My Non-existent Altar

 just another Google image

Every young or starting witch is always worried about the altar. I'm not going to lie, I'm worried about my altar too, because it doesn't exist! Altars are an important and fundamental part of the Craft, but if you don't have one yet, don't fret. If you don't have room for one don't worry. But if you're trying to get all of that together here is what I've gathered people generally have or is traditionally put on the Altar. They usually consist of the following:

Ritual/Worship/Element Candles

Candles

A Bell

Athame (small black handled knife)

Book of Shadows (I'll reiterate later)

Chalice or cup/bowl of Salt Water ( for cleansing things)

Wand (reiteration required)

Broom (pretty optional from what I've heard)
Pictures or symbols of your Gods
Runes if you are into divinity(I'll reiterate later)
Chalice (for drinking)
A cake or sweet, food basically (Reiterate I shall!)
Cauldron
Herbs and Oils (can be kept there but usually there in the kitchen)

That pretty much sums it up for what's on it, in different posts most likely I'll reiterate on what was specified as what would be reiterated upon later, in separate posts. If it bothers you too much I'll mash it with this post but I think it'll be less confusing to have it somewhere else.

But for this post I just want to breathe on the subjects not specified for reiteration. Candles although unspecified is an extensive subject and I'll probably have a post for them because herbs, colors, and meanings depend on where you got it from, if it's handmade, and what you're going for. An athame (pronounced a-thuh-may) has many different purposes, some dip it into the salt water and bless people or the corners of there pentagram or circle. It's what you want to do with it which is why I won't go into it it's a matter of preference. The bowl of salt is just for purification of the circle the altar, people, yourself. Once again is a matter of preference. Comment with questions if you want suggestions or are completely confused. Brooms are just another way of purifying your circle, sweeping away negative energy and bad spirits. The Gods you worship if any are important to display this in a way honors them and informs them you are with them. If you can't get some of these things like the picture of your gods, a symbol or something they are known by or you think of while thinking of them. I've never seen a cauldron in use but people do use them for making potions. I haven't made any as of yet, but I'll look it up for you and post it later.