Altar Setup in Wicca Altar setup in Wicca is an important aspect of practicing witchcraft. The altar serves as a sacred space where witches can connect with the divine, perform rituals, and work their magic. While the way each witch sets up their altar may vary, there are some common elements and practices that are typically followed in Wiccan traditions. The first step in altar setup is choosing a location for the altar. This can be a table, a special shelf, or any other surface that is dedicated solely to spiritual practices. It is important to select a location that feels energetically aligned and peaceful.
It is important to select a location that feels energetically aligned and peaceful. The next step is cleansing and purifying the space before setting up the altar. This can be done through various methods such as smudging, using salt, or invoking spiritual protection.
Three Books of Occult Philosophy (Hardcover)
One of the most important texts in the Western magical tradition for nearly 500 years, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa’s 1533 work Three Books of Occult Philosophy collates a multitude of sources from the Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance periods and organizes them into a coherent explanation of the magical world. Divided into three parts--the natural world, the celestial world, and the divine world--the book systematically explains the philosophy, logic, and methods of magic and astrology and how they work.
The basis for 19th-century magical orders such as the Golden Dawn and a primary source for countless books on magical uses of stones, herbs, incense, and astrology, Agrippa’s many lists and diagrams have proven invaluable to magicians since the 16th century. Yet, until now, all English editions of Agrippa’s Three Books were based on the same flawed 1651 translation from the mysterious “J.F.”
In this new translation from the original 1533 Latin edition, Eric Purdue corrects the many mistranslations, copyist mistakes, and errors introduced from other editions as well as restores all of Agrippa’s original illustrations. Purdue notates every correction and offers commentary, drawing on major developments in the research of older magical and astrological texts. He also presents a nearly complete bibliography of Agrippa’s primary sources, revealing Agrippa as a mainstream scholar of his day.
Presenting the first new English translation of Three Books of Occult Philosophy in more than 350 years, this three-volume hardcover boxed set repairs the gaps in knowledge pervasive in the original translation and restores the magical spirit of Agrippa’s masterpiece, allowing us to hear Agrippa speak again.
About the Author
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim (1486-1535) was a German polymath, physician, legal scholar, soldier, theologian, and occult writer. Entering the University of Cologne at the age of 13, he graduated with a Master of Arts at 16 and went on to study with abbot Johannes Trithemius, famous as the teacher of Paracelsus. Acclaimed for his lectures on Reuchlin and the Corpus Hermeticum at universities across Europe, Agrippa acted as archivist for the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Defying accusations of heresy and scrutiny by the Inquisition of Cologne, he published the final version of Three Books of Occult Philosophy two years before his death. Agrippa is considered one of the most influential occultists of the early modern period.
Eric Purdue has studied metaphysics and the occult and has practiced magic and astrology for more than thirty years, with a particular focus on practical folk and astrological magic. Through his lectures and writings on traditional astrology and talismanic magic, he has been a notable voice on the subjects of medieval astrology, traditional magical systems, and the legacy of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. His new translation of Three Books of Occult Philosophy was more than 10 years in the making.
Praise For…
“Eric Purdue’s fine new translation of H. C. Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy is a landmark edition of this essential work. Unquestionably the most comprehensive work of the European esoteric sciences, this timely new publication of this encyclopedic masterwork is accompanied by illustrations restored from the original as well as the translator’s erudite notes, sources, and references. Agrippa’s works are fundamental to the study of all branches and aspects of the tradition, and no esoteric book collection should be without this outstanding edition.”
— Nigel Pennick, founder of the Institute of Geomantic Research and the Library of the European Tradit
“Anyone interested in the roots and branches of modern magic has repeatedly heard of the works of Agrippa. Here in these beautiful volumes we have not only an aesthetically pleasing edition, but one that has paid close attention to the technical and linguistic details as never before. They will make for better historians and practical practitioners for those who wish to undertake experiments in the bold art of magic.”
— Stephen E. Flowers, author of The Fraternitas Saturni
“Inner Traditions has done justice to this text. It is published in a three volume slipcase edition, which, though expensive, is handsomely executed. I believe that anyone with a deep interest in the Western occult tradition will want to own it.”
— Richard Smoley, Quest
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Hermetism & Rosicrucianism
- Social Science / Freemasonry & Secret Societies
- Self-help / Personal Growth / Success
- Kobo eBook (November 22nd, 2021): $99.00
- Paperback (December 1st, 2007): $45.80
- Hardcover (December 1st, 2007): $60.02
- Hardcover (June 23rd, 2019): $45.40
- Paperback (June 23rd, 2019): $21.14
- Paperback (March 14th, 2011): $41.55
Browse Related Books
Cleansing the space helps to remove any negative or stagnant energy and create a sacred environment. Once the space is prepared, it is time to arrange the physical components of the altar. The centerpiece of the altar is typically a representation of the divine, such as a statue of a goddess or god, a symbolic item, or a simple candle. This represents the divine presence and serves as a focal point for connecting with deity during rituals and ceremonies. Other commonly found elements on a Wiccan altar include candles, which represent the element of fire, and are used for illumination and spellwork. Witches often use candles of different colors to symbolize different intentions or desired outcomes. These can be arranged in a specific pattern or formation according to the purpose of the ritual. Tools such as a wand, athame (ritual knife), chalice, and pentacle may also be present on the altar. These tools represent the different elements—air, fire, water, and earth—and are used for various purposes during rituals and spellwork. Each tool holds its own unique energy and symbolism. In addition to these items, witches may also incorporate natural elements like flowers, herbs, crystals, and sacred symbols onto the altar. These items can be chosen based on their correspondence to specific intentions or rituals. For example, rose petals may be used for love spells, while amethyst crystals may be used for spiritual connection. Finally, it is important to maintain and care for the altar regularly. This involves keeping the space clean and organized, replenishing any necessary supplies, and regularly charging or cleansing the items on the altar to maintain their energy. Overall, altar setup in Wicca is a personal and creative process that allows witches to create a sacred space for their spiritual practices. It is an opportunity to connect with the divine, work magic, and honor the natural world. Each altar is unique to the individual witch, reflecting their personal beliefs, practices, and intentions..
Reviews for "The Role of Candles in Wiccan Altar Setup"
1. John - 1/5
I didn't like the "Altar setup wiccs" at all. The quality of the materials used was extremely poor - it felt like I was holding a cheap plastic toy instead of a sacred item. The design was also very simplistic and unappealing. I expected something more intricate and magical, but instead, I received a plain altar setup that lacked any charm or beauty. Overall, I was very disappointed with my purchase and would not recommend it to anyone who is serious about their spiritual practice.
2. Sarah - 2/5
I was really excited to receive the "Altar setup wiccs" as I am a practicing Wiccan, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The size of the setup was much smaller than I anticipated, making it hard to arrange my other tools and objects comfortably. Additionally, the colors used were dull and faded, giving the whole setup an unappealing look. I was also disappointed with the overall quality, as some pieces arrived broken and had to be fixed. While it served its purpose as a basic altar setup, I would look for something more substantial and visually appealing in the future.
3. Emily - 2/5
I found the "Altar setup wiccs" to be underwhelming. The craftsmanship was subpar, and the materials used felt flimsy and cheap. The candles provided were also of poor quality and burned out quickly. The overall design lacked creativity and elegance, making it difficult for me to connect with the spiritual aspects of my practice. Overall, I was unsatisfied with my purchase and feel that there are better altar setups available on the market.
4. Michael - 2/5
I had high hopes for the "Altar setup wiccs," but unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations. The pieces were poorly made, with loose parts and uneven edges. This made it difficult to arrange the setup in a visually pleasing way. The colors used were also not as vibrant as advertised, which was disappointing. Additionally, the overall size of the setup was smaller than I anticipated, making it challenging to incorporate all of my tools and items. While it served its purpose, I believe there are better altar setups available at a similar price point.