What do you need on your altar?

What do you need on your altar?

15 Comments

In this post, we’ll take a look at how to setup your first altar as well as what items you should use. We’ll also look at where to get such magickal items as well as how to find your own.

It’s really not that hard to set up a basic altar. Many people get caught up in what items they “need”, but I’d like to propose to think about functionality instead.

Your altar is basically a place where you’ll do your rituals and magick-spell, so depending on what you are doing, your altar will change.

I will try to give you an idea of what a very basic altar should consist of, but, remember that these are just guidelines and in no way does this represent “the right way” to do it.

 

The four classical elements:

  • A bowl of dirt or sand in the north, to represent earth.
  • Incense in the east, to represent air.
  • A candle (or charcoal) in the south to represent fire.
  • And finally, water in the west to represent, well, water.

Candles:

Every altar needs candles. Maybe you want to use two candles. One for your goddess and one for your god. But that depends a lot on how you practice. If you ask me, I’d get at least two candles in different colors. Remember to have matches or a lighter near your altar as well.

The Athame:

Most wiccans and Pagans use an Athame in their rituals, so chances are you’ll have to use one as well.

The Wand:

The primary purpose of the wand is to direct energy. Where and how it should lay on your altar depends on what you are doing, but keep it on or near your altar.

A Pentacle:

Most Wiccans have a pentagram tile in the center of their altar. If you don’t have a tile, you can make one of small branches or even use your Pentacle Necklace.

The Book of Shadows

Your book of shadows is a very powerful item. Over time, you will store a lot of energy in it. You will also use your BOS to write down your rituals and spells, so it’s a good idea to have that near your altar, but not necessarily on your altar.

 

Most want to start out with a smaller altar. Using a dresser or something like that is perfectly fine in the beginning. Remember, the primary function of the altar is to help you do your rituals. It’s not the size of your altar or the number of Wiccan supplies you have that determines the results of your rituals.

If you like what you just read, then leave a comment and let us know :)



15 Responses

Amanda
Amanda

December 20, 2021

Thanks so very much this is really what I was looking for. Straight to the point and easy to follow.

Derrick
Derrick

September 27, 2021

I want a good, powerful great hard spirits who can appear to me one on one physical I can talk to the the spirit

Jean Sutton
Jean Sutton

July 19, 2021

I was very interested and will use what you said as a guide to my first altar Thankyou so much

Byanka
Byanka

January 15, 2021

Thank you Moonlight Falcon!!

Teresa
Teresa

January 15, 2021

This was very helpful….at 62…I think I found what I’ve been looking for! Stay safe, everyone!

Zoe
Zoe

October 30, 2020

This helped me a little bit but what if you do not have access to indents, pentacles etc.

Ella
Ella

April 27, 2020

Great info for myself being a beginner thankyou ⭐

Diane
Diane

April 19, 2020

This was a very helpful post. Thank you and Blessed Be.

Moonlight Falcon
Moonlight Falcon

April 19, 2020

Thank you for helping the up and coming Wiccans to the craft! Answers to your questions ? A replica of a bird for Air may be used! Anything you create yourself has the most power to it. Therefore, a painted tile by you is just as good if not better! Blessings to all! Falcon

Barbara Langley
Barbara Langley

April 19, 2020

Your articles are always helpful. This one really helped me be able to start my altar.

Lynn Johnson
Lynn Johnson

April 19, 2020

Thank You For this Helpful Info. I always wanted to know what to place on an altar

Elizabeth
Elizabeth

April 02, 2020

Thank you for the helpful information.

Pamela steciw
Pamela steciw

March 23, 2020

Very interested
And helpful

Lee
Lee

March 12, 2020

What if I do not have access to incense for my alter to represent air? Is there anything I can use to replace it?

Scarlett
Scarlett

March 08, 2020

could you make your own pentagram tile if you painted an old tile or slab? :)

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.