When setting up your Altar it is important to keep the Elements and their correspondences in the forefront of your mind. The reason for this is because each Element corresponds with a geographical direction. North is representative of the Earth Element, East is representative of the Air Element, South is representative of the Fire Element, West is representative of the Water Element. This is traditional, and based upon the geographical make up in Europe. North is usually rocky and cold, South is warmer and East is where the wind would blow from, and West is where the ocean lies. You may change these affinities according to where you are situated on Mother Earth and what is appropriate in your local area. When I lived in Calgary Alberta for example, I often associated Earth with the West because that is where the Rocky Mountains stand.
In your reading you will find that many teachers of the Craft are quite detailed and "picky" about altar set up. Once again, I am going to tell you that it is important to do what feels right to you. You can follow the writers instruction to the letter, but if there is no meaning for you, then there is no power in it. There are no hard and fast rules, the only thing I ask you do is to mind the Element correspondences as they are the backbone of your magickal workings. When I set up my altar I like to put a large white or silver candle in the center representing the Goddess. I then use a color corresponding votive candle for each of the directions. The altar is then decorated according to what work I need to do or what season of the year I am celebrating. Each object is placed according to it's directional and Elemental correspondences.
Assignment:
Your assignment this month is to create a personal altar. Choose what type of altar you wish to have, (permanent or temporary) and begin to decorate it with the Element symbols you have gathered in your last lesson. Find a symbol of the Goddess that has meaning to you and place it in the center of your altar. This may be a photo of the moon, a Goddess statue, stone, or even a Globe of the Earth. Also find a beautifully scented white candle and place it close to your Goddess image. You may also decorate your altar with symbols appropriate to the season. Pine cones in winter, flowers in spring, seasonal fruit in summer, leaves in the autumn are all good examples. Light your Goddess candle daily and spend time contemplating your relationship with her. Each time you light your candle, imagine that flame of spirit also burning within your own heart. Record your experiences in your Book of Shadows.
Recommended Reading:
To Stir A Magick Cauldron by Silver Ravenwolf
To Ride a Silver Broomstick by Silver Ravenwolf
Wicca Crafting by Phyllis Currott
