WOTC Extra – Your Personal Altar

Your Personal Altar

An altar is a working surface used for religious purposes and as a space to perform magickal workings. The space should be completely dedicated for these uses and no other. The altar is another important tool that serves as a focal point for personal power. If your altar can remain set up at all times, it also serves as a shrine to the Goddess and God.

There is no set configuration, size, or shape for the altar. The only requirement is that the surface be cleansed and consecrated and then covered with a cloth. Ideally a permanent altar will be placed in the north or east part of a room so that when you stand you are facing one of those directions. During ritual work, the altar is at the center of the circle.

Basic items for the altar include:

One or two candles for illumination

A silver or red candle to represent the Goddess

A gold or green candle to represent the God**

Pentagram

Censer and incense

A bowl of water and one of salt

Athame

Chalice

Bell

Wand

*If you are working with the Goddess alone, use three candles (white, red, and black) to honor her in her three phases: Maiden, Mother, and Crone.

** If you are working with the God alone, use three candles (black, gold, and white) to honor him in his three phases: Prince, King, and Elder.

There are many other things that may also be present on your altar, like statues of the Goddess and God, herbs you will be using, a small cauldron, crystals or representations of totem animals.

Wicca. The Practitioner’s Introductory Guide: Symbols, herbs, history, spells, shops, supplies, clothing, courses, altar, ritual, and much more all covered!
Riley Star