| The Alter The alter is a sacred place when you stand before it. It is a symbol of our bond with the divine. A place we can hold our rituals and meditate on our life. Brining peace and calm to ourselves. An alter can be of any shape or size. Many find the circle to work well for them but its how you feel and your focus on the goal at hand that stand paramount. Most often the left is thought as the side of the goddess as it is the artistic and romantic side, receptive in nature. The right is the side of the god as it is the place of logic and drive, attractive/ projective forces in nature. The center in the primal place in us all where we can find balance between the gods. Upon the alter we can see symbols of the divine and of life to help us become one with the divine and help us focus. It is common practice to place symbols of the elements/ guardians/ watchtowers around the circle to be called forth in ritual as protectors and witnesses to the ceremony. Placement of the alter is up to the owner. I place mine facing east because of the rising sun and moon, both to be found in the east but some place it at magnetic north as a place of power. You will find your own resin for the placement of your alter. Dress and Jewelry Many find a need to dress in or wear special items to connect with the divine. Some even believe that they must be sky clad (dressed in nothing at all). This to is up to the person doing the ritual. I look at it this way if you want a rob or just a pair of sweets so you feel comfortable, even if you wish to were nothing at all as long as your mind is focused on the goal or ritual at hand completely then do it. In a coven you might not want to go sky clad because if you stop and think goddess she/he has a big butt I don�t think it would work out to well. We are a sexual creature and as such look on one another in ways that are very natural but not always good for focusing the mind. Take time and think about what is right for you. |
| Tools |
| Alter Tools Athame (magic knife)- it is used to rise and direct energy within the circle. It is also used in creating the circle. The Athame is a male symbol with its polar being the chalice. It is not to be used out side of ritual use. Chalice (cup)- the chalice is used to hold the energy raised in ritual. Directed by the Athame into water/ tea/ wine or the air held in the chalice. To later be released or drank depending on the need. The chalice is feminine. Censer (incense burner)- the burning of incense has been used to cleans an area of negative energy by many cultures. In times when fire is not a good ides bells or drums can be used for this purpose. These are all female in nature. Pentacle- the pentacle is used to place items on during ritual. It is often looked on as a symbol of protection and grounding. It has for many became the symbol of the Wiccan faith. Some give the pentacle a neutral roll but I feel like many others that it�s a male item, balancing out the censer. Many other tools can be used in ritual and magical work. Including salt, water, stones, herbs, candles, runes, tarot card, wands, swords, cauldren, cords or rope. Anything you feel right to include in your rights, it is your ritual. |