Altar Objects


This is a general term for the objects that you
place on your altar – candleholders, flower
vases, crystals and so forth – which do not
necessarily have a specific magical use of their
own; they are present to create an ambience.
You should remember to dedicate them to the
purpose in hand by presenting them to your
chosen deity

‘Altar Blessing Spell’


You will need the following items for this spell:

None
Hold the object that you wish to bless in your hands and envision energy flowing through your body and into the object.

Then, say this chant: “You may have once been but a simple (object that you are blessing: rock, candle book, etc). But now, with the witchy power bestowed in me, I grant you energy; so mote it be. And now take your place on the altar and forever blessed be.”

This spell can be used to purify any object, or just to give your altar a sense of spiritual cleanliness.

Ancestor Altar: How to Create Sacred Space for Your Ancestors

If you’re beginning to develop a relationship with your ancestors, setting up an ancestor altar is essential. It gives you a place to connect on a regular basis. It serves as a reminder that your ancestors are present. Learn how to set up your ancestor altar here with our step-by-step process. And how to maintain it.

How To Set Up Your Ancestor Altar: Step by Step
Don’t worry about what altars look like online. Don’t even worry about what altars look like in your mind. When you first set up your ancestor altar, focus on the energy you put into it. Yours will be unique from the rest…because it is yours. And your ancestors will be happy to have a physical place to visit.

1. Decide on a Surface
First, decide where to put your altar. I highly recommend that it’s not in your bedroom. But maybe in your living, dining room or kitchen. Ancestors don’t want to see what you do in your private time. Next, choose a surface of a table, buffet, shelf, counter, etc. that will be used solely for the purpose of honoring your ancestors. This means nothing else will be set on top of it. No phones, remotes, computers, TVs, appliances, etc. A wall shelf, empty book shelf, or small accent table is great.

2. Gather Your Tools and Supplies For Your Ancestor Altar
Next, decide what you want on your ancestor altar. A few basic recommendations: a photo(s) of your ancestors, heirlooms, a cup and bowl for offerings, incense and incense burner, candles and candle holders, and seasonal decorations (optional). If you don’t have photos of your ancestors, things that represent them and link you to their energy work great. Heirlooms are helpful for this. What if you don’t have any heirlooms either? A map of their homeland, photos of historical markers, etc. all work well in place of personal photos.

3. Cleansing
Once you’ve decided on a surface and gathered your supplies, it’s time to cleanse. There are different methods of cleansing your altar, including smoke-cleansing, asperging, or simply wiping the surface and tools with a cloth. If you choose to wipe them down, use a little lemon juice mixed into water. As you cleanse, visualize white light from above illuminating the altar surface and each item.

4. Set Up
Next, it’s time to set your ancestor altar up. The set-up is entirely up to you. In certain traditions and religions like Wicca, there may be a set pattern to follow; however, if you’re solitary and doing this on your own – set it up how you like! I prefer to keep my ancestors at the forefront and make their photos the central focus, then I build around that. I also like to add seasonal decor: eggs and bunnies for Spring, flowers for Summer, sunflowers and pumpkins for Fall, and Christmas decor for Winter. Don’t forget – invite your ancestors to this space!

5. Provide Offerings
The first time you set up your ancestor altar, provide offerings and invite your ancestors to this sacred space. Offerings include: a fresh cup of water, flowers, incense, candle flame, drinks like wine and coffee, fruit, and food in general. Over time, your ancestors will begin to tell you what offerings they prefer and what they don’t. Trust me, you’ll hear their voices soon.

Ancestor Altar
You have your ancestor altar set up, but now what? Use your altar as a physical, tangible place where you speak to your ancestors. Speak out loud or in your mind, it doesn’t matter. Also provide regular offerings. Some people give daily offerings. I provide weekly offerings. While others might only give once every other week. Other offerings to ancestors include handmade items, poetry, song, artwork, and just about anything you’re moved to offer them.

Let your altar be a place that inspires you. When you feel sad, ill, or in need, stand at your ancestor altar and call on your ancestors. Knock three times and call out their names (if you know the names). Light a candle and tell them it’s in their honor.

Don’t forget to cleanse your ancestor altar every once in awhile. I prefer to clean and cleanse mine once a month – usually on the New Moon. I take everything off, dust the altar and my supplies, then cleanse using smoke or blessed water/spray. After I set everything back on, I invite my ancestors presence back to the space.

Setting up your altar

To turn your dressed table into a proper altar, you will need as basics the following objects:

1. Two candles with candle holders – you might like to think of one representing the female principle and one the male. You may also choose, in addition, candles of a colour suitable for the ritual or spell you are working.

2. An incense holder and incense suitable for the particular working.

3. A representation of the deity or deities you prefer to work with. An image of the Goddess, for instance, could be anything from a statue of the Chinese Goddess of Compassion, Kuan Yin, to seashells, chalices, bowls, or certain stones that symbolize the womb or motherhood.

4. A small vase for flowers or fresh herbs.

Other objects appropriate for ceremonial working are:

• • An athame, which is a sacred knife for ceremonial use; it should never be used for anything else.

• • A white-handled knife (called a boline) for cutting branches, herbs, etc.

• • A burin, which is a sharp-pointed instrument for inscribing magical objects such as candles.

• • A small earthenware or ceramic bowl, or a small cauldron, for mixing ingredients.

• • A bowl of water.

• • A bowl of salt or sand, representing Earth.

• • A consecrated cloth, or a pentacle, on which to place dedicated objects.

Some people additionally use bells to summon the powers of the Elements, whilst others have additional candles with the colours representing both themselves and the work they wish to do. You can also have other items on your altar, such as crystals, amulets and talismans. You can do what you wish with your own altar provided you have thought through very carefully your logical or emotional reasons for including whatever you have there. You might, for instance, choose to have differing representations of the Earth Mother from diverse religions or include a pretty gift to establish a psychic link with the person who gave it to you.

A Feather for Your Altar

Some representation of air, commonly something scented like incense, essential oils, or smudges, or else a flying bird’s feather goes in the East, to represent Air.

Sacred scents are used to cleanse an area energetically, call in certain powers, or help witches shift consciousness.

Feathers can also be used to cleanse energy fields, and to fan incense or smudge smoke.

Like candles, incense can also serve many purposes.

Some people find it helps them meditate, some offer it up to the Gods, it can also be used in cleansing rituals and Banishings, plus some believe that certain aromas have mystical or medicinal properties.

Don’t forget an incense burner or censer, too.

The censer (and incense) are used to prepare the ritual space.

Ritual censing banishes evil, and makes the circle more inviting to spirits and deities of the desired kind.

Have you found a feather recently? Take a look below to find out what it could mean.

White.

This is the most common Angel feather, and is thought to be a sign of faith and protection. A white feather can also be your Angel telling you that any loved ones in heaven are safe and well.

Pink

A pink feather is a sign of love from your Angels. They are letting you know that their love is unconditional.

Purple

Purple is a colour that represents spirituality. Perhaps your Angels are prompting you to activate higher thought and connectivity.

Red

A red feather represents courage, strength, stability and good fortune. If you’ve been going through a difficult time of late, your Angels are sending comfort to let you know how strong you are.

Yellow

Should you find a yellow feather, your Angels may be nudging you to smile, have fun and enjoy life!

Green

Green feathers represent prosperity and growth. If you find a green feather, you’re in luck!

Blue

Blue represents communication, so a blue feather may well be your Angels telling you to listen! Blue is also a sign of peace and protection.

Grey

Grey feathers can symbolise peace, as well as neutrality. If you see a grey feather in your path, your Angels may be trying to tell you that the answer to a certain situation may not be as straightforward as a yes or no. Brown feathers symbolise home and grounding. Perhaps your home life will see positivity soon!

Black

A black feather is a sign of protection from your Angels. They are here to guard you and repel negative energy.

Orange

Orange feathers will bring you attraction and success! This is a sign that any new ideas or opportunities are approved by your Angels. No matter what the colour or meaning, finding feathers is a true blessing and a sign of love from your Angels.

Pagan Witches Altar

An Altar is an Elevated place where ceremonies are conducted and where offerings are made to a deity or deities.

The altar has ancient associations with the Goddess and Mother Earth, who rule the wheel of birth-death-rebirth.

In Witchcraft and Paganism, the altar is placed within a magic circle.

It usually faces either east or north, depending on the tradition and practices of the coven.

There are no set rules in the Craft for the construction of the altar.

If the ceremonies take place out of doors, rocks or tree stumps may be used.

Indoors, the altar may be a table, a wooden box or a board placed on boxes or bricks.

Whatever the form or materials, the altar should not contain conductive metals such as iron or steel, since they could interfere with the energy of the ritual tools made of iron or steel.

Since many covens meet in homes or apartments where space is at a premium, the altar may not be permanent but erected only during ceremonies.

The objects of ritual and worship placed on the altar vary, depending upon the practices of the coven and the rituals to be performed.

They may include an athame, a white-handled knife, a sword, a wand, candles, a cup or goblet of wine, anointing oils, dishes for Salt and water, a necklace without beginning or end, a censer, bells, scourges, dishes for offering food and drink to the deities and images of the deities, such as figurines, wax statues or drawings.

If a broom and cauldron are needed in rituals, they are placed on either side of the altar.

Ancestor Altars

The Samhain season is a wonderful time to create an ancestor altar in your home.

This can be a permanent dedicated space to honor your Beloved Dead year-round, or a temporary set-up for use during Samhain.

To create an ancestor altar you will need:

  • A skull (this can be a ceramic imitation skull, a candle in the shape of a skull, a drawing of a skull, or any other representation). Search the stores for Halloween decorations and you should find something suitable.
  • A covering for the skull. This can be a handkerchief, a hat, sunglasses, or any item that suits you.
  • Photos of deceased loved ones and ancestors.
  • Items you associate with your Beloved Dead. These may include antiques, gifts from your loved ones, or inherited items.
  • An offering area, such as a small plate on which to burn incense and spirit money, or to leave offerings of food, liquor, ghost water or other items.

During the Samhain season lay a compass and cast a calm with yourself and your ancestor skull within.

Ask you’re the Mighty Ones to send forth your Beloved Dead to inhabit your skull for the season of Samhain, that you may honor your ancestors and share in their wisdom.

After the rite is complete, take the skull to your ancestor’s altar and cover it.

When you wish to speak with your Beloved Dead remove the covering and make your offerings to the spirits.

Here is a recipe for Ghost Water, which is a traditional potent offering to the spirits of the dead.

At midnight on the night of the full moon (the full moon before Samhain is ideal) go to a graveyard with a glass container of spring water.  Leave the spring water on one of the graves in the cemetery, making sure that the light of the full moon falls on the spring water.  Remove the water after midnight but before daybreak.  Bottle and label the water, and use it as an offering on your ancestor altar.  Some witches like to add a splash of anisette liquor to the Ghost Water when making the offering.  Good anisette will produce a milky cloud in the water, like unto a spirit manifesting.

Graveyard dirt is another ideal offering to the dead.

Powdered mullein or patchouli are often labeled “graveyard dust”, and these too make a nice offering, either with or without actual graveyard dirt.

Other offerings to the dead include incense (a Samhain blend or an ancestor blend will work well) and spirit money.

Spirit money is imitation money, such as can be found in children’s playsets.

It is burned with prayers that the Beloved Dead have all they need in the world beyond this one.

Keep your ancestor altar clean and make offerings regularly, disposing of any old offerings in living water or at a crossroads.

Your ancestors deserve your respect and remembrance.

Samhain is the ideal time to create an ancestor altar for seasonal use, or as a permanent place in your home and in your life.

Magical Ways, The Altar

In basics, an altar is known as a  spell table or a magical work table.

A great deal of magic does not need the presence of an altar, however certain rites and rituals may be further empowered with the help of an altar.

If you perform magick in the comfort of your own home, an altar can be a worthy tool to cast spells.

An altar can also be used as a work table, where herbs are enchanted, sachets composed, and where, in general, all magical work is done.

An altar may be any flat surface on which you can place candles, an incense burner, herbs, and any other materials needed for a spell.

It can be the top of a coffee table or dresser or a section of the floor.

Wherever you can find a place is sufficient.

Some people, who wish to acknowledge their spiritual beliefs, place symbols of their beliefs on the altar.

Statues of their particular gods and goddesses may be common.

However, any objects with which you feel comfortable may be placed on the altar.

These can include lucky charms, fossils, rocks, shells, and so on. Such natural objects may actually empower your magic further.

Where possible it may be good to take your magickal practices into the great outdoors.

However Indoor spells will always work just as well as Outdoor spells A lot of people may have to substitute a living room or bedroom for a forest clearing or lonely beach.

Outdoor altars, may not always be necessary, to perform magick However when you feel an outdoor Altar is necessary, it can consist of something as simple as a cleared section of ground, a flat rock, or a tree stump.

Remember, ingenuity can aid the Magician here, and it is your choice alone, how you perform your magick Bear in mind, the altar is simply a place to perform magick and is limited only by your imagination.

Basic Tools for an Altar

First of all, it is important to remember that tools, herbs, candles, crystals and so on are not actually necessary to work magic.

Your own energy and the power of your mind, as well as the blessings of the deities and spirits, are the important things.

However, these extra ingredients may make it easier to work spells, as well as being nice to have at your disposal.

An Athame.

An athame is a ritual knife, used to direct magical energy,

An athame, is usually a handled two-edged knife, meaning the blade is sharp on both sides.

However, it may be dull rather than sharp, as an athame is not a cutting tool.

This knife may be made of wood, stone, horn, or metal.

An athame can also be a regular knife if visualized as the ritual tool.

An athame maybe a letter opener, pocketknife so long as it is seen as a ritual tool.

The handle color may also vary, but black is traditional.

A Bell.

An altar bell, maybe a tiny bell with a delicate chime, or a larger bell, used during rituals such as one to call upon the Faerie Folk.

An Altar bell may be made of brass, ceramic, crystal, or silver

A Boline.

A Boline is a cutting tool used in magical work to inscribe candles, cut herbs, cut thread, or any other such use.

Traditionally a two-edged blade, with a white handle, but any tool designated as the working tool may be used.

Bowls.

Altar bowls in general are used in the following way. one for salt, one for water, and one for the libation.

Broom or Besom.

A ritual broom or besom is not used for housework, but for clearing the ritual space during circle casting and for spell work.

Candle Holder.

Candleholders can be individual, candelabra, votive holders,  but in theory, there should be one for the Goddess and one for the God, as well as one for magical work.

Cauldron.

A Cauldron is a metal pot for magical work.

When burning a candle inside it, you might want to put a layer of clean sand on the bottom of the pot.

It is a good idea, for your cauldron to be large enough, to hold melted wax, and to burn twigs or incense inside, without creating a hazard.

A Lidded cauldron may be the best idea, but if not possible, get a separate lid for covering when ready to put out any fire within.

Censer.

A censer is a container for incense that can be carried around the Circle or set on the Altar.

The censer may be of brass, a shell, wood, or any other suitable material.

It may be a good idea that the container should be partially filled with clean sand to hold the incense and prevent burns.

Cingulum.

A Cingulum is a nine-foot-long cord of red silk, wool, or cotton that is knotted at Initiation and worn with the Robe, kept on the Altar, or wrapped around the top of a Staff.

Crystal Ball.

The Crystal Ball is a smooth sphere without facets, although it may contain bubbles and other markings within.

Clear Crystal balls and ones of natural quartz are very expensive.

However manufactured lead crystal also works.

Chalice.

A Chalice is used for the beverage of Cakes and wine, Esbats, Rituals .

May be of pottery, silver, brass, crystal,or wood.

Incense Burner.

Incense burners are used to hold incenses whilst being burnt.

The incense burner itself may be a stick holder, corn holder, or resin holder.

The incense burner may be made of wood, earthenware, ceramic, glass, brass, shell.

Pentacle.

A pentacle is a flat disk with a five-pointed star in a circle engraved or painted on it.

The altar pentacle could be made of wood, ceramic, clay, wax, brass, silver, gold, or simply drawn on a piece of paper.

Plate.

An altar plate is normally used to hold the bread or other such food blessed in the Cakes and Wine Ritual.

Robes.

You may choose a variety of colored robes, depending on the type of ritual or spell work involved, or a basic white or black robe.

The cingulum, cord, may be used with the robe to tie it around the waist

Staff.

A staff is used as a long wand, may be decorated, and carried as an indication of Craft association, or simply for walking in the woods.

Tarot Cards.

Choose a deck that draws you, and use for divination; you may acquire a variety of decks over time.

Wand.

Wands are normally the length of the forearm to the fingertip, about 12 to 16 inches.

The wand itself, maybe made of, oak, willow, hazel, apple, elder , and so on For the influence of those woods, it may be good to select one from nature.

Failing that, buy one, but choose one that appeals to you. After all the tool most associated with witchcraft is the wand

Basic Materials for an Altar

Altar Cloths.

A variety of coverings, can be used for the Altar, depending upon the ritual and the season. Attractively patterned sarongs, are sometimes used for this purpose.

Beverages.

A variety of drinks; be they fruit juices, wines, or liqueurs, can be consumed during your rituals, rites, and spell workings.

Candles.

These candles can include, votives, tapers, jar, shaped, tea light candles in various colors.

Natural tallow, and beeswax candles, are always good at adding an extra dimension to your working.

Ultimately though, if you wish to keep things simple, all you need are some plain white candles.

You can always change the color, of a white candle, by using crayons.

Furthermore, you could tie a ribbon, of the color called for in the spell around the base of the candle. From that, it will take on that color’s energy of the candle.

Charcoal Disks.

Charcoal disks can be used for resin incense, such as copal,or dragons blood.

Cloths.

A variety of cotton cloths, of a solid colour, can be used in spell crafting.

These cloths can be used for, wrapping tarot cards, crystals, stones, holding herbs, making poppets, herbal dream pillows, and so on.

Cords.

The cord, designating the three styles of green practice ,wild witch, hedgewitch, green witch, kitchen witch, may be gold, for energy worker within a cultural tradition.

Red, can be used for working with the Powers of Nature.

Black, can be used for dedication, to the Goddess, and to the God.

As many styles as have been used, such colors may be combined or braided together.

The symbology is, gold for energy work, red for powers, and black for wisdom and union, with the Divine.

Glass Bottles.

Glass bottles. can be used. for herbs, oils, moon water, spell work, and storage of other items as needed.

An idea, maybe to, Rinse these bottles, with spring water, and sea salt, to cleanse before use.

Herbs.

A variety of herbs can be stocked in labeled containers.

Incenses.

Incenses, such as stick, cone, resins, in a variety of fragrances, will undoubtedly, add magick to your Altar.

Charcoal disks, made for incense, may be needed if using resins.

Light incense, look for glow, then wave to extinguish the flame so only smoke results.

Matches.

Matches may be regular, or of the long stick variety. Alternatively use a lighter.

Musical Instruments.

For musical instruments, you could use drums, bells, flutes, harps, sistrums, cymbals, gourd rattles, other rattles, to aid in meditation, spell casting, energy raising, etc.

Oils.

A variety of essential oils, including, rosemary, sandalwood, lavender, benzoin, rose geranium, frankincense, pine, Juniper, mint, can be used for anointings.

It may be a good idea, not to use cinnamon, as it will burn.

You may also need carrier oils, such as, olive, sunflower, almond, jojoba, coconut, and so on, for mixing own fragrance blends.

Often, the easiest thing to do, if you cannot find the required essential oil, is to go back to basics. Instead of dabbing with clove oil, push a clove into your clothes.

Instead of rubbing a candle with basil oil, rub a basil leaf on it.

Sometimes, oil is necessary though. Making your own essential oils is difficult, though not impossible.

If nothing else, you could make an infused oil.

Use a simple, plain carrier, such as almond or olive oil.

Put some in a small bottle, add your chosen herb, such as rosemary, and leave this to infuse for one lunar month.

Salt.

Sea salt, rock salt, can be used in rituals, spell work, and cleansings, as well as Circle Castings.

Spring Water.

Springwater can be collected in a natural spring and stored for use in spell work and ritual. Failing that, it can be bought pre-packaged.

Stones.

A variety of crystals, semi-precious stones, river and Earth stones for use in spells, healing, and aura work.

Threads.

Threads. or embroidery floss, of various colors, can be used for tying up magical works.

Tiles and Trivets.

Tiles or Trivets can be used under items that will burn hot, such as cauldrons, to avoid scorching a surface beneath.

Kitchen Altar

Kitchen witches spend much of their time in the kitchen, combining magic and cooking to create sacred food, spells and herbal remedies.

The kitchen is therefore an ideal place to set up an altar, both for kitchen magic and honoring the goddess of hearth and home.

Making a Kitchen Altar

Depending on the size of the kitchen, an altar can be anything from the corner of a shelf, to a dedicated table.

The ideal spot for a focal point also needs to be practical and safe.

A witch does not want an altar where spillages or accidents can occur, but at the same time needs it to be within easy reach and view.

The altar can either be a space already in existence, such as the shelf of a dresser or a small table, or a newly created shelf, cupboard or shrine.

Many kitchen witches are creative craftspeople, so might wish to carve something to house the altar items themselves.

Alternatively, it is possible to ask a friend to make one or buy one made from sustainable wood.

Even shop-bought shelves can be personalized and made special by decorating them.

The shelf can be painted a suitable color, perhaps one sacred to a particular hearth goddess, and also embellished with rhinestones, shells, ribbons, and other trinkets.

Honoring the Kitchen Goddess

Most kitchen witches will work with several goddesses, but also have a dedicated goddess of hearth and home.

Choosing a kitchen goddess to work with provides a mentor and protector when weaving magic in the kitchen, be it cooking up successful, healthy meals or brewing medicinal potions.

The kitchen altar should recognize the chosen goddess, perhaps with a figurine or picture, or with a selection of items that represent them, such as symbolic charms, certain foods, or candles and ribbons in associated colors. There are many sources offering statues and artwork to buy, but crafty witches might like to make their own representation of the goddess, by sculpting her from salt dough or polymer clay.   Once baked, the clay statue can be painted and embellished accordingly.

Tips on using your Altar

To set up an altar, you will need some kind of large flat surface.

A table or a cupboard will do.

You can use the drawers for storage and cover it with a cloth.

It does not really matter what shape the surface is.

Circles and squares are both sacred shapes.

Any shape is easy to divide into quadrants, for the four elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water, that are central to traditional magic, and play a part even in informal rituals.

A round altar, the shape of the sacred circle, works especially well.

If you do not have a suitable piece of furniture, a piece of uncut stone or unpolished wood, such as hazel, ash, rowan or oak supported on stones or bricks will do.

Ensure that it is high enough so that you are not constantly stopping.

In good weather, if you have a sheltered private place in your garden or back yard, you can adopt a tree stump or tall, flat rock as your workspace.

But perhaps the best altars of all,are those impromptu ones you make.

These could be such as, the top of a standing stone ,with a circle of your favourite crystals.

Or on a rock on the beach, with a circle of seaweed, and shells to mark the directions.

The altar need not be large. but you will need to have room,to move all the way around it.

Many rituals demand that you move in a circle with the altar in the centre.

Although in some places, the altar will be placed the North of the circle, whilst you stand to the South, facing North.

At the end of the day though, how you have your altar is, your choice.

The central position of the altar or circle represents the realm of Spirit or Akasha.

Akasha is the name given to the fifth element, formed by the combination of the four ancient elements of Earth, Fire, Air and Water.

These four elements were considered, in classical times,to be the components of all life and matter.

In formal magic, artefacts, and lighted candles, are kept on an altar but this is not vital.

It is quite possible, even if you are using a communal room, in an apartment or house, to leave your altar partly prepared.

Although items such as, salt and water,are best added immediately before a ritual, so they will be fresh.

A garden altar can be set with an outdoor candle or torch and stone figurines, perhaps shaded by bushes.

It may be an idea to keep living plants, on your indoor altar, when it is not in use, so as to keep the energies fresh and moving.

If the plant feels stagnant, sprinkle an infusion of lemon or peppermint widdershins.

This may, in turn, remove the negativity, that has come in from the activities of the day, and then deosil, to charge it with power.

You can also cleanse it with incense, creating a protective circle of pine or myrrh, again widdershins and then deosil.

Each night, or whenever you have time, you can explore your inner psychic powers at your altar.

For example, you can gaze into a candle, or scry into a bowl of water ,on the surface of which you have dripped coloured inks.

Try holding the different crystals that you place on your altar, and allow impressions to pass through your fingertips, manifest as images, sounds or feelings.

This psychic art is called psychometry and is one that will emerge spontaneously.

You may, however, have a more specific aim in mind.

For example, to improve your finances, place a pot of basil herbs, surrounded by golden coloured coins ,and light a green or golden prosperity candle, while visualising golden coins showering upon you.

If you have a friend who is sick and wish to send healing thoughts to them, place a photograph of them on the altar, and surround it with pink flowers, pink rose quartz crystals and a circle of tiny pink candles.

Send your message of healing or visualised golden light, then blow out the candles deosil, sending the energies to where they are needed.

When you are not carrying out formal magick, keep on the altar any crystals that are of personal significance to you.

You might wish to have a clear crystal quartz for pure energy, a blue lapis lazuli flecked with gold for wisdom, purple amethyst and rose quartz for healing and harmony, or a gleaming, golden-brown tiger’s eye for grounding.

You can also keep different herbs there according to your current focus.

Tips for buying products for your Altar

You can often buy tools and supplies for your altar inexpensively at witchy conventions or on the internet.

However, ordinary, non-witchy shops can also be good places to look.

For example, for an athame, check the dollar or pound stores for a nice letter opener.

For pentagrams, check the clearance aisle of your local supermarket, after Christmas for “Star of Bethlehem” items.

Cloth gift bags make great charm bags or receptacles for your tarot cards.

Dried herbs are not ideal, but maybe easier to find and use than fresh, This may be especially true if you don’t do a lot of herbal magic.

Having said that, it is very easy to grow herbs in a small pot on your windowsill.

For cauldrons, look in garden centers for pots, or kitchenware stores for soup terrines.

Besom or Brooms can be found in hardware stores.

For robes, you could use old-fashioned nightgowns in plain white, or purple (the color of occult knowledge), or your favorite color.

Ideally, they should be made from natural fabrics, such as cotton or wool.

You could also if you wish to, embroider them with sigils, your magical name, the names of deities, or other symbols.

When you absolutely cannot find the right colored candle, or make the right smelling oil, or are simply unclear about what is needed, use something plain.

Plain is pure energy, thus you can never go wrong with that.

White as a color is always good. Use white candles when in doubt.

You can use, non-perfumed massage oil for anointing yourself, your wand or other equipment.

This will always work, although it may not be as potent as the specified item. Above all, just be creative.

Witches Altar

An altar is a sacred place where tools are placed during a Witches’ ritual and magic.

Traditionally, the altar stands in the center of the circle of energy raised by the participant(s) in the ritual.

It may be a table or other object with a flat surface, such as an old chest.

It can be square or round, according to preference.

Witches may decorate the altar with colored scarves or other material corresponding with the season or the particular purpose of the ritual.

Ideally, the altar is made of wood, such as oak, which is considered to hold significant power, or willow, which is considered sacred to the goddess.

However, it can really be made of any material, as any physical object charged with magical energy will contribute to power to the ritual work being enacted.

Witches performing outdoor rituals may use an old tree stump, large stone, or other natural objects for an altar, or may use fire in place of the altar, placing the ritual tools elsewhere in the charged space.

While the altar is usually set up prior to the ritual and taken down afterward, some Witches maintain permanent altars in their homes.

These may double as shrines to the Goddess and God and can be a place to store the Witch’s magical tools.

The tools are deliberately placed in specific patterns on the altar, with intentional regard to the elements and the four directions.

For example, tools and symbols associated with the element of Earth may be placed in the North section of the altar, while those associated with water will be placed to the East.

While many Witches closely follow established patterns for setting up the altar, others will experiment and use patterns that resonate with their personal relationship with their deities and corresponding tools and symbols.

Solitary Pagan Witches: How to Create an Altar for Your Practice

Solitary Pagan Witches often have a special place in their homes, known as an altar, where they can connect with their spirituality and perform rituals. The altar is a sacred space that is used for meditation, spell casting, divination, and offerings. It is a place where the witch can focus their energy and intentions, and connect with the divine.

The altar is typically decorated with items that hold personal significance to the witch, such as crystals, candles, incense, and statues of deities. These items are chosen based on their spiritual and symbolic meanings, and can be used to enhance the energy of the space. The altar may also include tools such as a wand, athame, chalice, and pentacle, which are used during rituals and spells.

For Solitary Pagan Witches, the altar is a place of power and transformation. It is a physical representation of their spiritual beliefs, and a reminder of their connection to the divine. Whether they are performing a simple meditation or a complex ritual, the altar provides a space for them to focus their energy and intention, and to connect with the natural world and the forces of the universe.

Magick

Magick is an essential part of solitary pagan witchcraft, and the altar is the central tool for performing magick. The altar is a sacred space where solitary witches can connect with the divine, cast spells, and perform rituals.

The altar is a physical representation of the witch’s spiritual beliefs and practices. It is a place where they can focus their energy and intention to manifest their desires. The altar can be as simple or as elaborate as the witch desires, and it can be decorated with symbols, candles, crystals, and other items that hold spiritual significance.

When performing magick on the altar, the witch will typically use a variety of tools and ingredients to enhance the power of their spells. These may include:

  • Candles: Different colours of candles represent different intentions and can be used to enhance the energy of the spell.
  • Crystals: Different crystals have different properties and can be used to amplify the energy of the spell.
  • Herbs: Herbs can be used in spells and rituals to add their properties to the intention of the spell.
  • Incense: Burning incense can help to create a sacred atmosphere and enhance the energy of the spell.
  • Tarot cards: Tarot cards can be used to gain insight into the situation and help to focus the intention of the spell.

When casting spells on the altar, the witch will typically begin by setting their intention and creating a sacred space. They may then call upon the elements, the divine, or other spiritual beings to assist them in their work. The witch will then use their tools and ingredients to perform the spell, focusing their energy and intention on the desired outcome.

In conclusion, magick is an essential part of solitary pagan witchcraft, and the altar is the central tool for performing magick. The altar is a physical representation of the witch’s spiritual beliefs and practices, and it can be decorated with symbols, candles, crystals, and other items that hold spiritual significance. When casting spells on the altar, the witch will typically use a variety of tools and ingredients to enhance the power of their spells, focusing their energy and intention on the desired outcome.