Setting up an altar.

Hi Readers,

I thought I would talk about how I set up an altar. I know that many people set altars up differently. I know that some people choose to place their altars in different directions depending on path, tradition, or personal practice. Further, what goes an the altar will vary as well.

For me, my altar is a place for me to work magic, perform ritual, in addition to giving offerings to the spirits and Gods I work with. The altar for me is a physical outward expression of my beliefs in addition to a place of connection and power. However, I will often use various things to represent the elements, sprits, and gods I work with. These objects will change frequently.

In the past I have used crystals in various shapes, forms, and sizes. I have used candles, something I have created, and I have even used regular stones from my yard. I have used items from nature as well. In terms of where I place everything will depend on different factors. For example, when I am traveling my altar is put away especially If I know I will be away for a long time. Another consideration is space. If I have a small room or space to put my altar that will determine what I use such as a table or something else. I once had an altar on a portion of my dresser. I have also had my altar on a nightstand, a table, and I have had a travel one that I used for a while.

Altars can be permanent or temporary depending on your circumstances. If all you have is part of your dresser than use it along with items that work for you that fit. Further, if you have low vision using contrasting colors and objects may help you find them. In addition, if you have no vision placing the object where they can easily be located without accidently dropping something else can help. Considerations should also be considered in terms of candles and fire safety. Don’t leave them unattended nor near flammable objects. Make sure you can reach everything you need for a ritual or spell. Place objects in containers near the altar if need be. You do not have to make the altar really elaborate either. Even if you just use something like a side table with a few crystals or other items that’s a start. Having an altar outside is another option using items you find around you in your area. As for what you place on it outside that may vary by what you have around you.

An altar is not a requirement to practice. However, it is nice to have and can help in the beginning. another consideration when considering an altar is that it doesn’t have to be expensive either. You probably have things around you outside and in your home to use.

I have seen people set up altars in all sorts of ways such as using the elements, dividing up the altar by the God and Goddess such as placing a chalice near the Goddess side. I have used different methods to set it up. or a combination of the above mentioned ones.

Tools are another consideration such as an athame, or a wand. I have yet to own an athame mainly because I have not found one, I like, and I have issues with knives that I need to work through before I do. However, if you are not a Wiccan or part of a pagan path that uses one, then an athame may not be part of your practice. *As far as I am aware an athame is something only used within Wicca I may be wrong about this and If I am please correct me. * This may depend on what you practice. Also, If you do not work with any Gods then they may not be apart of your altar set up. Setting up an altar is as personal and as varied as the Witch creating it. Do what works for you and your personal practice. If you are part of a specific tradition, then follow your guidelines.

Many Blessings!!

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