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Wicca Books
Wicca Altar and Tools: A Beginner’s Guide to Wiccan Altars, Tools for Spellwork, and Casting the Circle
Everything You Need to Know to Begin Your Wiccan Ritual Practice
You most likely already know that Wicca is very different from most other contemporary religions. There is no specified holy text to follow, no single, all-encompassing deity, and there are no official buildings-churches, temples, or otherwise-where worship and prayer take place. There are also no specific centuries-old traditions to adhere to rigidly, because although Wicca was inspired by practices from earlier times in history, it is a modern religion that is continually evolving.
Nonetheless, Wicca still shares one significant element with various other religions around the globe: the use of an altar with sacred objects to honor and communicate with the divine. The altar is widely considered to be the central physical focus of Wiccan spiritual activity, as it hosts the rituals for Sabbats and Esbats, as well as any personal rituals and/or spellwork that practitioners wish to engage in. If you're looking to learn how to participate in this beautiful and inspiring religion, acquiring or creating a personal altar is an excellent place to begin.
You'll also need at least a few ritual tools to start with, such as candles for honoring the God and Goddess, as well as an athame and a chalice. Through symbolism and ritual, these tools-along with the altar itself-connect us with the Goddess and the God in celebration of our participation in the natural cycles of life on Earth. There is as much divinity in each of us as there is in the ocean, and as much power in the branch of a tree as in the beam of a temple. Similarly, when we dedicate a physical object like a wand or a chalice to the pursuit of spiritual connection, that's exactly what results.
In Wicca Altar and Tools, best-selling author Lisa Chamberlain provides an introduction to the Wiccan altar and the tools of ritual and spellwork. With ideas for how to find or make an altar that's perfect for your own personal practice, descriptions and explanations of each ritual tool, and even suggestions for clothing and jewelry you might wear for these spiritual occasions, this guide contains everything you need to know to get started with your ritual practice.
Making Your Practice Your Own
For people new to Wicca, the amount of "stuff" that seems to be required can seem overwhelming, but it needn't be. First off, it should be made clear that nothing at all is required for connecting with the divine beyond your mind, your heart, and your spirit. Secondly, you have options in terms of your own personal practice-not every tool is absolutely necessary, and you don't have to spend a fortune in order to have a beautiful altar with all the items you wish to incorporate. Wicca Altar and Tools will show you how to take your own unique approach to your physical practice, with plenty of information, including:
The pagan origins of the altar and its incorporation into Wicca The role of the altar and ritual tools in Wiccan ceremony The key ritual tools used in most traditional forms of Wicca The most common magical ingredients used in Wiccan spellwork The purpose and importance of casting the circle before ritual Tips for creating and setting up your own altar Suggestions for locating and acquiring tools for ritual and spellwork Instructions for energetic clearing and charging of all tools
By the end of this guide, you'll be well-prepared to begin your own practice of observing the Sabbats and Esbats, working spells, and performing various other rites and rituals that make up the wonderfully eclectic faith we call Wicca. Take your time, listen to your intuition, and enjoy the journey!
Scroll to the top of the page, hit the Buy button, and receive an exclusive free eBook!
You most likely already know that Wicca is very different from most other contemporary religions. There is no specified holy text to follow, no single, all-encompassing deity, and there are no official buildings-churches, temples, or otherwise-where worship and prayer take place. There are also no specific centuries-old traditions to adhere to rigidly, because although Wicca was inspired by practices from earlier times in history, it is a modern religion that is continually evolving.
Nonetheless, Wicca still shares one significant element with various other religions around the globe: the use of an altar with sacred objects to honor and communicate with the divine. The altar is widely considered to be the central physical focus of Wiccan spiritual activity, as it hosts the rituals for Sabbats and Esbats, as well as any personal rituals and/or spellwork that practitioners wish to engage in. If you're looking to learn how to participate in this beautiful and inspiring religion, acquiring or creating a personal altar is an excellent place to begin.
You'll also need at least a few ritual tools to start with, such as candles for honoring the God and Goddess, as well as an athame and a chalice. Through symbolism and ritual, these tools-along with the altar itself-connect us with the Goddess and the God in celebration of our participation in the natural cycles of life on Earth. There is as much divinity in each of us as there is in the ocean, and as much power in the branch of a tree as in the beam of a temple. Similarly, when we dedicate a physical object like a wand or a chalice to the pursuit of spiritual connection, that's exactly what results.
In Wicca Altar and Tools, best-selling author Lisa Chamberlain provides an introduction to the Wiccan altar and the tools of ritual and spellwork. With ideas for how to find or make an altar that's perfect for your own personal practice, descriptions and explanations of each ritual tool, and even suggestions for clothing and jewelry you might wear for these spiritual occasions, this guide contains everything you need to know to get started with your ritual practice.
Making Your Practice Your Own
For people new to Wicca, the amount of "stuff" that seems to be required can seem overwhelming, but it needn't be. First off, it should be made clear that nothing at all is required for connecting with the divine beyond your mind, your heart, and your spirit. Secondly, you have options in terms of your own personal practice-not every tool is absolutely necessary, and you don't have to spend a fortune in order to have a beautiful altar with all the items you wish to incorporate. Wicca Altar and Tools will show you how to take your own unique approach to your physical practice, with plenty of information, including:
The pagan origins of the altar and its incorporation into Wicca The role of the altar and ritual tools in Wiccan ceremony The key ritual tools used in most traditional forms of Wicca The most common magical ingredients used in Wiccan spellwork The purpose and importance of casting the circle before ritual Tips for creating and setting up your own altar Suggestions for locating and acquiring tools for ritual and spellwork Instructions for energetic clearing and charging of all tools
By the end of this guide, you'll be well-prepared to begin your own practice of observing the Sabbats and Esbats, working spells, and performing various other rites and rituals that make up the wonderfully eclectic faith we call Wicca. Take your time, listen to your intuition, and enjoy the journey!
Scroll to the top of the page, hit the Buy button, and receive an exclusive free eBook!
109 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2015
288 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Chamberlain
80 books275 followersLisa dispels all the common misconceptions about this diverse religion, giving her readers the perfect foundations for taking their first steps on their Wiccan journey.
Unlike other Wicca guides, Lisa's books provide information that's found across many Wiccan traditions, rather than coming from just one person's perspective. In fact, she writes the kinds of books she wishes had been available when she was just starting out in the Craft all those years ago.
When not writing or experimenting with spellwork, Lisa loves to read, play piano, and spend time surrounded by nature.
Unlike other Wicca guides, Lisa's books provide information that's found across many Wiccan traditions, rather than coming from just one person's perspective. In fact, she writes the kinds of books she wishes had been available when she was just starting out in the Craft all those years ago.
When not writing or experimenting with spellwork, Lisa loves to read, play piano, and spend time surrounded by nature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 17, 2021
This book is great for understanding ideas about personal energy and good luck. There are many wrong ideas from haters on the Internet about altars, crystals, candles, and charms. It is a good idea to do actually research on the topic before you spout off about things you don’t know about concerning other people’s sense of beliefs. I loved this book and I am glad I found it. Hear my full review on YouTube at user Andrea Menzies or listen to the podcast at FH7PUBLISHING.com
April 20, 2019
This is a simple easy to understand book for beginners who are new to the craft and are looking for knowledge on how to set up their altar. It also explains what each item is used for. The author also explains that you don't need expensive items or any at all and gives ideas where you can collect items if you want and need them.
I think this is an excellent book for newbies.
I think this is an excellent book for newbies.
May 7, 2020
A other great beginners book from Lisa. I found this book to be very enjoyable. It hosts most items I've come across during my Witchy road, and refreshing the basics has been very enjoyable. Lisa doesn't tell you that you NEED any of these, just that these help, are most commonly used, but above all she tells you to do what feels right.
August 2, 2020
Insightful
As an aspiring Wiccan path follower, I found this book very insightful. Lisa's books are inspiring most of my work currently, and I've read several. Her books are definitely a useful reference for just about anything you want to know. If the specific thing isn't in the books, I still feel like the author points the reader in the right direction to find the answers.
As an aspiring Wiccan path follower, I found this book very insightful. Lisa's books are inspiring most of my work currently, and I've read several. Her books are definitely a useful reference for just about anything you want to know. If the specific thing isn't in the books, I still feel like the author points the reader in the right direction to find the answers.
October 21, 2020
Great book for a beginner!
Just started back in and am planning on acquiring/making my own altar. Picked this up on kindle hoping it would answer a few questions and it did!! I now have easy, basic lists (and a few more intricate ones) to bring with me in my search for my altar amd tools! :)
Just started back in and am planning on acquiring/making my own altar. Picked this up on kindle hoping it would answer a few questions and it did!! I now have easy, basic lists (and a few more intricate ones) to bring with me in my search for my altar amd tools! :)
April 2, 2018
A very good instruction
I practiced Wicca years ago but some things stayed in my mind but some I forgot and this book brought very good instruction and information what I need! Thanks so much for these easy ways and good written book!
I practiced Wicca years ago but some things stayed in my mind but some I forgot and this book brought very good instruction and information what I need! Thanks so much for these easy ways and good written book!
July 28, 2018
Good read
The idea to find my alter tools in nature was wonderful! I'm new to this a trying to learn as much as I can. I went on a nature walk and found items I will use for my alter. Lots of useful info on this short read, ty to the author!
The idea to find my alter tools in nature was wonderful! I'm new to this a trying to learn as much as I can. I went on a nature walk and found items I will use for my alter. Lots of useful info on this short read, ty to the author!
September 3, 2018
Nice basics but...
This reads a little too christian knock off for my taste. So much in this sounds like "I'm still christian but I want to follow different rules." This is one of many reasons I'd never join a coven. It was nice to learn what all of it is for but so not my style!
This reads a little too christian knock off for my taste. So much in this sounds like "I'm still christian but I want to follow different rules." This is one of many reasons I'd never join a coven. It was nice to learn what all of it is for but so not my style!
April 10, 2019
Found this book, very informative. Was a light read but took a bit.
I never understood the difference between the wand, Athame, and your hand are actually used the same way. so there is only need for one. Why waist my money on getting a wand or Athame. I my hand does great so far LOL
I never understood the difference between the wand, Athame, and your hand are actually used the same way. so there is only need for one. Why waist my money on getting a wand or Athame. I my hand does great so far LOL
September 24, 2020
I love her books!
I have many of her books and plan to buy them all. She is knowledgeable and informative, she writes in a way that is easy to read, understand, and absorb. She also has great web sites.
I have many of her books and plan to buy them all. She is knowledgeable and informative, she writes in a way that is easy to read, understand, and absorb. She also has great web sites.
March 22, 2021
Very informative
I have trouble focusing on reading, but the author kept me captivated, so I feel I was better able to take in the information, and I look forward to putting it to practice
I have trouble focusing on reading, but the author kept me captivated, so I feel I was better able to take in the information, and I look forward to putting it to practice
January 15, 2022
Good beginner book
Good book to set beginner’s up with an Altar. It covers all the essentials needed for an Altar with a basic description of each item. Also covers Casting a circle and consecrating your tools.
Good book to set beginner’s up with an Altar. It covers all the essentials needed for an Altar with a basic description of each item. Also covers Casting a circle and consecrating your tools.
June 24, 2017
Love this one
Love this book it has a bounty of useful knowledge. From start to onwards there is knowledge here for all.
Love this book it has a bounty of useful knowledge. From start to onwards there is knowledge here for all.
March 9, 2018
Enjoyed this book
I enjoyed this book very much, a lot of information. I have learnt a lot from this book and will read more from this author.
I enjoyed this book very much, a lot of information. I have learnt a lot from this book and will read more from this author.
July 27, 2018
Loved it.
Thorough and easy to read, just what someone newly on the path needs. Thank you for your writing and light.
Thorough and easy to read, just what someone newly on the path needs. Thank you for your writing and light.
November 12, 2018
I've only read part of it what I've read so far i loved reading
March 11, 2019
I found this book both really informative; Polite, and well written.
August 8, 2019
Very informative and easy to read. I'm researching Wicca for a project and Chamberlain's books are an excellent resource.
January 27, 2020
Good little guide to start you off on the wiccan road. Simply written with lots of information .
July 31, 2021
A book that has been dog eared to death. Sorry book. Bursting with information
December 29, 2021
Another great starting book from Lisa Chamberlain. Lisa's books are always worth reading and adding to your collection. Fab.
January 26, 2025
Straightforward and educational. I do wish there were more examples, for instance taking you through the full ritual of circle casting, but I'll figure it out! A good basis for a variety of tools.
November 27, 2022
This one it's exactly as the title suggest a guide if you're wanting to do an altar in your house and what tools are going to be needing in spells and other rituals, it's perfect for beginners to introduce themselves into this specific part of the Wiccan religion.
May 14, 2016
For a beginner as myself, who do not have an alter as to yet, this guide is great to get an idea of multiple possibilities ad freedom one might have from building and constructing your own altar. This is a great read for anyone interested in Wicca to start out small and to get an idea of some of the tools that are mostly used.
May 15, 2016
Great book
Very informative book. Lisa's writing style is very easy to understand and the content flows well. I gave this five stars because I enjoyed reading and learned a lot. I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about becoming a Wiccan.
Very informative book. Lisa's writing style is very easy to understand and the content flows well. I gave this five stars because I enjoyed reading and learned a lot. I would recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about becoming a Wiccan.
November 26, 2015
A quick read but packed with interesting and useful information. A must have for the beginner and a nice refresher for the seasoned!
December 3, 2015
Short, but stuffed with information. She clearly defines the altar and each tool, and provides a cleansing and consecration ritual outline.
January 3, 2016
Short but sweet! Loaded with information! Another must read!
June 11, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It explained the information very clearly and simply. I am new to this and I appreciate the clear explanations. I would recommend this book.
December 1, 2023
Short and sweet, a nice little quick reference book while providing a surprising amount of information. Good for beginners especially if you was a quick definition, suggestion or guide.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews