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What is an altar? Your altar provides spiritual space. There are many types of altars and they can be as big and ornate or small and functional as you please. Some folks have home altars where they perform daily devotions. Altars are traditional in circles for celebration, ritual and spellwork. Whether you have a permanent altar in your home, work space, or on your property is a personal decision based on your surroundings, circumstances, and preference. At times I have been fortunate enough to have a devotional altar in my home. On this I usually placed a statue or other representation of the God and Goddess, incense, and magickally charged items such as stones or talismans. Why use one? Within a circle the altar is a focal point as well as a handy place to organize the tools you will be using. Wiccans and followers of other organized groups have very detailed arrangements with traditional spots for each item. In my opinion, the most important point about arranging your altar is to make it useful for you. How do you make an altar? To build yours, start with the base. If you are working outdoors, perhaps you will find a tree stump or large rock that will work well. A small table or boards stretched across two cement blocks can work, too. Indoors, a small table, chest, milk crates, cardboard boxes or other items can be called into service. Be creative! Just make sure you have enough room for everything you need. What goes on the altar? On the upcoming Magickal Tools page I have listed a number of items that can be used. More detailed descriptions of these items will be found there. The following are the basic items that I may place on a ritual altar:
What if I don't have an altar? The absence of certain tools should not hinder in practicing magick. The greatest part of magick is intent, and that requires no tools other than your own mind. Is there a limit to what goes on my altar? Some people use musical instruments or have music playing in the background. There is no argument that a strong beat can help raise energy in a circle. Soothing music can add to the ambience of the circle. This is entirely a personal preference, though, also dependent on your situation and circumstances. If its important to keep your circle quiet, you can do magick in silence. Make it yours. Altars can be very beautiful and elaborate. They can be very simple and subtle. Give it your own personal touch with things that have meaning for you. I have gathered some links to other sites that have interesting things to say about altars. Altars and Tools at SilverWolf's Lair. The Magick Circle and Altar by Dragon. My Altar by Robert. |
