Altar Supplies and Sundries

These are the items that you will need on a regular basis, your 'Witchy' Ingredients!
If possible, remember to buy in bulk, and to cleanse them all before use! Don't forget that most
of them will be available through 'normal' shops, and that this means they will be far cheaper
their than in your local New Age/Pagan shop.

Bath Salts

Used for relaxation in the Ritual Bath.

Cakes

Used to ground and celebrate the Goddess bounty following your
Ritual before releasing the Circle. May be cakes, cookies, breads or even fruits.

Candles

(Recommended)
Used for representing the presence of the Goddess and God, and the Elements, and also in Candle
(or sympathetic) Magick. Don't forget to think of what you are going to use to hold them in also.
Candlelight can also be useful in setting the right 'mood' for Ritual, anything you can do to set yourself
in the right frame of mind for Ritual and Magick can be a big help! We have a Goddess, God and Work
candle upon the Altar, four candles (in the four directions) to represent the Elements, and when
in the Lair another 13 around the outside of the room for illumination, which sets the mood perfectly!

Charcoal

Used to burn powdered incense and herbs. Get small
charcoal discs, not the briquettes used on a barbecue!

Compass

Some find it difficult to divine the four directions, especially when
working away from home, so a compass may be a useful tool to take with you when you travel!

Cords

Of Varying thickness and colours are used to mark the boundaries
of the Circle by some, and by others to perform Bindings. Some will not perform Bindings
at any cost, as they feel that it breaks the Rede ('An it harme none, Do as Ye Will!'),
but others do feel that in exceptional circumstances (such as when someone is acting in a
self harming manner) they can be justified. Whatever your own personal views, you have
to remember that the Three Fold Law says you'll get back times three what you do to
others, so proceed with care!

Goddess Wine

(Recommended)
Red or White wine, blessed for use during the Ritual, though you can just as easily use Ale, Juice or Water.

Herbs

Used for Healing and Magick, can include fresh, dried and
frozen herbs and spices. They can be used to burn, to make tinctures and potions or as compresses.

Holy Water

(Recommended)
Used upon the Altar to represent the Water Element, and also to cleanse and consecrate
Magickal and Ritual tools and areas. It's basically consecrated water that has had some
consecrated salt added to it and been blessed. We like to get the water from a local spring
ourselves (that's located in a powerful local area), just to be sure that its 100% natural. Water
is considered Female in its symbology, so goes to the left of the Altar.

Incense

(Recommended)
Available in stick, cone and powder form and is used upon the Altar to represent the Air Element
during Rituals. Certain types of incense have various Magickal uses, as are shown
on our Correspondances page!

Matches

(Recommended)
For lighting candles and Incense. Can be a good idea to tape a spare box underneath the Altar
for emergencies, and don't put spent matches into the Censer, keep a separate bowl for them
(an ashtray is ideal) underneath the Altar itself.

Oils

For use in Scented Oil Burners (and enhancing the mood) and in Ritual use
(such as Dedicating Tools and Self) and also for the Ritual Bath.

Parchment/Paper

Used for writing special spells and notes.

Powders

Used either for burning with Herbs, or for marking the boundaries of your Circle.

Sea Salt/Rock Salt

(Recommended)
Used upon the Altar for representing the Earth Element, and for cleansing the Circle during
it's casting. Salt is considered Male in it's symbology, so goes to the right side of the Altar.

Seeds

Can be used in Magickal and Ritual workings, especially at the Imbolc
Sabbat (see Wheel of the Year section) and for symbolizing new beginnings, such as at a Handfasting,
Wiccaning or Dedication Ritual.

Smudge Sticks

A stick of Herbs that is burnt at a slow smoulder, used to smudge
(or cleanse) during and before a Ritual.

String

Used for Binding and Cord Magick, and to keep poppets and
other Magickal Packages sealed together.


Altar Tools  |  Altar Info  |  Altar Supplies and Sundries  |  Tool Cleansing Ritual

Tool Correspondances  |  Wiccan Correspondances  |  Grimoire  |  The Wiccaning