I've been reading about Wicca, the Rede, and circle casting and so my question is why? What's the significance of casting a circle clockwise/counterclockwise? Is there some esoteric/symbolic meaning behind it? "Deosil go by the waxing moon Chanting out the witches' rune Widdershins go as the moon doth wane Chanting out the witches' bane"
Deosil draws in energy, and widershin dispels it. So the latter is considered negative and used to break a circle. That's about all it says in Wicca101 type books. There may be more to it, but I don't have anything to hand (haven't practised wicca for years). Hope that helps
"Deosil go by the waxing moon Chanting out the witches' rune" This also means that when the moon ius waxing is a good time to do spellss to bring about positive energy and to bring new things into your life. Whereas "Widdershins go as the moon doth wane Chanting out the witches' bane" Means that when the moon is waneing is a good time to conduct spells to dispell negativity or to do binding spells and the like. Often Witches will cast the circle either deosil or widdershins based upon the type of ritual or spell they are planning to do.
