Wiccan Altars: What Are They and Do You Need One?
Physically, an altar is a table or cabinet that holds your spell components and supplies. It is a physical representation of your spirituality and a place where you will perform spells and rituals.
An altar can be permanent or temporary depending on your situation and daily needs. Some Wiccan may use a table or cabinet that is normally used for another purpose on a day to day basis. Other Wiccans have the space and are not restricted from having a permanent altar. You will have to decide for yourself which is right for you.
Do you need an altar?
The answer to this question is not simple. It is both yes and no. You are not required to have an altar. However, an altar makes it easier to perform spells and rituals. It makes it easier to focus on what you need your spell to do.
If you can’t have an altar, you could create a visualization altar. Not all spells need a physical form or focus. Using your imagination, visualize your altar in your mind. This will allow you to focus on the spell at hand.
Five Reasons You Should Have An Altar
An altar is:
a focal point for your magick like the magickal circle is a container for your magick.
a day to day reminder of your beliefs and ideals. As your beliefs and ideals change, so will your altar.
a place of refuge for the Divine where you can seek shelter and peace of mind. Focusing on your altar will allow your mind to calm and speaking with your Deity will allow you to know care and companionship.
a reflection of yourself and your spirituality. When you invite others to view your altar, it will show them who you are spiritually. This is a very intimate gesture and should be considered carefully before sharing.
a vehicle for your magick and your will to help you complete your tasks and goals. Spells and rituals do not have to be a one-time performance. There are spells that will continue to need attention after the initial ritual has been completed. Your altar will be a holding place for your spell while other actions are taken to complete the tasks. Visiting your altar will remind you of what needs to be done and what steps still need to be completed.
How should you set up an altar?
There are many different ways that altars can be set-up. There is no right or wrong way. It will change as you learn and grow in your spirituality. Everything new you learn will lend itself to those changes. As you grow, you will have to make the decisions on just how your altar will look.
That being said, there are some standard altar set-ups. Each Wiccan or Pagan tradition has its own set up. Some spells will demand that the altar be set up a certain way. And your everyday altar will be set up in a way that is convenient for you.
The most basic set-up calls for four object representing the four elements/directions. These are:
Pentacle: North and Earth
Athame: East and Air
Wand: South and Fire
Chalice or Cauldron: West and Water
You will also need a representation of the Goddess and/or God. These representations could be anything that is meaningful for you. It may be a statue of your deity of choice or it could be something as simple as a flower or gemstone. Whatever it is, it should represent what the Goddess or God means to you.
Always remember that your altar is a reflection of who you are. If something doesn’t work for you, then don’t use it. If you can’t stand the color pink, then it shouldn’t be on your altar. If you are allergic to certain flowers, then don’t put them on your altar. If you are working a spell or ritual that calls for something that you can’t or don’t want to use, substitute something else for it. Using something that you can’t or don’t want to use will counter the positive energy you are sending out.
Should you have more than one altar set-up? Answer below in the comments.
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