coven circle is nine feet in diameter; the individual's circle is five feet.
The drawing of the circle starts, and finishes, in the east and is always drawn clockwise,
If you are meeting outdoors, then the circle is actually marked on the ground with the sword, as the priest/ess walks around.
Indoors the circle should be marked on the floor with white cord, with chalk, or if you have a permanent temple - it can be painted in white paint. But the priest/ess will still walk around with the sword, "marking" it and directing power into it.
On the line of the circle stand four white, unlit candles; one in the north, one in the east, one in the south, and one in the west.
If you wish, there may be additional candles, already lit, between these four, they should stand around the circle but outside
The line. They would be purely for extra illumination, if required.
The first ritual performed, always, is what, in Saxon witchcraft, is called Erecting the temple, other traditions call it, variously, Opening the circle, Casting the circle, or similar. In this ritual the circle and all within it is properly purified and consecrated. This casting is the most basic.
You will need your alter furniture:
Candle, censer, goblet or drinking horn, salt and water, libation dish and (if you wish) figures representing the deities.
There should be wine in the goblet.
