Altars generally have items on them that represent the five elements of earth, air, fire, water and spirit, which may take many forms. Here are some of the essential basic WICCAN SUPPLIES for your altar:
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THE ATHAME - a ritual double edged metal dagger with a wooden handle. As its purpose is to mark sacred space, it is "never" used to cut anything physical. Athames are associated with the element of air and male energy,
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THE CHALICE - a symbol of the feminine, it is usually a stemmed goblet. The chalice is associated with water, psychic ability and the subconscious.
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ALTAR BELL - generally a small metal hand bell used to clear sacred space, and punctuate parts of ritual or spellwork. Bells are associated with the element of air.
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ALTAR TILE - also known as a pentacle or peyton. The altar tile is used to open elemental gateways, evoke the divine and to protect and bless ritual tools and food. The elemental representation can be either earth or spirit.
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ALTAR CLOTH - protects the altar from stray wax, embers, dirt, and grime. The average altar cloth is traditionally black however when celebrating a Sabbat, Esbat, or doing specific spellwork, a colour that is representational of the event being observed can be used.
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THE WAND - wands are usually made of wood and are used to project or direct energy to a specific area, object, or person. The elemental correspondence is fire.
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THE BESOM - A besom is a ritual broom used to clear the residual energy from a space being prepared for ritual, and is one of the only Wiccan supplies that is used for ritual, but may not be found on the altar itself.
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CAULDRON - Used to burn, brew and mix things, it represents all the various elements, depending on how it is used. When used to burn offerings, it represents fire; used to brew a potion, it represents water; used for incense, air; and a cauldron of abundance, like a cornucopia, is associated with the element of earth. Usually made of iron and standing on three legs, the cauldron represents the feminine.
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CANDLES - there are usually three candles on the altar: one black, representing the Goddess; one white, representing the God, and a third, usually also white, for lighting. Candles represent the element of fire.
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A CENSER - this can be any flame-proof vessel used for burning incense. Some censers are cauldron like, and are hung on chains or suspended in tripods. A censer represents the element of air.
Although further items may be added to the altar according to the work being completed or the time of year, these are the essential basic WICCAN SUPPLIES to be found on Pagan and Wiccan alters.
If you would like to find out more about Wiccan supplies and their uses, go to this website here.
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