Q&A for How to Set up a Simple Pagan or Wiccan Altar

No, it isn't a bad thing. An altar can be dedicated to a god or goddess, or it can just be for your magical workings. Go with what feels right to you.

There are a lot of Pagans that use Greek deities in their pantheon. Honestly, you can worship any gods and goddesses you want to worship. There really are no rules in who you're allowed to worship.

It really doesn't matter. You can have as much or as little on your alter as you like. There is no right or wrong way. Having god and goddess representation as well as a representation of the elements is traditional but just use that as a guideline and follow what you think looks/feels right.

If you feel it subtracts meaning from your altar or if they feel wrong standing near your altar, you should put them elsewhere. If you have no problem with them standing there and don't feel like there is negative energy around your altar, you don't have to move them.

It can be anywhere you'd like. You could have multiple altars if you want.

Generally, people prefer to have a surface or drawer or what have you dedicated solely to their altar, but whatever you can use should fine, as long as your altar is assembled with love and respect. If it still doesn't feel right to you, then put a little bit of money to the side and save up for something inconspicuous you can use, like an end table or a bedside table or a small bookshelf or something; check secondhand stores like the Salvation Army to save yourself some money. If you like to keep your tools hidden, shave a chest with a lock to keep your tools in (like candles, pentacle, etc). Good luck and blessed be.

Tell her that Wicca is a nature-based religion. We do not worship Satan and are totally against harming others and ourselves. You can show her some videos or books about Wicca so she can see what it's about. If your mom still won't let you, you will have to respect her and wait until you move out on your own to practice Wicca.

Dollar stores, Walmart, thrift stores, wherever you feel is right. Sometimes, thrift stores happen to have stuff that really speaks to you, and it's cheap!

Yes, that is fine.

Don't ever feel bad for worshiping Brigid, and know your parents may be wonderful people and simply unable to understand. If you are living with them or are in any way dependent on them, it's best to hide it (there are many ways, such as blending it in if it is inconspicuous enough). Some altars are simple yet beautiful and sacred. The other option would be to worship her without an altar, which can be harder and feel sad but can also fit some (it's up to you to see if you manage this way). Altar or not, cover your tracks: don't make items obvious, keep the least amount in their house, never leave anything Pagan on your computer or phone, and hold rituals very discreetly (alone or outdoors). Always keep safe!

You can use it just for meditation and relaxation, or you can bless it and use it for rituals and spells.

Yes, but it is advised not to light candles on it if it is made of a flammable material. Or, find a candle holder with a top part that will disperse the heat. As for the items, you can find them at local stores or online.

You should go with whatever feels natural to you.

This is the trouble with altars that don't face north; you can only go with your feelings here. Imagine disposing the elements according to the true compass and turning south (so 90° right) for fire. See if it feels wrong. Then, see if it would be weirder to worship fire by turning west (behind you). Ultimately, the choice is yours.

It is up to you whether to do so, but usually this is done through consecration. This is a ritual, done on a day and at a time significant to you. You may bless an altar as a whole, or each object or tool you wish to use. A consecration ritual usually uses a white candle, a small bowl of water, small bowl of salt and incense. You can find a number of different consecration rituals online, or write your own. Like so much in this practice, it is what feels right to you.

A wardrobe is a fine place for an altar, and of course, you should use whatever materials you have/can afford. The most important thing is the intention and energy your bring to your magic. Everything else is secondary.

No. You can use whatever kind of space works for you.

Yes. Candles are usually a representation of the element of fire, or for divination. You could use something like charcoal, warm colored crystals or metal pieces worked in flame, like jewelry. For incense, it's an air representation, or a means of dispersing energy. Potpourri, herbs or powdered incense can be used, as the scent is what is important. Burning it is only more visual.

There is no strict recipe. An empty area on the floor can be an altar of you wish so. The best is to search through your possessions and see what seems sacred and magical to you, enough for it to make sense on an altar. Then, dedicate a surface to it. It doesn't have to be big, or a table. It is also a good idea to procure items to make it even better in the future!

Yes, you can. Carving or sculpting statues is a great idea.

Absolutely. You don't need to make the circle around the altar, either. The circle goes around you or your subject, be it large or small. If you want to make the altar against the wall, do a half circle around it on the floor against the wall.

No. There are Wiccans that worship him, but they see him as a god of both light and darkness. He will help you and destroy obstacles in your life, as he is the god of destruction. but if you mess with him, there will be very negative consequences.

Sure, you can worship whoever you want.

Yes, that's okay. A lot of pagans worship gods and goddesses from ancient cultures.

Make sure it can be easily hidden, or small enough to move. Hide it in plain sight or behind a bookshelf, in a small space or under your bed. If none of those options are available, make it in a small box like an empty matchbox.

Any size candle would be fine for an altar, but keep in mind that small candles will burn out quickly if lit.

Yes, if its important to you. It can take the place of water, in some instances.

It's not bad if you want to use someone else's altar, but the altar would have their energy and not yours. If you want to be fully connected with the divine (or whoever the altar is set up for), then create your own.

Yes, you don't need a god or goddess. You could just make an alter for the elements.

For a water shrine, you can get moon-blessed water and keep it on the altar, keep moon crystals; seaweed and shells are good, too. A fire shrine can have sun-blessed water, orange crystals, candles, sand and ashes of herbs. For an earth shrine, use soil, pure crystals, plants, seeds, herbs, flowers and oils. A feather or hand-held fan would be good for an air shrine. Spirit shrines can include crystals and something that holds meaning to you. It's not necessary to do spells; an altar can help you do them, but it's not needed. Try meditation with either all the elements around you, or focus on only one.