Okay.

A few things to note.  Do you have private space in your apt? A space where Altar will not be bumped or played with? Preferably a spot only you will see; ya don't want visitors at your apt to look/touch.

Only people that are intimate to you should see it.  

We'll discuss the "indoor" method of Altar building.  You can have an "outdoor" Altar, (anywhere outside: your patio, in the woods or a park) or the "indoor" Altar, which is inside a habitat or building.  The details for preparing the Altar structure and the associated tools are similar enough to interchange the below instructions for either method of Altar protocol.  Note: There are differences in ritual and in some tooling, so this treatise will address the "indoor" Altar preparation and tools.

Let's discuss the appearance of your Altar.  There are two common types of Altars: The "1-Tier" or single-tier Altar, and the "3-Tier" Altar.   Both types of Altars have two common aspects, so I'll address that first:  (1) the prime-surface, called the "Plane", and (2) the Level of Presentation.  

The "Plane":

This is the area where you display and utilize your tools, and focus your energy for manifesting or ritual.  It is the most important part of the Altar structure, and some care and creativity should go into the planning of your construct.  There is no size limitation to this area - the "Plane" only needs to be flat, for functional reasons.  (Note: there are exceptions to the Flat guideline, e.g., when you are using a Power space that is uneven.) The flat surface should be a natural material (not artificial)  - examples would be wood or rock.  In fact - the "Plane" can be a circular tabletop, a single railroad tie, or a door lain from end to end.  There is no limitation to your creativity in the design.  You are encouraged to personalize this section, this piece, of your Altar.  However, Remember: this Altar reflects your Intent, so commercial stickers or advertisements (for example) are discouraged.  Including Totems, carvings or drawings (what you depict your Spirit or Intent in) is appropriate.  It is prudent to follow a guideline of simplicity when creativity does not compel you.

The Level of Presentation:

The altar can "sit" at any of 3 levels. The word "level" in this context refers to the display of the Altar from the standpoint of the Practitioner's vision. Any of 3 will do. Your preference is to see things on your Altar as you work with it. Low level: you are kneeling or sitting in front of it at shin level. Mid level: the Plane is about waist-high. High level: the Plane is head-high.  Some systems use Specialty Words for these levels; I have used non-denominational (generic) terms for simplicity.

Ok, let's address the types of Altar design.

The "1-Tier"

The first type of Altar is called a "single tier" or "1-Tier".  It includes a single flat surface, usually supported by legs or blocks of some heavy material (wood, brick, granite, etc.) The "Plane" of this Altar is the center section of the single flat surface.  (Note: the "1-tier" is the preferred Outdoor Altar due to ease of setup and needed flexibility of transport.)  There is no mandated size requirement for the "1-Tier".  The legs of this Altar do Not have to be composed of the same material as the "Plane."

The "3-Tier"

The second type of Altar is called a "3-Tier." Difference from the "1-Tier" is that there are three distinct levels or "tiers" the Practitioner has to work with and display objects. Creativity also plays a role here, but this design is usually cabinet-shaped, predominately rectangular or box-shaped.  The materials comprising the structure should be natural (wood, rock, etc.)  The bottom tier of this design is usually used for storing materials (candles, crystals, etc.)  It is common to keep this area hidden from view, as your Ritual usually involves the View of the Altar, and the sight of storage areas can distract.  The "Plane" is most always located at the middle of the 3 tiers.   The top tier can be used for additional storage (as in apothecary boxes) or it can be used to highlight the placement of certain objects, like Sentinel Candles (long tapered candles.) 

Let's move to the tools and utilities for the Altar.

The Altar usually has some type of covering on the "Plane", be it a cloth mat, or a special scarf.  The "Plane" surface is usually covered by cloth, silk or linen material in its entirety -- again, this is a matter of personal design.  The idea behind the covering is to keep private the surface of the "Plane' - and to keep it clean.

Also - you will keep some of your tooling (objects) covered with individual cloth/linen/silk, as per your personal preference.

I'll keep the remainder of this discussion generic as to tooling implements; that is, not leaning towards Golden Dawn, or White Eyebrow, or any of the more celebrated organizations.

Item: folks always ask me "Can I buy my Altar tools from a store?"

Of course you can. The idea is to allow your Spirit to Tap for locations of your materials.  Your Spirit will give you hints on where to get your materials.  Buying an unusual-looking table at a second-hand store is perfectly acceptable; consider the circumstance.  Did you get any special feeling to go to that Particular store?  Was there a special Feeling when you approached that table or object?  Spirit guides us to find what we need to Tap, and to manifest what we Focus our Intent upon.  I've used plywood that I've found in a park for the "Plane" of an Altar; I've also used an antique garden bench with wonderful gargoyle shapes carved into the side panels.  The Altar and accompanying tools will be a reflection of your Focus, and your Intent.  They will also be extensions of your essence.  You most certainly should make them personal statements of your commitment.

(Con't)

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