A Wicca Altar Is . . .

• A focal point and container for magical energies.
• A reminder of your ideals.
• An echo of your beliefs and wishes.
• A Home for the Divine.

A Wiccan altar is typically a piece of furniture (a tree stump is also used), such as a table or chest, upon which a Wiccan practitioner places several symbolic and functional items for the purpose of worshiping the God and Goddess, casting spells, and/or saying chants and prayers. Upon the altar typically rests a cloth, used to protect the surface from damage by candle wax, spilled liquid, or dust from burnt incense. This cloth is often adorned by a pentacle, or other spiritual symbol. An altar may be as simple or complex as you chose.

Simple altar

Complex altar

Common items on a Wiccan altar include:

• Athame- a ceremonial dagger, with a double-edged blade and usually a black handle
• Broom- used to cleanse the ritual area before circle casting
• Candles- used on the altar to represent the presence of the God and Goddess, and in the four corners and center of a ritual circle to represent the presence of the five elements: Fire, Earth, Air, Water and Spirit
• Chalice- is often used in combination with the Athame, combining the two evokes the act of procreation, as a symbol of universal creativity
• Incense- is a powerful way to let your intent be known
• Pentacle- generally used to summon energies, also represents the joining of the five elements
• Wand- is used to channel and direct energy

Some of the items represent the Earth's five elements, but elements may be represented more literally, with gems, salt, water, plant material, etc.