The altar is decorated differently throughtout the year. Click here to see what to decorate you altar with on a particular time of year.
Remember that tools associated with the God go on the right of the altar and tools associated with the Goddess go on the left of the altar. Tools associated with both the God and Goddess go in the middle of the altar. Here are the main things on the altar:
1) Something to Represent the God and Goddess
This is commonly candles: Red, gold or yellow for the God and white, silver or green for the Goddess. You could even have sculptures which you should make so they contain your personal energy.
2) The Wand
The wand is a tool of invocation, is sacred to the God and represents the element Air.
3) The Broom/Besom
The broom/besom may be quite big so therefore doesn't have to be on the altar. It is sacred to both the God and Goddess.
4) The Censer
The censer is the incense burner, is sacred to the God and represents the element Air.
5) The Caudron
The cauldron is used for scrying with water, containing and mixing many brews and loads more. Most cauldrons are big, so they don't need to go on the altar: I prefer the mini cauldrons! It is sacred to the Goddess and represents the element Water.
6) The Athame (pronounced ath-ah-may)
The athame is a ritual knife with a black handle to absorb energy. It is ONLY used in rituals to direct energy. It is sacred to the God and represents the element Fire.
7) The Bolline
The bolline is the white handled knife used for inscribing symbols in candles, cutting herbs, etc. It is sacred to the God.
8) Crystals and Gemstones
Crystals and gemstones are sacred to the Goddess for She is known and Mother Earth, and represent the element Earth.
9) The Chalice/cup
The chalice is used to hold ritual beverages. It is sacred to the Goddess and represents the element Water.
10) The Pentacle/Pentagram
The pentacle is the five pointed star and represents many things. To most Witches, it represents Earth, Air, Fire, Water and Spirit. It can be made from gold, brass, silver, clay or wood. Usually it goes in the centre of the altar.
11) The Book of Shadows (BOS)
A Book of Shadows helps you find self-knowledge (one of the goals), and contains all of your personal notes, experiences and information about Wicca.
12) Offering Bowls
This is optional and just a simple bowl containing offerings to the God and Goddess such as flowers, herbs, etc.
13) Robes
This is another optional item. You can make your own robes or buy them. You can just wear loose, comfortable clothing like many others, and in some raditions people work skyclad (naked) which I don't do! See colour correspondences to find the correct colour for you.
14) Essential Oils, Herbs, Incense Sticks, Inks and Candles
Build up on your collection on these because you need them for practising magick!
15) The Bell
The bell is used to ward off negativite energies and evoke good energies. It is sacred to the Goddess.
There are some other things too, like the pestle and mortar, but these are the main ones.
When you have ritual tools, you must bless them, and when you have an altar, you must regularly consecrate it.
