The Wiccan Altar

The Altar

The Altar. This is the center of the circle, the place that the celebration revolves around. The things that are needed are here, either on the altar, or placed underneath it, where they can be easily reached.

Each of the four elements is present, both in a real and in a symbolic form. Air is present in the incense, and in the Wand. Fire is present in a candle, and in the athame. Water is present in it's actual form, and as the Chalice. Earth is present in the salt, and as the Pentacle.

There should also be a flame on the altar, usually in the form of a white candle. All that is really necessary is a representation of each of the elements and a flame; but lots of other things usually wind up there, too.

Traditionally, things can only be placed on the altar, or removed from it, with your strong (dominant) hand. This may cause a bit of picking things up with your right hand, and transferring them to your left; but you quickly get used to that, and it's a form of respect that reminds you that you are dealing with holy things here, and not your ordinary stuff. As such, I recommend this practice.

This is a representation of the things that you can usually find on our altar. Different traditions use different things, and we use different things for different celebrations, for instance, we might also have a cauldron here.

An altar is YOUR sacred space, a place for you to be with and commune with the things that matter most to you and your spiritual path, and it should be a reflection of what you feel is important.

Where should the altar be located?

An altar is a your ritual desktop. It can hold all of your tools, candles, ingredients etc. for whatever purpose you feel is important. It can also be a quiet spot where you can sit and meditate, write or do whatever else you feel. It functions on both a practical and religious level, like most things in Paganism.

What is an altar?

The altar can be made up of just about anything, from a tree stump to a coffee table, a clothes chest to a TV top. Whatever works. Some people go out and get a specific piece, such as a table. This is fine, too. Be creative! My first altar was on a shelf in my bookcase.

You should place it somewhere where it wont interfere or come in contact with others, since it is special and seperate from the everyday world. An indiscrete corner or in its own room may ensure people aren't walking by and knocking things over or touching things they shouldn't. You can tell others that may come in contact with it to respect and not touch or place anything upon it. Let them know its special to you.

What goes on my altar?