How to Set Up a Witchcraft Altar for Beginners

A Witch’s altar is a very personal thing.

Each witch will have a different idea of what their witchcraft altar should look like and how it will serve them. There is no ‘one size fits all’; everything from the size of the altar to its location to even the number of altars is entirely dependent on the individual practitioner.

This post will simply act as a guide for the aspiring witch – you can take what resonates with you and leave the rest.

What is an altar?

A basic example of a witchcraft altar and tools.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines an altar as:

a structure with a flat top, often shaped like a table, that is used in some religious ceremonies, for example as a place to put important religious objects.

Within the context of modern witchcraft, an altar is a sacred working space.

What that means is a space that is designated as sacred and used regularly in magickal practice.

For a lot of witches, the altar is where they perform most of their spells and rituals. Many witches, also, utilise their altar as a space to worship deity.

Where do I put my altar?

Anywhere you want to.

An altar can be kept in any room of the house or even outside.

But there are a few things to take into consideration: other family members, pets, guests and accessibility, just to name a few.

Generally speaking, you’ll want to put your altar somewhere you can get to it on a regular basis. This might sound obvious, but if you choose a high shelf or busy cupboard that’s usually blocked by furniture or mess, then there’s less of an incentive to use it.

You’ll, also, want to consider privacy. Is the room used by a lot of other people? Can your pets reach it? Will they knock things off? (Mine do!). If you live with your parents and they’re less-than-supportive of your witchcraft journey, you might want to choose a quiet corner of your bedroom rather than the living room, for example.

How big should my altar be?

As big or small as you’d like.

You can use anything from a shelf on the wall to the top of a small bookcase to a bedroom side-table. If you have the space for an entire altar room then go for it.

Ultimately the size will be determined by how much space you need or have available.

Does my altar need to be permanent?

Nope.

If you’re struggling for a permanent space or have difficult house guests, then a non-permanent altar may be the best option.

This is where you simply get your ritual tools and spell ingredients together as and when you need them. Just make sure you put something down to protect whatever surface you’re working on, like a cloth or towel, especially if candles are involved.

What things should I have on my altar?

Whatever things you want.

The best items to have on your altar are items you use the most often. This will entirely depend on your own practice and/or witchcraft tradition.

A typical witchcraft altar will include some of the following:

Candles
Ritual knife
Grimoire
Deity statues
Incense
Chalice
Cauldron
Herbs/plants
Wand

And so many more.

Certain witchcraft traditions will have their own altar set-ups. If you are solitary and don’t follow a particular tradition, you have the freedom to set up your altar however you like.

Do I have to have an altar as a beginner witch?

Absolutely not.

Witchcraft altars can be incredibly useful, whether it’s for spell work or meditation or however a witch chooses to use it. But they’re not mandatory.

If you don’t feel called to set up an altar of any kind, then don’t!