The following is a method of casting a circle for general magickal use.
Cleanse the area by sweeping with a ritual broom (besom).
Starting in the east, walk once around the perimiter of the circle clockwise (deosil) carrying smouldering incense. Frankincense, myrhh, Dragon's Blood resin, or sage are good choices. Smouldering incense combines the elements of air and fire.
Starting in the east, walk once around the perimiter of the circle clockwise (deosil) while sprinkling salt water from a chalice. This combines the elements of water and earth.
Starting in the east, walk once around clockwise (deosil) while pointing either your athame, wand or forefinger at the perimiter of the circle. Visualize blue flames springing forth and taking form as shimmering blue energy at the perimiter, eventually taking the form of a sphere. Say the following while walking:
This circle of magick I cast tonight,
An enchanted place to perform this rite,
With air, fire, water and earth to bless,
Until I withdraw their powers hence.
A sphere of light around me grows,
And as above, then so below.
Now thrice I have called, that all may see,
This circle is cast, so mote it be.
After the ritual, the circle may be taken up by walking three times around the perimiter of the circle counterclockwise (widdershins), starting in the north, while chanting:
The earth, the water, the fire, the air
Return, return, return, return.
While walking, visualize the blue energy swirling back into flames, and being drawn up into your athame, wand or forefinger. Ground the energy back into the earth.