Altar:
An altar represents
a place of personal power that is used for magickal workings to draw upon the
power of the God/dess or upon the Elements.
The usual altar arrangements are God/Goddess or Elemental. These two arrangements cannot be used in
conjunction with each other. You do not
want to clutter the altar with too many items, if you need more room; a shrine
is a place to keep special things. An
altar can either be a permanent fixture that can be used for mediations and
prayers. Or it can be a working altar,
either permanent or transitory. Many
pagans also have traveling altars. The
typical God/Goddess Altar arrangement is as follows. This is only a guideline, ‘follow your heart,’ have the arrangement
the way that it feels right to you.
Center section of altar to represent both deities
Candlesnuffer
Censer
Pentacle
Cauldron
Offering dish
Libation bowl
Book of shadows
Flowers or Greens
Crystal Ball or other scrying
devices
An Elemental
altar arrangement would be:
North=Earth
East=Air
South=Fire
West=Water
Many traditions also
suggest that to add balance to your altar and magickal workings that you have
one black and one white item on your altar.
The two items must be the same except for color; many use candles. Any shape can be used for the Altar. Be certain you know the why’s of your arrangement
of the items on your Altar. Make sure
that before you begin your ritual that you have all the necessary items, also
someplace to put your used matches.
