Your altar does not have to be elaborate. It can be a small table, a mantelpiece, window sill, a shelf in a bookcase, or whatever else is handy in the house. It can be round, to represent the Goddess, square, symbolic of the elements, rectangular or oval. It may be a small area of ground in a field or wood.
You may decorate it with crystals, talismans, herbs, flowers, or GreyWing's favorite, feathers. Anything that has special meaning to you. An altar is a reflection of the person who puts it together.
It is considered best to place the altar facing North. This direction symbolizes the the power flow from darkness to light. It is associated with the Earth. Some face the south with their altars to honor the Sun as it rises.
The altar usually stands in the center of the circle.
We do not believe the Goddess or God actually "inhabit" the altar. It is a place of power. We do not worship idols.
The altar may be set up permanently or dismantled after each use.
Altar Setup
The Goddess is associated with the left side of the altar. The Goddess may be represent by a white, silver, or green candle. A sculpture or some sort of figure may also be used. Tools that are associated with the Goddess are the Cup, Pentacle, Bell, Crystals and the Cauldron. If the Cauldron is large, it is usually placed on the floor to the left of the altar.
The God is associated with the right side of the altar. A sculpture or a figure of some sort may be used to represent the God. A red, yellow or gold candle is appropriate. Tools associated with the God are the Censer, Wand, Athame, and Boline.
The Censer and Cauldron are sometimes set in the middle of the altar for offerings to both Goddess and God.
The Pentacle is sometimes set in front of the censer.It marks the Directions and/or Elements of the circle.
Many Wiccans mark North, South, East and West with candles on the altar, space permitting.
Unless you have a very large altar you will need a stand for the Book of Shadows. You may also place it on the floor where you will not step on it, if you prefer.
As you can see, it is up to you to find what is pleasing.
Altar cloths are sometimes used. The color of the cloth may be changed for the holidays or different rituals.
Simple Setup
This setup is for a simple ritual involving few tools. It is a good starting layout for beginners. This way, if you have not gathered all your tools together, you have an idea of what you can do. It has just the very basics.