Altars

[Shalendria]

Altars... What is an Altar? What do you need?

An Altar is your space where Magick energy is gathered, focused, and sent out to do what you want accomplished. Altars are a reflection of you and the Magick and power you are using and creating. The more sacred things you decorate your altar with – the more power you will be able to draw into your spells and rituals. And it is very important to build up emotion when practicing Wicca. A lot of people have an Altar and don't realize it but that is sometimes the best kind... ones you discover later when someone points it out.
There are two types of Altars... a Casting Altar and an Everyday Altar. But one thing should always be the same... It should represent you, who you are, where you came from and who you want to be. It can big or it can be really tiny. As long as you have the best intentions and you want it for the right reasons, It can create large amounts of Magick and power.  

[Shalendria]

Everyday Altars are easier to spot sometimes. They are everywhere... it’s an area like a corner or even a shelf that you find important ... special. You spend time making this area your own and you take good care of it because it means a great deal to you. It can be a large movie or manga collection set somewhere or it can be a stuff animal corner. Things that you feel contain meaning, power and give you strength. You want people to recognize that, respect that and even realize that it maybe something to ask permission first before touching. It can contain pictures, stuff animals and other objects that you find a strong connection with. It is also very easy to start one... Grab the things that mean the world to you ... things you don’t want people to touch but want to show off and sit them together. Make a corner or a shelf somewhere in your room or any other area you feel comfortable leaving it and make it YOU!  

[Shalendria]

Casting Altars are more work related Altars. They are set up and used during rituals and when you want to perform a spell. Casting a circle protects you and the work you do from those meant to harm and sabotage. Therefore to control and draw in energy many use an Altar. There is a picture at the beginning of this guild that shows what Fareru and I’s Casting Altar looks like on most occasions. These Altars are also open to interpretation but for the most part contain many of the same things. Like Candles... All Altars contain candles preferably a candle to match each direction and its meaning. For example a red candle for the South to represent Fire... A green or brown candle for the North to represent the Earth... Blue for the West to represent Water... Yellow, white or something along those lines for East to represent Air and last... Purple or multi-colored for the center to represent the Spirit or Spiral (depending on what you wish to call it). You also need an object that represents each direction. It can be anything that you see fit for that direction. Also know to make appearances on Casting Altars are an Athame (dagger or knife). This is an IMPORTANT NOTE: This dagger/knife is not to be use at any point to cut yourself... You do not need to give blood or harm yourself in any way to practice Wiccan!. It is used to call in the Elements or Directions. A Chalice (Cup) is another tool used. And another thing found on almost every Wiccan Altar... A Pentacle. This is important because it gives a lot to the circle and the work being done. Other objects that give you power, meaning, strength and sense of grounding is always welcome. Other objects known to appear are incense, cauldrons, homemade wands and brooms and something that has a meaning of male and something for female. In the end it is your Altar and you need to make it for you.

.... So when it comes to Altars just make sure you are respectful to others and they will be of yours. Make it a reflection of you. Make it honest and make sure it feels right to you because that’s the best way to get the best results.
Sorry its long but I wanted you all to get a good feel for both Altars

Any Questions... Comments
Please tell us what you have on your Altar...