Altars

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Altars
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Post # 1
Im a beginner of the practice of witchcraft because my mother accepted my desire of it finally.I am making my altar, please does anyone know what are the absolute musts in your altar?
Thank You for your time Sisters and Brothers
~BLESSED BE~
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Re: Altars
By: / Novice
Post # 2
Well, a must would be candles. I have two illuminating candles at the front of mine. An incense holder, a bowl for salt,a pentacle, a statue of my deity, and i change out my alter cloths to the season. Just make it your own really, there is no right or wrong. But when doing a certain work, you'll need to have all the tools that are required. "True Magick" by Amber K is a wonderful book to read when beginning. It helped me in so many ways. Any more questions just mail me.

I hope this helps you!
Take care.
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Re: Altars
By:
Post # 3
Anything you feel that your alter needs.
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Altars
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Post # 4
True magick by Amber K is an awesome book by the way! Altars should face towards the north and should have some representation of the elements. I have my dagger in the south, a bowl of salt to the north, a chalice of water and some shells to the west, and my wand and incense burner to the east. I also have a pentacle in the center of my altar surrounded by five stones. Each stone represents a different element. I also have a statue of Buddha to represent the mortal/divine connection. Always remember that your altar should reflect you and your personality. Put what you wish on your altar. If you follow a certain path of magick then make sure you follows its guidelines for setting up an altar. I wish you luck!
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Re: Altars
By: / Novice
Post # 5
there are no real 'musts', candles would probably be it. when i fist started out i had candles, a chalace and plate with offerings on them, my athame, and an incense burner [but i always had one] from there i've very slowly added to it, like alter cloths, water and salt, seasonal decorations, statues of the lord and lady, sage smudge, a bell...

candles work to start. as you go on, try to find three tall candles, two white and one black [or a dark purple works] the first white one is spirit, the second is the Goddess and the black one's the God. if you find statues to represent them, you won't really need the candles then, but it's still nice to have in my opinion anyway.
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Re: Altars
By: Moderator / Adept
Post # 6
Unless you are working within a specific Tradition that has a certain way of setting up your altar there are no rules about where it should be placed or what you should put upon it. The altar is the place where you interact with the Gods so it should represent that interaction to you in whatever way you find best.

"Traditionally" an altar would hold a representation of the God and Goddess, symbols of the four Elements, some candles to see by, and your working tools.

In many Traditions the altar is placed either in the North or sometimes the East of a room. But again this is not a hard and fast rule. If the way your room is set only gives you room to put your altar in the West then do it that way. We Witches may be traditional, but we are also practical and we can work with what we are given.

Your altar cloth would typically be made of a natural fabric such as cotton. When starting out check out places such as Walmart for inexpensive table cloths. I recommend inexpensive because sooner or later it's going to get dirty or have candle wax spilled on it and you're going to want to replace it.

For representations of the God and Goddess you can either use candles or you can use statues of the Deities. In the beginning it is probably easier and less expensive to go with a couple of pillar candles. The Goddess candle goes on the left upper corner of the altar and the God candle on the upper right.

To represent the Elements you can use the following:

East/Air - incense
South/Fire - red candle
West/Water - chalice or cup of water
North/Earth - a small dish of salt or dirt

There's a pretty good you-tube video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1a9mAaESiQ that might give you some ideas as well.
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Re: Altars
By:
Post # 7

I agree with many posts here. Unless you are following a specific path or traditions there are no 'must'. Your altar is your own personal spiritual space. Everyone has diffrent taste, dislikes, and beliefs. Witchcraft is more diffrent then Wicca. You must have a deities, candles, salt, and water.... well, according to my tradition.

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Re: Altars
By: / Beginner
Post # 8
Hi tamerajewels,
One of the great things about altars that I have learnt is that they are all different, there is no right or wrong as long as it feels right to you.
Mine is a very simple portable altar which I can set up and put away when I need, I have a tea light candle (fire), A feather (air), shells (water) and stones (earth). I also place a pentacle and some crystals in the middle and sometimes use incense. I only usually use candles if what I am doing needs one.

Have a look at some articles and information about altars and decide what feels right for yours. :)
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Re: Altars
By:
Post # 9
well its really depends of what path of witchcraft you would like to travel. Various different traditions have different things that need to be present on the Altar, like Stregheria, or Italian Witchcraft... have a Spirit Bowl, where the Spirit Flame is sometimes lit... in the centre of the altar. I think, as a beginner you should investigate the different denominations of witchcraft and which one/s appeal to you. if more that one tradition interests you, you can become whats known as an Eclectic witch, who takes various elements of practise from various traditions and paths. Witchcraft is a personal, spiritual way of life, and you need to follow what feels right to you...
Blessed Be!
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Re: Altars
By:
Post # 10
Thank to all for your info about altar. I try to make a simple altar . Thank again. I have one little statue like budda, i dont know who is this. Check my photo.
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