6 things you will need for a basic Wiccan altar
An altar is one of the most profound magical tools you can have in your home or on your land. It is the focal point of manifestation and other magical works. It should be a place of beauty and sanctity. A place to revere and feel blessed.
A basic altar doesn’t have to be an expensive table made of hand-carved hardwood. It can be an end table, a snack tray or a shelf. What is important though is that it remains undisturbed by pets, children or curious adults (I personally find more adults who try to look with their hands, than children who are continually reminded not to touch.) This isn’t a place where it is okay for kitty to roam and possibly knock things over. It should be a space that is clear energetically and again will remain undisturbed by others.
You need six basic things to create an altar.
Dress your altar with a cloth.This doesn’t have to be something expensive. A beautiful scarf will work just fine. A collection of cloths in various colors is helpful. They may be changed out to add color correspondences for Deity and Planetary Work. Import stores usually have a wonderful selection of natural fibers that make beautiful altar cloths.
Obtain three candle holders-one votive. One holder is for your God candle. One is for your Goddess candle and one for a votive candle to be located centrally between the God and Goddess candles. These should be located on the East side of the altar. The two larger candles are traditionally either black and white, or gold and silver.
Place a cauldron or chalice on the Northeastern corner of your altar. A cauldron may be a simple as a cereal bowl. However, it should be cleansed and dedicated to this specific use. A new one is the best, but if that isn’t possible, wash and consecrate a bowl to this purpose. If you choose to use a chalice instead again, it can be as simple as a glass, but it must be consecrated for this purpose only. If you can’t afford the more expensive silver chalices and metal cauldrons, party supply stores can sometimes hold surprising choices. Just be sure that you don’t use plastic. You don’t want something plastic or fake on a sacred space.
Place an incense holder on the Southeast corner of the altar. It can be a less expensive wooden holder for incense sticks or a charcoal disk burner. I have several to use for different work. One is a vintage burner from the orient. The smoke that rises from the dragon’s snout adds extra fire to my work. Another is a hand with a stick in the center of the palm. This is a ritual I use for my hand energy work. Different types of holders isn’t necessary, but it’s how I add creative powers to my work.
Your wand should be placed on the Southwestern side of the altar. There are many wands available now days from wooden to crystal. The wand you use should reflect what creative forces you wish to work with.
Finally you need an anthame and it should be placed on the Northwestern side of the altar. An anthame can be a herb gathering knife or a ceremonial blade. I know a someone who took a new and inexpensive letter opener, decorated it with stones, charms and symbols. She created a very powerful ritual tool this way.
There are other things than may be used on an altar depending on what magical, spiritual work is being conducted. These are the BASIC things you need.
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