Introduction to Magick: Lesson V Altars and Setup
For newly initiated Wiccans and Witches, one of the most frequently asked question is: How to set up an altar? There are multiple variables to take into consideration in order to answer this question because there are multiple types of altars. Therefore, before the newly initiated sets up their altar they must define the type of altar they are creating.
One type of an altar is an altar that pays homage to deity. This type of altar may typically be set up in a common area of the home. The types of spiritual artifacts placed upon this altar will be dependent on whether or not other household members are accepting of Wiccan and/or other pagan religions. Individuals that are able to authentically express spirituality will most likely choose items that are reflective of the Wiccan religion. These items will include images and/or statues of Goddesses and Gods, seasonal flowers and/or herbs, candles, crystals, and offerings like bread and wine.
Those that are unable to authentically express their spirituality will choose items that can be viewed as secular. Instead of images (or statues) of Goddesses and Gods, one might choose a painting of a nature scene. A poem may also be an excellent choice to display so long as it has a very personal and spiritual meaning. Flowers and candles do not have a pagan connotation, so these items can easily be placed alongside the painting or poem. As an alternative to offerings of bread and wine, one can place meaningful objects that have been collected in nature. These items for example may include: unusual rocks, seashells, feathers, seeds, or leaves.
One of the very best ways to set up an altar in a common area of one’s home and openly honor the Goddess is to have a dedicated shelf (or mantle) decorated for the seasons and holidays. In fact, nearly all modern-day Western holidays have roots that stemmed from pagan sabbats, customs and celebrations! Mistletoe, Easter eggs, cornucopias, greenery garland are only but a few examples of items which are spiritually symbolic of the Goddess. And for hundreds of years, these symbolic items were the only way a Wiccan (or Witch) could openly honor the Goddess without the fear of being persecuted and burned at the stake.
Altars that honor the Goddess do not require a specific layout. All one needs to remember is that the altar should be aesthetically pleasing and should always be kept clean. On the other hand, ritual altars used for worship, spellwork, divination, and meditation do require a specific layout. A ritual altar may be set up outdoors or indoors and the setup will depend on the purpose of the altar.
For an outdoor ceremonial altar, the setup will be dependent on whether it’s a group or solitary ritual. If a large group is to conduct the ceremony, an altar table may be brought to the location, or the ceremony may be performed around a bonfire with the each participant holding their dedicated tool. If it is a solitary ritual being held outdoors, one may lay an altar cloth directly on the ground, or one may choose to use a tree stump or large, flat rock as an altar table.
For an indoor ceremonial altar, the setup will similarly be dependent on whether it’s a group or solitary ritual. If a group is to participate in the ceremony, the altar should be setup in a room large enough to accommodate all participants. In contrast, a solitary altar may be more personal and can be setup in any private space or area of the home including a large closet!
Although the placement of an indoor altar may be dependent upon the space available, a north-facing altar is always ideal whether it’s indoors or out. The reason being has everything to do with geomancy, which refers to aligning oneself (and our environment) with the energies of the earth and universe. This naturally follows the Wiccan axiom of, “As above, so below.” All ritual altars and the tools placed upon them should follow this axiom.
After the desired location for the altar has been chosen, you may (or may not) have need for an altar table. Ideally, an altar table should be made of wood or stone. Once the altar table is in place, you will want to perform an energy cleansing. This can be done by smudging with incense, washing with blessed (moon) water, or sweeping the space with a besom. Lastly, you will want to anoint the altar top with appropriate anointing oil.
The first item to be placed upon the altar will be an altar cloth. If the altar cloth has a pentacle on its design, make certain the top of the star points due North. Next, you will place the five sacred Wiccan tools upon your altar. If for example, you are to conduct a banishing spell, you would begin in the North. If for example, you are to conduct a manifestation spell, you would begin in the East (for the purposes of this article, we will begin with the East.)
The East section of the altar represents Spring and the beginning of the light half of the Wheel of the Year. It is a masculine energy associated with the element of Air representing creativity and new beginnings. The East rules over the mental plane including: thoughts, ideas, learning, intellect, wind, flight, and the sense of smell. This is where you will place your athame.
The South section of the altar represents Summer and the ending of the light half of the Wheel of the Year. It is a masculine energy associated with the element of Fire. It represents actions and manifestations. The South rules over: activity, motivation, vitality, leadership, authority, inspiration, passion, sexuality, and the sense of sight. This is where you will place your wand.
The West section of the altar represents Fall and the beginning of the dark half of the Wheel of the Year. It is a feminine energy associated with the element of Water. It represents emotion and the subconscious. The West rules over: fertility, the womb, sensuality, intuition, psychic ability, and the sense of taste. This is where you will place your chalice.
The North section of the altar represents Winter and the ending of the dark half of the Wheel of the Year. It is also a feminine energy associated with the element of Earth. It represents wisdom and magick. The North rules over: agriculture, metals, rocks and crystals, money, food, prosperity, the physical realm, matter, and the sense of touch. This is where you will place you dish of salt.
The middle or center section of the altar represents Spirit. This is both a masculine and a feminine energy in union. It represents spiritual energy manifesting in the physical world and rules over the sense of hearing. This is the area of the altar in which you will conduct your magical workings. This is where you will place your pentacle (if it’s not already incorporated into the design of your altar cloth). Once again, make certain the top of the star points due North.
The next items to be placed upon the altar are candles. If you are using colored candles for the elements, place them on the altar in proper order. You may then arrange candles or any images representing the Goddess directly below and left of the top point of the star on the pentacle (and for the God, directly below and to the right of the top point of the star on the pentacle) of your altar.
Next, you may add additional tools making certain to go in order (clockwise) as you place them in the proper location. Incense and censor in the East. Matches or lighter in the South. Pour water, juice, or wine in the chalice to the West (anointing oils are placed to the West as well). Place rocks, crystals and/or herbs in the North.
Lastly, you will place the remaining tools needed for a ritual or ceremony in the very center of your altar. For example, if it is a worship ceremony you will lay out your libation and offering dish. If you are conducting a sympathetic magick spell, you will place objects such as: pictures, poppets, candles, paper, burning dish, etc., at the center of your altar. Other tools needed to perform divination will also be placed at the center.
After the altar has been laid out, you will then be ready to cast your magic circle. And upon completion of your ceremony (or spellwork), you would proceed to take down the altar in the exact opposite motions used to construct it.
An altar is a sacred space… a place for worship… a place for magic… a place to commune with the Goddess and God you have chosen to serve. While there are different altar variations (from a simple altar that honors deity to an extravagant altar of the alchemist), the most important thing to remember is that your altar should be meaningful to you. No matter how “correct” your altar may be; if it doesn’t give rise to an emotional and spiritual response from you, it will not assist in connecting with your higher self and the power of the Divine Creatress within… For connecting with the Divine Creatress is the true purpose of life and the magick of living.
– The Goddess Kingdom© 2022
