Setting Up a Wiccan Altar - The 11 Most Essential Supplies

Witches and Pagans of all levels of experience can benefit from having an altar. The purpose of this space is to provide a sacred area where one can focus on their practice, connect with the divine, and manifest their intentions. By rounding up these essential tools, you will be well on your way to creating a magical sanctuary all your own. Let's get started!

1. A flat surface: You don't need a fancy altar table, any flat surface will do. If you're just starting out, you might want to use a small card table or even a TV tray.

2. An altar cloth: This is a cloth that you will use to cover your altar. The altar cloth unites all your ritual tools into one tidy space. It can be any color or design that you feel drawn to. Many people choose to use a black cloth as it is associated with the element of Earth and can help create a feeling of grounding and stability.

3. Candles: Candles are used for both practical and symbolic purposes on an altar. They can be used to light your space when working in the dark or semi-dark, such as during scrying or meditation. Candles can also be used as part of spells and rituals that call for fire for cleansing, banishing, or raising power through concentration. In addition, candles are often used to represent the elements of Fire and/or Spirit.

4. Incense: Incense is another tool that can be used for both practical and symbolic purposes. It can be used to cleanse and purify your space before ritual work, or it can be burned during ritual as an offering to the deities or spirits you are working with. Incense can also be used to represent the element of Air. For spellwork, choose an incense that corresponds to the purpose of your spell, such as lavender for peace or musk for seduction.

5. A cauldron or chalice: A chalice is a traditional symbol of the element of Water. It can be used for beverage offerings, or for holding water during cleansing and purification rituals. The cauldron can be used as a symbol of birth and manifestation, or it can be filled with sand and used as an outdoor fire pit for spells and rituals that require fire.

6. Crystals and stones: Crystals and stones are often used on altars for their energetic properties and their ability to hold space for intention setting and spell work. They can also be used to represent the element of Earth.

7. A bell: A bell is often used on altars to clear energy, invoke deities, or mark the beginning and end of ritual work.

8. A wand: A wand is traditionally associated with the element of Air and is often used in spell work that requires directing one’s energy toward a specific purpose. Wands can be made of wood, metal, glass, crystal, or resin—try handling different materials and see what appeals to you.

9. The athame is one of the most important tools used in Wiccan rituals and ceremonies. This ritual knife is used to represent the element of Fire, and is used to direct energy during spellcasting and other magical workings. In some traditions, the athame is also used to cut through negative energy, or to protect the circle from outside interference.

10. A pentacle: A pentacle is a five-pointed star within a circle that is used as a symbol of balance and completeness. It can be made of any material, but many Wiccans prefer to use stone or metal to represent the element of Earth.

11. Salt: Salt is used in Wicca for purification, blessing, and protection rituals. A dish of salt can also be used to represent the element of Earth.

12. Water: Water is used in many Wiccan rituals for cleansing and purification purposes. Use clean, pure water for your rituals; spring water is ideal but tap water will also work fine.

Altars can be as simple or complex as you want them to be, and there are no set rules for how to create one. If you’re just starting out, we recommend keeping it simple by using just a few of the tools we’ve outlined in this post. Once you get more comfortable working with your altar, you can always add on additional items or customize your altar to fit your specific needs. 

Ready to start shopping? Check out our affordable altar supplies and get started creating a sacred space of your own.