Faeawyn
May 17th, 2004, 04:31 PM
Ok, I've attached 2 images of altars and I wanted to go over them with you...particulary you new guys :)
1. The first image is very much like my own altar, only I don't use god or goddess candles. I do however, use representations of my god/goddess. I was going to set mine up and take a picture of it...but never got around to it (bad me...spank spank). However, as I said, this one is similar. Ok, we'll start with the big white pillar candles in the back. These are altar candles. They simply help provide light for your magickal workings :). In front of those are the black and white god and goddess candles (these are for a wiccan altar). Note the candle holders. As energy flows form left to right...the black is to absorb negative energy, and the white is for purity and cleansing. To the far left you see 2 chalice's. One for water (west) and the other for wine (an offering to the god/goddess), then a mirror (most likely for scrying). In the center we have our pentacle, and behind that a crystal ball (probably being used to represent earth) and then the BOS. In front of the pentacle is the athame (in this case used to represent fire). To the far right is the incense burner (east) and what looks to be some kind of vial, possibly for oils to annoint the candles.
2. In this second picture, we have the silver and gold candles representing the god and goddess. In the center is a white pillar (spell candle). In the center again is our pentacle, with a crystal ball on it to aid in increasing power and focus. To the left is our cauldron (with water for west), in front is our athame for fire (south). Also on the left is an altar bell. Some ring a bell to cleanse space, or to call the deities or signal the beginning of a ritual. A wand is on the altar for magickal workings and the incense is to the right for air (east). I did notice however, that they put their salt in front of the incense. Probably because of limited space on the altar and the salt is being used to absorb negative energies.
Now...here are additional altar pictures for you to look at if you wish. There are many different kinds for different gods/goddess. Maybe you'll see something that appeals to you :)
http://www.sacredsource.com/altars0302.html
1. The first image is very much like my own altar, only I don't use god or goddess candles. I do however, use representations of my god/goddess. I was going to set mine up and take a picture of it...but never got around to it (bad me...spank spank). However, as I said, this one is similar. Ok, we'll start with the big white pillar candles in the back. These are altar candles. They simply help provide light for your magickal workings :). In front of those are the black and white god and goddess candles (these are for a wiccan altar). Note the candle holders. As energy flows form left to right...the black is to absorb negative energy, and the white is for purity and cleansing. To the far left you see 2 chalice's. One for water (west) and the other for wine (an offering to the god/goddess), then a mirror (most likely for scrying). In the center we have our pentacle, and behind that a crystal ball (probably being used to represent earth) and then the BOS. In front of the pentacle is the athame (in this case used to represent fire). To the far right is the incense burner (east) and what looks to be some kind of vial, possibly for oils to annoint the candles.
2. In this second picture, we have the silver and gold candles representing the god and goddess. In the center is a white pillar (spell candle). In the center again is our pentacle, with a crystal ball on it to aid in increasing power and focus. To the left is our cauldron (with water for west), in front is our athame for fire (south). Also on the left is an altar bell. Some ring a bell to cleanse space, or to call the deities or signal the beginning of a ritual. A wand is on the altar for magickal workings and the incense is to the right for air (east). I did notice however, that they put their salt in front of the incense. Probably because of limited space on the altar and the salt is being used to absorb negative energies.
Now...here are additional altar pictures for you to look at if you wish. There are many different kinds for different gods/goddess. Maybe you'll see something that appeals to you :)
http://www.sacredsource.com/altars0302.html