It can be a small table, a mantelpiece, window sill, a shelf in a bookcase, or whatever else is handy in the house. It can be round, to represent the Goddess, square, symbolic of the elements, rectangular or oval. It may be a small area of ground in a field or wood.

You may decorate it with Crystals, Talismans, Herbs, Flowers, or Feathers. Anything that has special meaning to you. An altar is a reflection of the person who puts it together.

 It is considered best to place the altar facing North. This direction symbolizes the power flow from darkness to light. It is associated with the Earth. Some face the South with their altars to honor the Sun as it rises.

The altar usually stands in the center of the circle.. We do not believe the Goddess or God actually "inhabit" the altar. It is a place of power. We Do Not worship Idols. The altar may be set up permanently or dismantled after each use.

Altar Setup

 The Goddess is associated with the left side of the altar. The Goddess may be represent by a White, Silver, or Green Candle. A sculpture or some sort of figure may also be used.

Tools that are associated with the Goddess are the Cup, Pentacle, Bell, Crystals and the Cauldron. If the Cauldron is large, it is usually placed on the floor to the left of the altar.

The God is associated with the Right side of the altar. A sculpture or a figure of some sort may be used to represent the God. A Red, Yellow or Gold Candle is appropriate. Tools associated with the God are the Censer, Wand, Athame, and Boline. The Censer and Cauldron are sometimes set in the middle of the altar for offerings to both Goddess and God. The Pentacle is sometimes set in front of the censer. It marks the Directions and or Elements of the Circle.

Many Wiccans mark *North*, *South*, *East* and *West* with candles on the altar, space permitting. Unless you have a very large altar you will need a stand for the Book of Shadows. You may also place it on the floor where you will not step on it, if you prefer. As you can see, it is up to you to find what is pleasing. Altar cloths are sometimes used. The color of the cloth may be changed for different rituals.

 Cleansing And Dedication of an Alter

 A good time for a ritual for Cleansing and Dedication of an altar is in January or February..

Supplies: Bell, Goddess Candle, God Candle, Dedication Candle (White - New Beginnings), Feather, Cup of Water, Bowl of Sand or Soil, Sage or Sandalwood Incense

In preparation for the event, take a cleansing ritual bath, or smudge yourself with sage. You may or may not cast a circle, whichever you prefer.

Ring the Bell to signal the Start of the Ritual.

 As you recite the following, light the Goddess Candle.

"With the help of Goddess now, An altar here I so avow."

As you recite the following, light the God Candle.

 "With the help of God so strong, An altar here will soon belong."

"God and Goddess they do see, An altar here soon to be."

 As you recite the following, wave a Feather over the altar.

 "With the help of breezes soft, Spirit of Air and East aloft."

As you recite the following, light the white Dedication Candle.

 "With the help of warmth and light, Spirit of Fire and South be bright."

 As you recite the following, sprinkle the area with Water.

"With the help of liquid clear, Spirit of West and Water here."

As you recite the following, sprinkle the area with Soil.

"With Sun-warmed soil to help things grow, Spirit of Earth and North do show."

 " I cleanse this space of things that were, Space now to be where spirit will stir."

 "I dedicate to Elements all, This space as Altar I do call."

"This alter cleansed and new to me, Let Love and Magick both to be."

 "God and Goddess they do see, As I say, so shall it be."

Ring the Bell to signal the End of the Ritual..

Perform any cleansing of tools or spells you wish to perform at this time. If you cast a circle for this ritual, remember to close it when you are finished.