How to Set Up a Wiccan Altar

If you are a practicing Wiccan or witch, than you are likely already familiar with what a Wiccan Altar is. If not, a Wiccan altar is a special place, such as a table or a piece of furniture, which is used for placing important symbolic items used for worship, spells, and rituals. There are many choices when it comes to Wiccan altars, and what you choose depends very much on your taste. Usually, a practicing Wiccan will use a cloth on top of the altar to prevent the actual table or altar from getting ruined with candle wax or other by-products such as incense. Here you will find plenty of popular Wiccan items to use on an altar.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

A Wiccan altar is used for many reasons, maybe most importantly as a focal point for your faith and devotion. An altar is also a place to put your symbolic worship items. By using an altar, you will make your magic stronger each time you approach it, ready to express the Divine inside of you!

The first thing you'll need is a table which you designate as your altar. You can buy an altar table, or you might already own something suitable, like a nightstand. If you don't think you own anything, check around your house anyway because you might find something you can re-purpose and decorate.

When getting a new witchcraft ritual tool, it needs to be cleansed before being used. Once cleansed, you are the only person who should ever touch the tool. There are four ways to cleanse your new tool. Before using one of these cleansing methods, make sure the item won't be harmed by it. For example, you wouldn't choose water as the cleansing method for your altar besom (broom).

• Running water can be used to cleanse an item. A running river or brook is best but we don't all have access to one. Water from your sink, or cleansed and charged water poured from a pitcher is acceptable. Use cool or room temperature water.
• Sunlight will cleanse any item, simply leave the item exposed to the sun's rays for about an hour. Be sure your ritual tool won't fade after being exposed to the light.
• Dry salt is always a good choice for cleansing altar or ritual tools. Cover the item in salt for about an hour, though overnight is also fine.
• Smoke is an excellent cleanser. Most Wiccans will use sage smoke to cleanse, however if you would like to choose another, more appropriate herb or incense it will work just as well.

Next, you'll probably want an altar cloth. When choosing a cloth for your altar, take into consideration the size you want, the color you find most appropriate, and most importantly, what speaks to you. If you've bought a nice altar table, a cloth may not even be something you're interested in. If you're up-cycling an old piece of furniture into a Wiccan altar, you might need a cloth as the finishing touch.

While not necessary, most Wiccans prefer to have at least one altar tile. This can be used to prevent the chalice, herbs, or an incense holder from coming into direct contact with the altar table, even when it is covered with an altar cloth. If you choose not to decorate your altar with a cloth, a tile is a must have for you. If you have a cloth, the altar tile is optional.

An athame is a very important magical tool. It is one of four elemental tools, representing the element of fire. An athame is a ceremonial dagger, which a Wiccan or witch uses to channel or direct energy, never to cut anything.

A boline is used for cutting things, usually ritual ingredients. A boline should be used to cut cords, herbs, or to carve a candle. Traditional bolines feature a curved blade and a white handle. You should choose a boline you feel attracted to.

A chalice can be used on an altar (it is a goblet) both for ritual drinking and to represent the Goddess. The chalice is the element of water in Wicca. Someone who does not partake in ritual drinking may choose to forgo adding a chalice to their altar.

Wiccans ring bells to gain the Goddess's attention and the attention of the Divine, and to cleanse or change energy.

The traditional witch's cauldron was cast iron, with three legs. These cauldrons are still popular with Wiccans today and most consider their cauldron a necessary part of their altar set up and an indispensable tool.

Chime candle holders are great to have an altar as most Wiccans will use chime candles to complete the majority of their candle magic spells. They are small, just large enough to balance a chime candle, and that means they don't take up unnecessary space. They also tend to be inexpensive, so a witch can buy a variety of them for different uses if she wished.

A censer is used to burn incense or herbs during spell or ritual work. It is an essential tool of witchcraft and necessary item for any Wiccan altar. A censer should be hung or carried around the room to dispense its smoke. It can also be placed on the altar (this is where you would need an altar tile).

An altar besom is a small broom kept on, or near, the altar. I personally keep mine next to the altar, never on it. A besom is used to clear energy and to cast circles.

Taking care of your Wiccan altar is very important, as it is a reflection of you and your inner faith. If you feel troubled or not at ease, you can add something new to your altar. Another way to help yourself get out of a difficult situation is by cleaning your altar and placing loving care and attention on it. By doing this, you are reaffirming your devotion and reminding yourself of the goddess within!