Setting Up The Altar

An Altar is both your working table, and a place where you honor the Goddess and the God. With these two complimentary purposes in mind it becomes easier to understand why and where you place the things you do on the Altar. The Altar is usually placed in the North (power), East (beginnings) or Center of the Circle.

First, ensure you have a surface sufficient for your needs, a comfortable height, and neither too large nor too small. It is usual to cover this with a cloth which protects the surface from accidental spills and denotes the change of use.

On this place symbols of the Elements; incense for Air, a candle for Fire, a dish of Water for water, and Salt for Earth. Usually these are placed approximately in their compass positions, although the candles should always be placed so you can avoid reaching over them.

You will also need either a pair of candles, statures or other representations of the Goddess and the God. It is usual to have an Altar Pentacle (a largish, flat version of the five pointed star in a circle) in the center front to act as your working surface.

You should have a Chalice of wine and some biscuits to perform the Rite of Wine and Cakes or for grounding. In addition you will need matches to light the candles, a snuffer if you don't use your fingers, extra supplies of incense, and the ingredients for whatever spell(s) or magick you are working. You do not need to include other things which are not necessary for your Rites.

From: The Real Witches' Year

NOTE: If the items listed above are unfamiliar to you, or not part of your own personal magickal path, it is perfectly right to substitute or omit anything that doesn't resonate. There is no "wrong" way to set up an altar as long as your intent is pure and the altar is created with an attitude of respect. Altars are as unique and varied as the magickal people who create them.