This page is devoted to common elements of altars, circle practices, etc.
Have a question? Contact me here.
Have a question? Contact me here.
What are the directional tools and placements of a Lycian altar?
Our directions are not the commonly-used ones. The specifics will be on a later page.
Our directions are not the commonly-used ones. The specifics will be on a later page.
- North is the element of Water. It symbolizes the subconscious/hidden. The tool used is the cup/chalice.
- South is the element of Fire. It symbolizes the will. The tool used is the wand.
- East is the element of Earth. It symbolizes the physical world. The tool used is the pantacle (yes, that spelling is deliberate).
- West is the element of Air. It symbolizes the mind. The tool used is the athame.
What other tools are essential to a Lycian altar?
- The book of Nature's laws in the center (usually a Tarot deck)
- Red and white candles. Red represents the Goddess; the blood that is essential to creating life. It's placed to the left of the practitioner as they are facing the altar. White represents the God; the semen that is essential to creating life. It is placed to the right. Outside of the God/dess colors, we do not attribute any specific colors for usage; that's up to the individual and their personal symbolism.
How do you cast a circle if your magickal tools aren't with you?
We have a set of signs and gestures to use in place of physical tools. Each one represents a specific element, tool, or action. A page will be built later with images.
We have a set of signs and gestures to use in place of physical tools. Each one represents a specific element, tool, or action. A page will be built later with images.
What circle etiquette or protocols do you have?
- Only the Priest/ess leading the circle can wear a headpiece. It denotes their authority. All other attendees must be bare-headed. The lone exception is at November Eve, where people can dress up in costumes (if that's part of the celebration). The symbolism is adapted from Freemasonry.
- Initiates only are allowed to wear athames in circle.
- No touching or handling of altar tools without permission from the leading Priest/ess.
- There are specific ways that attendees enter or leave the circle. An overview is given prior to the beginning of the ritual.
- Garb is informal (street clothes) for both coven meetings and holy day celebrations, unless specified beforehand, or you just feel like wearing something magickal to you. We usually like to "robe it up" for holy days (aka, get your fancy ritual garb out of storage!).