| The Altar |
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| The first and foremost altar is the Earth it self, whether indoors or outside in the Woods. As Humans we like symbolism. Originally and particularly in the western world upon our altar we would place a stang (staff, pitchfork or similar) to represent the God or male aspect, dressed with seasonal foilage, flowers and other sigils often to represent the Goddess. Alternatively or as well a single candle would be placed with the stang. With the coming of followers more ceremonial magi's such as the Templars, Rosicrucians and later the Wiccan's Altar's have taken on a more ceremonial nature. This often includes candles, to represent both the God and Goddess, a dish of Salt placed to the North. Incense and/or thurrible in the East. Candles and/or Athame's placed in the South. Water and/or Chalice in the West. Some practioners may also include symbols and/or effigy's of different aspects of the dieties. Cauldron's, sigils, charms and talismans that they work with may also appear. An Altar can simply be a vase of freshly picked flowers placed on a windowledge. If you live with others who are not Pagan or are a teenager who wishes to have symbols of the Goddess element, elements and nature around your room and or house then something like a pot plant could represent earth and the Goddess or God. A Fish Tank\Bowl or simply a picture of a water scene could represent the West and Water as could Seashells and Pebbles. Fire could be represented simply by and electric lamp if candles could not be displayed. Air and the East could be represented by Feathers, a picture or effigy of a Bird or even an Oriental Symbol. Knives (Athame), Thurrible and Pentagram need not be on display keeping unwanted questions from visitors yet still having your symbols of nature veneration. |
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