Altars
A witch's alar is a divine place. it's unique and sacred. There will never be 2 of the same. Each altar is personal, one of a kind. Most altars, however, will have similar or the same items, such as a cauldron, candles, an athame (a small blade), and a symbol to represent the craft of the individual (pentagram, flower of life, etc.). There is no set of items to make an altar an altar.
You do not need to go out of you way to get expensive for specific items for your space. You may only need a regular bowl as the cauldron and some herbs with a grimoire. Another's space may have incense or a smelly candle. Some alters are decorated for the season, special festivals, items for specific deities or even spell jars. Should you want to decorate your dedicated space traditionally, it would have a specific layout, particularly during spell work.
How to Set Up an Altar
Typically, a cloth will be placed on the table (but it isn't a necessity). A pentacle/pentagram will be placed on the table and there will be 4 corners to represent the elements.
North = Earth = crystals, bowl of salt, a plant
East = Air = incense or/and burner
South = Fire = candles or something that holds a flame
West = Water = a body of water (bowl or cup).
Other witches may have many more objects on their alter, or they may keep it minimal. If an individual works with deities, they may included a candle or item to hold a space on the altar for that particular spirit/deity. Items also differ based on their belief system.
Most commonly, witches use:
Pictures or statues of the deity to honour them, or/and a symbolic item to represent their certain God, should they work with or worship one.
A chalice may be used to represent the feminine aspect in the Great Rite (Wicca), which is usually filled with wine, juice or spring water.
A bell can be used to mark the start and end of a ritual or used to sound cleanse a space.
The Athame is a blade to represent the male or masculine of the Great Rite, to direct energies and cut doorways in the circle. Also can be used in rituals to 'cut ties' energetically and spiritually with another person.
A wand to direct energies and create the temple of the protective circle (usually cast before doing spell work)
Crystals to promote, banish or maintain specific energies.
Altars do not need to be in one spot or a specific way. Altars can be spread out over shelves, tables or even over several rooms. Alternatively, they can even be pocket sized for your own convenience! It's your space - make it how you like it and what works for you and your situation. An Altar is designed and tailored to fit the witch using it.
Some witches don't even have altars, but most do. Altars are not a necessity in your craft and neither is what you put on it, so there should be no pressure as to make one.
