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.