Altar Questions

[Faechylde]

Merry Meet Everyone!

I have never done a ritual and my questions are about the altar in relation to the circle. I have read many books but the descriptions are not answering my question so I thought I'd post it here. Is the altar supposed to be inside the circle or just outside of it? If it is a large table that you keep up all the time (such as against a wall), does that change how it is located? And where is it supposed to be in terms of direction? is it supposed to be facing north (so that if your back was to the altar, would you be facing north)?

I hope someone can help me with this because I am not finding it in any book I read. Thank you in advance.

Blessed Be!

[Myst]

I'm surprised that the direction isn't in the books you've read. Normally the altar faces north or east (your preference, and that means when you go to start casting your circle etc. you face north or east and the altar is before you). You're probably going to want to cast the circle around it after cleansing it if you're going to use any tools or instruments on it.

There really are no hard and fast rules tho. If something else makes sense, do it.

[Faechylde]

Myst,

Thank you for he input. The descriptions in the books was confusing about where I'd face and you answered it. I really appreciate it.

BB!

[Myst]

Just glad I could help.

If you're curious, sometimes it's in the east because the sun rises in the east and it is thus a direction of beginnings. Meanwhile north is associated with midnight, the beginning of a new day, and is thus also associated with beginnings. I also think that's because north is associated with earth which is an element most people can really relate to I think. Really whatever makes sense for you will be fine.

[clef0628]

My altar is against a wall, so when I cast my circle I see it as going thought the wall so, my altar will be in the circle. I not sure if that right, but it what I do, I always thought the alter should be in the circle.

[Faechylde]

Thank you both for the replies. They helped clear up a lot. It helps to talk to people here since I am a solitary. You guys are all so nice and I appreciate the help.

BB!

[clef0628]

Your are welcome, I'm solitary too, and I fine this page most helpful;)