An altar is a physical or mental representation of a space where we can reflect and practice ritual. From bells to besoms, this comprehensive list gives you an overview of altar items that can aid you in your practice.
In this post, we will outline some common tools used in witchcraft. We’ll explore how to use them, and why.
Athame
The athame is a (usually) dull ceremonial dagger. What started as a Wiccan tool for casting circles has become a tool used by many. The athame represents air and directs energy. This represents masculine energy.
Altar Cloth
Protect your surfaces and designate a sacred space for your altar using an altar cloth. It doesn’t have to be ornate; an old scarf will do. Ensure you are cleansing your cloth before placing it on your altar. It also designates a ‘boundary’ between mundane and magical spaces.
Bell
The bell is incredible for cleansing the energy in a room with sound. One chime of the bell can polarize your aura and align you with the surrounding energy. Dispel negative energy and welcome a new, focused feeling.
Besom
Or broomstick. Surely you’ve seen or heard about somebody “sweeping” away negative energy. Well, you can do this literally. Sometimes these hang as a charm above a doorway.
Bowls
Use them for offerings or for certain spells. Some rituals, such as the creation of a money bowl, require a bowl. You can designate a bowl and use it for offerings to your deities or spirit guides. You can place libations in the bowl.
Candles
Candles are such a versatile tool in the craft. You may use them to represent Gods and Goddesses in your workings. They are a strong ode to the element of fire, adding some illumination to your workings. I inscribe mine with words or sigils to amplify my intentions.
Candle Snuffer
Fire safety is key in witchcraft, and this includes extinguishing your candles when you are done. Some people find it more respectful to snuff out a candle rather than blow it out.
Cauldron
The cauldron is a useful tool in burning and offering. It is a symbol of the divine feminine. Any fire-safe bowl can be your cauldron. The cauldron is a versatile tool. We can use it to burn ingredients as part of spellwork. We can use it to hold offerings to a divine being. The limits don’t truly exist. Utilize it to its fullest potential!
Chalice
A representation of the divine feminine. Placing an athame into a chalice can represent a unity between masculine and feminine energies. Chalices can also be good for holding libations, or consuming liquids during ritual.
Crystals
One of the fun and lighthearted additions to your altar. Well, depending on the crystal. Some intentionally cause chaos to reign in your life. It’s for the better, of course. Chaotic stones typically clear away what no longer serves us. With their own unique energy and properties, crystals bring so much potential into our work.
Deity Offerings and/or Statues
Deity offerings and statues may reside on your altar. Your patron may appreciate a small idol. Having the statue live in a space as sacred as your altar is a respectful option.
Divination Tools
Divination tools can help guide us to the right path. They can provide insight, warnings, or open your eyes to forces previously unseen. You can read more about them here.
Food
Traditionally called libations, food can be an offering to whomever you are working with. Be mindful of how long you keep food items on your altar, and whether they are perishable. Return perishable food items to the earth when you finish.
Grimoire
You need not place a grimoire on your altar, but it is a priceless tool to have. With correspondences and incantations at your fingertips, workings will go much smoother with a grimoire on hand. You may also use this to record magical workings and outcomes.
Incense
Another great cleansing tool. I have a confession:When smoke cleansing, I strictly use incense. Personally, I avoid white sage and Palo santo because of a sacred significance to Indigenous cultures. I don’t burn other herbs bundled together because I’m very vigilant with fire safety, and don’t know how certain herbs will ignite.
Jars
Jars are sometimes used to contain spells. One of the biggest draws of jar magic is the creation of a protection spell. By mixing certain herbs and/or crystals, paired with other ingredients and perhaps wax-sealed, you can have a jar of protection. This traps negative energy coming your way. You can use a jar to contain whatever kind of spell you’re working with. Think about whether the spell benefits from being sealed or should remain open to flow freely.
Herbs
I believe that the essence of having an herb on my altar is enough to tap into that plant’s energy. I don’t need to ingest every herb I use. In fact, I would highly advise against that. However, setting spearmint on my altar is enough to activate its energizing properties.
Mortar and Pestle
The mortar and pestle are great for grinding up ingredients and concocting one mixture. I’ve used a mortar and pestle to create black salt using incense ash and salt.
Wand
It helps to have a tool that can direct energy in your practice. Whether for casting circles or for visualization, like the athame, the wand can assist us in guiding energy.
Now You Know Altar Tools!
I hope this post served you well. Did you learn about a new tool that you will incorporate into your practice? From bells to besoms, we’ve covered the most popular additions to your altar. Leave your thoughts in the comments below!