Setting Up An Altar

One common question newer Wiccans have is about altars. Many of them want to create an altar, but don’t know where to start. Some traditions have specific ways of doing things. If that’s the case, do what your tradition requires. If not, the easiest thing to do is find something representing each of the elements.

Place a symbol of each element with the direction associated with each element. You may need a compass for this. This can be done cheaply or you can spend a lot of money. Here are some ideas for altars:

  • A candle for each element, in each color of the element.
  • Something simple for each element: a stone for earth, a feather for air, matches for fire, and a cup for water.
  • Salt in a bowl for earth, incense for air, a candle for fire, a bowl of water for water.
  • A pentacle for earth, a wand for air, an athame for fire, and a cauldron for water (see ritual tools).
  • You could have come a written symbol of each element.
  • You can put a corner shelf in each corner of the house or a room, one for each element.

If you have them, you can also honor deities on your altar. They typically go in the center of an altar. Some traditions state whether the Goddess or the God is on the left or on the right side of the altar.

  • You can find a mini statue of your deity.
  • Find what color is associated with your deity and place a candle of that color there.
  • Find what stone is associated with your deity and place it there
  • Find a drawing of your deity.
  • Create a representation of your deity, whether drawn, carved, or molded.
  • Find another symbol of your deity and place it there (a cat for Bast, a Thor’s hammer, etc.).
  • You can also create a separate altar for each deity.

There are other items you can include on an altar.

  • An altar cloth can help set the tone and keep your table or shelf protected from incense, candle wax, etc.
  • A bell. They are sometimes used during rituals.
  • Offerings to God’s or Goddesses.
  • Something that needs to be charged energetically.
  • Essential oils.
  • Plants.
  • Ritual jewelry.
  • In-progress spells and energy-work.
  • Decorations for the upcoming Sabbat or Esbat.
  • Anything else that you think helps you spiritually.
My personal altar is made from a repurposed TV stand

Wicca for Beginners

I am part of a lot of Wicca groups on Facebook. Almost daily we get someone who is new and wants to know about Wicca or Paganism asking what they need to do. Some also ask for a teacher. Almost 100% of the people who respond to those posts send them a book list to read. There are tons of people who do not learn that way and could use a teacher. Admittedly, people are going to have to read this, but I’m not giving you full books to read. These are my recommendations for people who are new and want to learn more.

  • Figure out what you believe. Is there a specific pantheon you are interested in? Are you interested in a specific type of Wicca? Figure out which deities you want to worship.
  • How would you like to worship?
  • Are you light, dark, or grey? Are you interested in only good deities and harming none? Are you interested in being in the middle because nature isn’t just light? Are you interested in dark imagery and exploring the darker side of you?

Are all of these questions too much or too specific for you? Here are some good ways to get started in Wicca. There are other types of Paganism out there worth looking into as well, in case you decide Wicca isn’t right for you.

  • Learn about the Elements.
  • Learn about and celebrate the Sabbats and Esbats.
  • Learn about ritual tools and create an altar.
  • Learn how to ground and create a Circle for ritual.
  • Look into different Gods and Goddesses to see which ones resonate with you.
  • Connect with like-minded people. Find others near you. There are a number of groups on Facebook. Join them and see if there is anyone who lives near you. Check meetup to see if there is a local group. See if there are any metaphysical shops near you. They may offer classes or at least may connect you with any groups in the area. See if there is a Pagan Pride Day near you. Attend and make some friends!

Don’t agree with my assessments about the Elements, Sabbats and Esbats, altar tools and setup, or how to create a Circle? That’s great! That means you have an opinion on how something works and that will help you better find the path that’s right for you. There is no right way to worship in Wicca. Find what works for you and do it!

Several of you may have noticed that I didn’t mention divination (like tarot cards, pendulums, runes, etc.) or spells. Wicca is a religion. While many people who believe in Pagan religions may cast spells or read tarot cards, they are not a part of the religion. There are people who do divination and cast spells that are not religious and there are people that worship in this religion without doing divination and casting spells. For those who are interested, I will include articles about those in the future.

A final note about meeting Wiccans in real life. Because this is more of a “do-it-yourself” religion than book religions, we often end up with a lot of the people that are no longer welcome in churches, a synagogues, or mosques for a variety of reasons that then choose Paganism. There are some socially awkward people, some flaky people, and some toxic people. If you see any red flags, avoid those who display them. However, there are some truly wonderful Pagans out there, so don’t let that deter you from finding your tribe!

Elements

Here is my take on the elements.  You will find that some people agree with me, others may not.  That’s okay.  Everyone does their version of Paganism how they like.  Some people include the 5th element of Spirit.  I may add that one in the future as I think about what it means to me.  I plan to expand this page in the future.  If there’s something you would like to see here, please leave a comment!

AIR air2

Direction: East
Colors: yellow, white, pale blue
Time of day: dawn
Time of year: spring
Ritual tools: wand, incense
Symbolism: intellect, new beginnings, birth

FIREfire

Direction: South
Colors: red, orange
Time of day: noon
Time of year: summer
Ritual tools: athame, candle
Symbolism: passion, sex, ambition, strength

water

WATER

Direction: West
Colors: blue, green
Time of day: dusk
Time of year: autumn
Ritual tools: chalice, anything with water in it
Symbolism: emotions, flexibility, change

EARTHearth

Direction: North
Colors: green, brown
Time of day: midnight
Time of year: winter
Ritual tools: stones, crystals, salt
Symbolism: grounding, rooted, home, family