Releasing an Urban Wiccan Circle is just as important as casting one. When a Witch casts a circle, multiple energy forms make themselves present in the area of your ritual. It would be wise not to let these energies just roam free when the ritual is done because they may or may not have adverse reactions in the universe. Energy forms are safest when they are directed, either to release their energies from your working area or towards your desire in a ritual. Releasing the energy of a circle is also a good way to help the Witch in the grounding process after mentally, spiritually and physically draining rituals. Grounding is the process of "bringing you back down to Earth", or letting your mind and body know that you are no longer operating on the Astral plane. A combination of this releasing ritual and snacking on a cookie or piece of bread and a bit of wine or juice will ensure the best results.
Releasing the circle is a relatively simple process, it is just important that any energies which you have raised in your circle are released.
When your ritual is complete, face whatever direction you have decided to have your altar face. Hold your open hands out in front of you and say, "This ritual is complete, my work here is done. All energies raised, return from where you’ve come". Repeat this phrase as you visualize a white vapor swirling around you and exiting your circle in the direction your hands are pointing. Imagine this vapor climbing towards the sky or diving into the ground. You can stop repeating the phrase above when you feel that all energies have been released.
Now you will release the four directional guardians you summoned when you cast your circle. Face the direction your altar faces and say, "Spirits of (name of direction#, Guardians of #corresponding element#, thank you for guarding my #name of direction) side. Go now in peace to where you’re from, harming none along the way." This will be said four times total, once for each direction. You will end facing the first direction you released.
Hold your hands at your side, palms down. Envision the circle of protection, which you cast at the beginning of your ritual become white hot. See your circle burning a hole into the very floor beneath your feet, and melting below your feet and becoming one with the Earth. Say "Circle of protection you have guarded me well, I return you to the Earth, your energy is dispelled."
Lastly, you must thank the Gods for their presence. Remember, we do not command the Gods to leave our area, nor do we order them in any way. We respectfully thank them as we seek to honor them. Say something to the effect of "Zeus, King of Gods, and Hecate, Goddess of Witchcraft, thank you for you presence with me here. Thank you for protecting your humble Priest/Priestess. Thank you for lending me your power. My circle is released, my magic is done, but you are always in my heart. Merry we meet, and merry we part. And merry we meet again."
The energies, which you have raised, have all been returned to the universe/Earth, and you have thanked the Gods for their presence. You are now free to begin cleaning up your area and storing your ritual tools.
