How to Call in the Directions
Calling in the directions is a powerful practice used in spiritual and ritual settings to establish a sacred space, invite elemental energies, and align participants with the divine forces of nature. Rooted in ancient traditions and adapted by many modern spiritual paths, this practice helps ground energy, honor the natural cycles, and create a harmonious environment for transformation.
What It Means to Call in the Directions
Calling in the directions involves invoking the energies associated with the four cardinal directions—East, South, West, and North—along with their corresponding elements, archetypes, and symbolic meanings. It creates a sacred container for rituals, meditation, or ceremonies, allowing practitioners to shift into a heart-centered, intentional space. This practice is as much about setting intention as it is about inviting guidance and protection from spiritual realms.
How to Call in the Directions
Whether you are hosting your first women’s circle or a wedding ceremony or funeral, calling in the directions helps us establish a sacred time and space.
The process begins by orienting yourself to the cardinal directions. You can stand or sit and turn your body to face each direction as you call it in. A clockwise motion is traditionally used to build energy, while a counterclockwise movement winds it down. Open your palms to connect with the energy of each direction, and speak or chant your invocation with heartfelt intention.
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The Directions, Their Elements, and Symbolism
East: The Element of Air
Symbolism: New beginnings, creativity, inspiration, and vision.
Archetype: The Maiden or the Muse.
Season: Spring.
Moon Phase: Waxing Moon.
Invocation Example:
“We invite and invoke the great element of Air, the direction of the East, the place of the rising sun and new beginnings. Sweep away the debris of the mind and bring clarity and creativity to this sacred space. Blessed be.”
South: The Element of Fire
Symbolism: Passion, transformation, courage, and devotion.
Archetype: The Mother.
Season: Summer.
Moon Phase: Full Moon.
Invocation Example:
“We call upon the element of Fire, the direction of the South, the keeper of transformation and passion. Burn away the old and light the flame of our highest potential. Hail to the fire, blessed be.”
West: The Element of Water
Symbolism: Emotions, intuition, healing, and forgiveness.
Archetype: The Wild Woman or the Queen.
Season: Autumn.
Moon Phase: Waning Moon.
Invocation Example:
“We call upon the element of Water, the direction of the West, the place of healing and emotional flow. Guide us through the depths of our unconscious with compassion and clarity. Blessed be the waters.”
North: The Element of Earth
Symbolism: Stability, wisdom, grounding, and support.
Archetype: The Crone or Wise Woman.
Season: Winter.
Moon Phase: New Moon.
Invocation Example:
“We call upon the element of Earth, the direction of the North, the anchor of stability and wisdom. Ground us in strength and resilience as we honor this sacred moment. Blessed be the Earth.”
Above, Below, and Within
In many traditions, practitioners also invoke:
Above: The celestial realms, stars, ascended masters, and angels.
Below: The grounding energy of the Earth and its deep wisdom.
Within: The sacred center, the heart, and the soul’s infinite wisdom.
Tools for Calling in the Directions
Symbols such as candles, crystals, herbs, or representations of animals and archetypes can enhance your practice. For example:
Air: Feathers or incense
Fire: Candles, red stones like carnelian, or images of dragons.
Water: A bowl of water, shells, or blue stones like aquamarine.
Earth: Rocks, green plants, or smoky quartz.
Closing the Circle
After completing your ritual or practice, it’s important to thank and release the directions. This honors the energies and completes the sacred space. For example:
“We thank the East, South, West, and North for your presence and blessings. We release the energies of above, below and within. We release you with gratitude. Blessed be.”
Calling in the directions fosters grounding, centers your energy, and connects you to the natural and spiritual worlds. While traditions vary, the heart of the practice is universal: intention and reverence.
Beginners can start with simple invocations and gradually add layers of symbolism and tools as they grow more confident in their practice.
Let this sacred act remind you of the interconnectedness of all things, and guide you into alignment with the rhythms of the universe.
