Altar Set up and Tools

We had a heck of a time finding information on the altar but this seems to be the best that we found - even though we can't remember where its from (e-mail us if you know)


An Altar tends to be lain out in a certain constant pattern, in this I mean that there are things that are constant throughout most of the traditions of the Craft.

Location of the Altar within the circle:

This starts with the position of the altar in the space you have chosen whether that is inside or out is up to you and the vagaries of the weather where you are. It is easiest to set the Altar in the north quadrant of the circle. This commands the energies of the earth and through that there is stability and foundation.

Common items on an Altar:

Incense: Something to burn incense in, this should be safe from burning the surface it sets upon and that is why so many people use a large shell filled with sand or a small footed cauldron that is made of cast iron that can stand up to the heat and not burn the surface of the table.
Candles: This can become very involved. The basics are however white candles for the Goddess and black candles for the God, as well as a candle that represents the work that is to be done I also use a reader candle that gives me enough extra light to actually read by if I wish, and that is a color that represents my zodiacal sign to reinforce the magical workings.
Chalice: Some type of vessel that will hold a little spring water, or fresh fruit juice.
Plate: To hold a simple cake or anything that can represent the bread of the simple feast.

Optional items

A favorite deck of cards or a set of runes that you are attached to.
A wand that you use for magic
An athame if you use one
A small bottle of oil to use for blessing yourself and/or others
Some people like to have a small vase with a flower to represent the Gods or even a small statue that brings to mind a deity you are aligned with.
A small bowl or dish to hold items that are to be blessed by being on the altar during the magical work.
A book of shadows that you can use to note the ceremony that you are using.
Anything else that brings a sense of spirit to your senses as you work around your Altar.

Set the altar up and concentrate on the magical forces that you are going to be utilizing during the rite or ritual you wish to perform. If the Altar is set in an area where you can move around it then walk around the Altar from east, to south, to west, to the north and back to the east again, blessing the space and making it a place that is ready for the spirits of love and help to enter.

Once the circle is open do your work at the Altar. If you have written everything down on a will, at the end of the rite you could take the will and burn it while watching the smoke rise sending the work on its way into the ether.

copied from the internet (don't remember where)

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