Symbols of the 5 Elements
First of all, you don’t have to be Wiccan or Pagan or follow a religious practice at all to have an altar. I, personally, have an altar simply for fortifying my spiritual consciousness with inspiring symbols in the physical world. A traditional altar uses symbols of the five elements as primary focal points. Having one serves as a daily reminder of your alignment with the five elements, increasing your ability to call on them when needed. Find a flat area in your space (such as a shelf, top of a bookcase, etc). Then, select one symbol for each of the five elements. Below are some ideas, but don’t feel limited by these suggestions:
Earth
a rock
a small, healthy living plant in soil
a ceramic dish
a dish of salt
a dish of soil
Air
an incense holder with incense (can double as a way to offer incense to the Divine, or the Spirit element)
a naturally shed feather or feathers
a bundle of dried white or desert sage
a handheld fan
a chain of tinkling bells
Fire
a candle
an essential oil burner
volcanic rock
a small sun or star shaped sculpture or figure
an attractive ligher or matches
Water
a seashell
a small goblet or bowl
a small bottle or jar of rainwater
a river rock
beach glass
Spirit
a symbol or statue of a deity, deities, or group of deities with whom you feel particularly connected
a symbol or statue of an angel or angels
a symbol or statue of a bird or birds
an image of our galaxy or solar system
a spiral image
a sacred geometrical image or sculpture
Wisdom from Holistic Energy Magic (highly recommended). For more simple altar inspiration, visit Roots and Feathers.
