Tag Archives: wand

Setting Up An Altar

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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

Ritual Tools

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One thing that I find is that the more experienced I get, the less ritual tools I need.  I will list some of the more commonly used ritual tools in Wicca and their uses.  Also, all tools should be consecrated (cleansed).  Usually this is done by the four elements (passing it through incense, passing it through flame, sprinkling water on it, and sprinkling salt or earth on it). 

This is actually the one I have on my altar

Athame – Pronounced “ah – thah – meh” , this a ritual knife.  Different traditions have different ideas about what this should look like.  Some state what color the handle must be, what it is made of, or whether or not the blade should be double-edged.  It is associated with the element of fire but some traditions believe it is associated with the element of air. It is often used for channeling and directing energy, cutting things for ritual purposes, and sometimes for casting a circle or calling the elements. 

Wand – This is probably the most famous ritual tool and appears in many movies about witches and wizards.  However, magic doesn’t happen like that in real life.  The wand has little to no power of its own.  Like the athame, it is a channel for energy and is also used to direct it.  Unlike the athame, it’s usually made out of wood and is associated with the element of air but some traditions associate it with the element of fire.  There are many traditions that state how long a wand should be or what should or shouldn’t be added to the wood.  It is usually used for casting a circle.

Chalice- This usually represents the element of water.  It can be used to share ritual drinks.  It can also hold liquids that are used as an offering on an altar.  It can represent a womb or a vagina in various workings as well.

Pentacle – This usually represents the element of earth.  It can be made of ceramic, wood, or metal depending on your preferences or that of your tradition.  A pentacle has the symbol of a five pointed star surrounded by a circle.  Contrary to popular belief, it does not have to be ‘point up’ or ‘point down’.  I haven’t seen it used often in rituals and believe that its primary purpose is to help provide grounding and to be a symbol of spirituality.  Sometimes it is kept in the middle of the altar as well.

Incense – Incense varies based on the herbs and the scents.  While it is considered an air element, the uses vary based on what type of incense you are using.  For example, sage is usually used for cleansing and purification. 

Candle – Candles usually represent the element of fire, but their uses can vary depending on their color.  For example, they can be used to represent the four elements if you choose candles with colors representing each element.  They can also represent a God or Goddess.  They can be inscribed with symbols, herbs, or oils for a purpose and burned to achieve that purpose.

Cauldron – These are also often associated with witches.  Cauldrons can be used similar to a chalice to represent a womb. They are associated with the element of water. They can also be used to combine herbs or “potions”.  Mostly, I have seen them used to burn pieces of paper with words written on them.

Salt – Salt is sometimes left as an offering in a dish or used as a cleansing/purifying agent.

Crystals and gemstones- Crystals are often chosen for a purpose (for example amethyst is used to promote the psychic abilities).  Gemstones all have different uses and affiliations, similar to incense.  Clear quartz can be imbibed with power and used for a specific purpose.  They can also be used to represent the different elements or a specific deity.