Creating your Sacred Space

Many Witches have an altar, where they practice their Spell-craft and rituals. The first thing to consider before any rite or ritual is preparation, so selecting a special place to practice is important. You need to consider whether you will be disturbed and for some Witches, they prefer to practice within nature, perhaps in the garden or a field. But I would advise on safety, before you consider venturing out by yourself into a quiet countryside area.

For Covens, they use specific tools to represent the Element and the Divine. These are listed below:

• Altar and Altar cloth
• Pentacle
• Symbols of Earth, Air, Fire and Water
• Symbols of the God and Goddess
• The Chalice
• The Athame

But for Solitary Witches, some of these tools can be unattainable or you may simply have a reaction to an incense. So I have listed a few substitutions:

• Altar and Altar cloth - You do not need to have both, some Witches just have a cloth. This does make it easier to practice the Craft whenever and wherever you want.
• Pentacle - This symbol is usually placed at the centre of your Altar, you do not need to have it as some fancy ornament. But you can draw it on a stone or trace it with salt.
• Earth - Generally represented by salt or dirt, but I recommend a small stone because it is less mess.
• Air- It is common to use a incense, but as I said some people may have a reaction to it. So I would suggest a feather or flower.
• Water- As simple as a cup of water, but if you want to be creative use a Sea shell.
• Fire - Generally a candle is used but you can use a gemstone which may have a similar colour.
• Symbols of God - Both of the Divine can be represented by a simple tea light, but if you want specific symbols. The God can be a piece of wood, your Athame, sprig of holly, simple leaf, a painting or a special statue.
• Symbols for the Goddess - A statue, painting, stone with a hole in it, a fruit, flower or your Chalice.
• The Chalice - This is a special cup set aside only for spell-making, giving rites and rituals. This can be as grand or simple a cup as you wish. It might even be a good idea to get a simple plan coloured cup, then draw your own symbols on it. As you know, your own personal touch has the most influence on your magic. Also don't forget, you do not need to have wine when drinking from your chalice, you can also have fruit juice.
• The Athame- Generally in the form of a black or white handled knife, however, some Witches will not bring metal into the circle, and being in possession of a knife can raise issues with your family if they were to happen upon it. So, a very logical substitution can be your wand which can be made from wood, bone or stone. Your wand can simply be a straight stick which you have selected from nature, but don't just start taking from nature and changing the natural order. Just pick something that has already fallen. It can be decorated by yourself or you could simply buy a special made wand from the shop. But I would suggest making it yourself.

Those are just a few substitutions, but your own personal and creative touch is by far more effective. So explore your options when deciding the tools to use on your Altar.