How to Set up a Wicca Altar

Wiccan altars are used during rituals that connect believers with the goddess and god. There is no prescribed way to set up an altar, but the steps below represent a basic guide.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A flat surface
• Goddess symbol
• God symbol
• Tool for pointing
• Drinking vessel

1. Find something with a flat surface at least one foot square or twelve inches in diameter. Make sure it's easy to move if you can't set it up permanently. A tray, piece of wood, piano bench and coffee table are all good choices. Use a flat stone, tree stump or patch of ground if practicing Wicca outside.

2. Place a goddess symbol on the left side of the altar. Some Wiccans use a statue, picture or figure. Use the image of a particular goddess if it appeals to you like Diana, Isis or the Celtic Triple Goddess. You can also use a white or silver candle.

3. Put the symbol for the god on the right side of the altar. This can be a gold or yellow candle. You can use an image of the Green Man, Pan or the horned god.

4. Choose something you can point with. You need this to invoke the deities and direct your energies during ritual. The traditional tool for this in Wicca is a wand, but wands can be expensive. Pick a straight or nearly straight object that's comfortable to hold and place it in the center of the altar.

5. Place a cup or chalice in the center of the altar behind your wand. It doesn't have to be elaborate but it's a good idea to designate one you will use only for Wicca rituals. Fill it with wine, juice or water. Stop periodically throughout your ritual to take a rest and drink.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your altar is sturdy and large enough to prevent crowding of your tools.
• Don't fill your altar with too many things. It presents a fire hazard if you light candles or incense and makes you lose focus.
• Don't think you need to go out and buy all your tools. Simple instruments are just as effective in Wicca as expensive ones.

Resources

• Read this essay about altars.
• Learn about the tools for your altar on this Wicca site.

[emeraldsunsets]

on 2/6/2009 I don't see anywhere that it told us to use an athame on this ehow howto, foolhardy. Perhaps you need to elaborate on where you got this information, because it sure didn't come from this article. Typical athames are barely sharp enough to cut cord, much less using it for a weapon. It is strictly for the altar use unless you are something other than wiccan.

[foolhardy]

on 7/23/2007 Interesting item regarding Wiccan tools but I cannot agree with using the athame to defend yourself should you have it with you if you are attacked - that is not its purpose.