The term ''Magic Circle'' is best applied to various Occult and Ritual Practices. They are said to be used as protection measures during conjuring – as a means to contain Spirits, Demons etc. In some cases, Magic Circles can be used to focus both ''White and Dark'' magical incantations (for One's specific goal). By the strictest definitions, the applied ''Circle'' need NOT be the pattern of choice. Often Pentagrams or Hexagonal shapes are made. Such patterns are ''drawn'' or inscribed on ''purified grounds'' with chalk, paint and even animal (or in cases of Dark Magic – Human Blood). Often symbolic magical spells are placed either within or outside of The ''Circle''. However, much of conventional knowledge of Magic Circle were generated from the 18th to 20th Centuries by Literature and later Films. The first known mention of a ''Magic Circle'' dates to The Middle East and some 5,000 years ago.