Magic Forums

Setting Up Your Altar

Your altar is a sacred place in your home


Your altar is the place where you hold rituals, and keep or display your ritual tools. It can be a coffee table, bookshelf, TV tray, computer desk, or any other flat surface. An unattractive table can be spruced up with a decorative cloth.
Depending on your space or living arrangements, you may have to keep your altar small and portable. If you are unable to have a permanent altar because of friends or family members, you can just set it up and take it down whenever you need to. Using small items can make this easier. Or you can create an altar space that can camouflage as just a group of decorative items. Use your creativity.
There will be things you keep on your altar all the time, but during the Sabbats, you can decorate with appropriate items. Your altar need not be a static display. Changing it throughout the year can reflect your own frame of mind as the seasons change.
One thing to consider when setting up an altar is the direction it faces. It is traditional to have your altar facing north, but if that is just not possible due to the size or arrangement of your living space, then you may need to place it elsewhere.
If you choose to have items to represent the 4 elements, they are usually placed at their corresponding direction:
? Fire - South (athame, candles)
? Water - West (chalice, sea shells)
? Earth - North (pentacle, bowl of salt or earth)
? Air - East (incense, wand, feathers)
Including images to represent the God and/or Goddess are also ideal, like statues or artwork. Sometimes extra candles are used to represent the Deities. Overall, the items you choose to have on your altar is up to you.
Those following an eclectic path should feel free to create an altar that represents their own spirituality. If you are a member of a specific tradition, you may find that a certain altar layout is expected.
Once your altar is in place, remember that it is a sacred place and should be treated with respect. Whether or not you let other people touch the items is up to you, but some people feel that other people will bring 'outside' energy to your tools. Keep your altar dusted and clean too.