For this week’s Witchy Wednesday I've decided to focus on
one of the most popular tools in the witch’s possession. The altar can take on many forms. From an outside space to be joined with
nature to an inside private area to complete chants, the altar can be as
complex or as simple as desired.
I’ll start by dissecting my own altar. I am Hecatean, which means I
am a follower of Hecate (Hekate). I do not have a
consort or a male deity that I set alongside of her. She is my only deity.
 |
| Photo Credit - Renee Olson |
Above is my altar to Hecate. I have a red candle plate that holds round
dishes that my tea light candles go on.
These are for the directions. When I call the quarters I light each tea
light starting in the North and circling around to the West. In the center is a large red taper. This is
my candle for Hecate. To the left is a painting of the Goddess and incense
burners which hold my sage are here as well.
To the bottom right of the photo is my chalice. This is to represent again the feminine on an
altar. Many accompany this with a wand
or a dagger/Athame. I do not have either
of these on my altar but I do have a large wooden walking stick that sits on
the back behind the triple Goddess emblem. I'm still searching for the correct dagger for my altar. This is the only “phallic” type object that I keep. To the top right there is a small tin of
salt, a wooden pentacle and a ceremonial broom that I made to help “sweep” the
negativity out.
 |
| Photo Credit - Renee Olson |
This next photo shows a close-up of the red candle and the
Triple Goddess symbol that is carved into the back of the wooden Altar. I have a bell in the rear for air and to the
right there is a small bottle of water and some dirt. Just next to the red candle dish is a small
green candle that I've added for prosperity.
To the back right is my hand fasting cord. Hubby and I plan to renew our dedication to
each other on Samhain, our ten year anniversary using this cord. It’s been on my altar for a month now
collecting energy.
 |
| Photo Credit - Renee Olson |
Most altars will have representation of the particular Deity. I have several of Hecate
on my altar. I've the painting above of the Goddess in Red. I have a key, a piece of Lapis Lazuli as well
as a small red bag that contains the cord I used in the “Rite
of the Red Cord”.
The representation can be something as simple as a small
stone or a candle or as complex as a huge statue. Many believe that making the object yourself
adds more power to it, however I believe that if this is something that speaks
to the individual, which gives it a power of its own. Selecting an image for your deity is a completely
personal decision and can take years to complete.
Here are a few examples of some of the Goddess representations I've created.
 |
| Photo Credit - Artist - Renee Olson Purple Goddess |
 |
| Photo Credit - Artist - Renee Olson The Goddess & Offering Bowl |
 |
| Photo Credit - Artist - Renee Olson Golden Goddess |
 |
| Photo Credit - Artist - Renee Olson Natural Goddess |
 |
| Photo Credit - Artist - Renee Olson Small Red Goddess |
Creating your sacred space to work with the deity of your
choice is a very personal process. Each
item can take years to find its way to you. You will know when you find it.
When I’m working with my altar I use a playlist
on Youtube to help me get in the Witchy state of mind. Recently I found a new chant called “The
Charge of the Goddess”. I’ll leave you
with that now.
Namaste & Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(
Posts
1 comment
Thank you for sharing your beautiful altar and Goddess creations! Very inspiring. I wasn't aware that Lapis Lazuli was associated with Hecate. Love learning new things and I won't look at the Lapis Lazuli egg on my altar the same way again. :D
Post a Comment