How to Construct a Pagan Altar
Pagan altars come in all forms, from the most simplistic to the most extravagant. Most pagans construct an altar that is meant to be permanent. However, some prefer to have an altar that can be torn down easily and moved. For the purpose of this How To, we will focus on constructing a simple pagan altar.
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Things You'll Need
- Flat surface
- Altar cloth
- Goddess symbol
- God symbol
- Bell
- Athame (dark-handled ritual knife)
- Pentacle
- Incense holder
- Green candle
- White candle
- Red candle
- Blue candle
Instructions
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Place the altar cloth over a flat surface (a coffee table or dresser works well). You may wish to ask Spirit to bless the space you have created.
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For the Goddess symbol, you can use a candle, statue or sea shell. Place the Goddess symbol on your flat surface, in the far left top corner. Place the God symbol (candle, statue or pine cone) in the far right top corner.
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The pentacle (which can be a solid disk in shape or an item with a pentacle engraved or painted on it) is placed in the center of the altar. The elements are represented in their respective four corners (to denote the Watchtowers) on each side of the pentacle. The white candle, which represents Air, is placed to the East (to the right of the pentacle). The blue candle, which represents Water, is placed to the West (to the left of the pentacle). The red candle, which represents Fire, is placed to the South (below the pentacle). The green candle, which represents Earth, is placed to the North (above the pentacle).
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The incense holder is generally placed somewhere near the top of the altar, between the two Divinity symbols. The bell, which is rung before and after a ritual, is placed in the lower left corner of the altar. Opposite the bell, place the athame.
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Once all items have been placed, bless the altar. If you asked Spirit for any assistance, remember to give thanks.
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Tips & Warnings
Pagans take great pride in their altars. You may want to decorate your altar for each of the Sabbats.
Feel free to place any additional items on your altar. Additional items such as stones, flowers, herbs and statues make great additions.
When choosing candles to denote the Goddess and God, use your intuition to determine what colors you want to use. The colors use to symbolize Deity are not set in stone.
