| An Altar tends to be lain out in a certain constant
pattern, in this I mean that there are things that are constant throughout
most of the traditions of the Craft. |
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Location of the Altar within the circle:
This starts with the position of the altar in the
space you have chosen whether that is inside or
out is up to you and the vagaries of the weather where you are.
It is easiest to set the Altar in the north quadrant
of the circle. This commands the energies of the earth and through that
there is stability and foundation. |
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Common items on an Altar:
Incense
Something to burn incense in, this should
be safe from burning the surface it sets upon and that is why so many people
use a large shell filled with sand or a small footed cauldron that is made
of cast iron that can stand up to the heat and not burn the surface of
the table.
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Candles
This can become very involved. The
basics are however white candles for the Goddess and black candles for
the God, as well as a candle that represents the work that is to be done
I also use a reader candle that gives me
enough extra light to actually read by if I wish, and that is a color that
represents my zodiacal sign to reinforce the magical workings.
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Chalice
Some type of vessel that will hold a little
spring water, or fresh fruit juice.
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Plate
To hold a simple cake
or anything that can represent the bread of the simple feast.
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Optional items
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A favorite deck of cards or a set of runes that you are
attached too.
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A wand that you use for magic
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An athame if you use one
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A small bottle of oil to use for blessing yourself and/or
others
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Some people like to have a small vase with a flower to
represent the Gods or even a small statue that brings to mind a deity you
are aligned with.
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A small bowl or dish to hold items that are to be blessed
by being on the altar during the magical work.
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A book of shadows that you can use to note the ceremony
that you are using.
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Anything else that brings a sense of spirit to your senses
as you work around your Altar.
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| Set the altar up and concentrate on the magical forces
that you are going to be utilizing during the rite or
ritual you wish to perform. If the Altar is set in an area where you
can move around it then walk around the Altar from east, to south, to west,
to the north and back to the east again, blessing the space and making
it a place that is ready for the spirits of love and help to enter. |
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| Once the circle is open do your work at the Altar.
If you have written everything down on a will, at the end of the rite you
could take the will and burn it while watching the smoke rise sending the
work on its way into the ether. |
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| There are many good
books on the subject including Raymond Buckland, and if you have
a different view on the subject try the work of Star Hawk. Both of
these people do good work that is set to the vibration of the traditions
they are a part of. Of course my favorite is always Scott Cunningham, he
was a gentleman of exceptional insight and had a loving disposition that
always comes through in his work. |
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May you always work in peace and may the Gods be
with you at all times.
Blessed Be
Arry'shanna-Selene |
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