The Altar
Traditionally considered the table of the Goddess and God,
your altar is your magic-working surface. It holds the
tools and elements and is a primary focal in magic. Ideally,
you would want to set up the altar in a forest clearing and
make it of stone. The stone altar symbolizes the Earth and
the north direction. Also, the stone and the earth work to
ground or eliminate unwanted energies. In the Northern
Tradition, a "Horgr"-meaning "holy pile of stones" makes
the ideal altar. It consists of a large, flat stone, set
upon a pile of smaller, gathered stones.
Today altars can be everything from a table, chest, or desk,
to a fireplace mantel, cardboard box, or even the bare ground.
Most of the time, an altar cloth covers the altar. It can be
made of any natural material such as linen, cotton, silk, or
wool. Generally, it is left in its natural color, but it can
also be red, green, or deep blue-any color. You can also em-
broider or paint rune symbols on it.
You can carve or paint appropriate runes on your altar to
create an even more sacred space. Altar runes are Berkana
(for the Goddess), Ansuz (for Odin), Uruz (for strength,
Algiz (for divine protection), and Ingwaz (designating the
four quarters of the sacred circle/space).
Altars are usually set up in the north point of the room.
This is preferred placement in the Northern Tradition. Some
set the altar in the east quarter to correspond with the rising
sun. Still others place their altars in the center of their
magical space. Try the different placements, and then select
the one that feels right to you.
The right side of the altar is the active, power side, dedicated
to the God. The left half of the altar is the creative, nurturing
side, dedicated to the Goddess. It's best to keep your magical
altar fluid, changing certain items such as runes, candles, incense,
flowers, and gemstones to correspond with the seasons. Be sure to
place all yout tools and altar items so you can reach them conveniently.
To prepare this sacred space:Put sea salt in a bowl of water.
Take a sprig of greenery and dip it into the salt water. Sprinkle
your altar and ritual area in a sunwise (clockwise) motion as you
say aloud with a clear voice, "Begone from here, all evil and foul-
ness and darkness! Begone from this place in the name of the Goddess
Freyja!" (You may also use the name of any primary goddesses from
other spiritual traditions such as Kerridwen, Isis, or the Mother
Mary.) Say this three times while visualizing a white light, edged
with cobalt blue, that energetically clears out the area.
Before beginning your ritual or magical work, set your altar up
with everything you will need. Some people leave their altars set
up; others put everything carefully away upon completion of the
work.
Rune Magic
Magical Timing
The Eight-Fold Moon Phase
The Elements
The Four Directions
Magical Focals
Rune Galdr Songs
Magical Tools
Making A Gandr (Runic Wand)
Consecrating Your Magical Tools
The Three Steps Of Magic
The Sacred Enclosure
Power Animals
Sending Runes
Runic Charms
Rune Cord or String Magic
Rune Script Magic
Rune Candle Magic
Essential Oils
The Talisman
The Runic Circle
The Runes
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