An altar is a spiritual work bench of a somewhat formal nature. While many witches are happy to practice on the ground or at their kitchen counter, more formal practitioners have altars. They are often covered with an altar cloth and laid out with the tools of the craft and any ingredients or other objects required for the working of the day. Wicca and similar traditions may prescribe specific altar set ups for their adherents.

Some altars are set up on a more permanent basis and may include decorations that reflect the seasons. These may also serve as shrines, presenting with images of Gods, ancestors and other spiritual reminders.

Some witches have altars set up all the time in a designated area of their home, while others would consider this a luxury due to space or privacy considerations. It is acceptable in any tradition to keep the materials for the altar stored away between uses and set them up and put them away again as needed.

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