deosil (clockwise or sunwise) and when dismissing the elements they will move widdershins (counter-clockwise). Common items on a Wiccan altar include: Athame Broom Candles Cauldron Chalice Incense Pentacle Wand Some of the items represent the Earth's four elements, but elements may be represented more literally, with gems, salt, water, plant material, insect casings, etc. Location of altar Wiccan altars may be set up outside as well as indoors. Some Wiccans dedicate an entire room to their practice while others (especially those who share a living space) use a temporary altar. A temporary altar can be any flat surface that can be moved easily such as a coffee table. More permanent altars are left up for the Wiccan to return to for their rites and rituals. Altar decor There are eight Wiccan holidays, known as Sabbats, that celebrate the cycles and seasons of nature. These include the four seasons (Winter, Spring, Autumn & Summer), the mating habits animals and the reaping and sowing of crops. Based on the Sabbat, the altar is decorated accordingly. For example, the Summer Solstice altar cloth should be white and the altar decorated with Summer flowers, fruits and anything else that symbolizes Summer. This goes for each Sabbat. Certain Wiccan traditions may have different colors but universally, the altar is usually decorated to represent the time of year. See also Altar Mother goddess Shrine Triple Goddess (Neopaganism) Wicca Notes References Crowley, V. (2003). Wicca: A Comprehensive Guide to the Old Religion in the Modern World. Harrisonburg, USA: R.R. Donelley's. Altar. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2013, from Merriam-Webster.com: Definition of ALTAR Cunningham, S. (2002). Living Wicca: A Further Guide for the Solitary Practitioner. St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Publications. Buckland, Raymond. (2002). Buckland's complete book of witchcraft. Llewellyn Publications. External links Book of Shadows - The Wiccan Altar Altars Altars