direction to place an altar

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 15 Apr 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

sunflowr	15 Apr 2003
I am wondering if there is any "best" direction to place an altar. My bedroom is set up that placing my altar in the east (so that I am sitting facing east) seems to work the best. But just wanted to know if there is any direction that works better or does it matter. I hope this question makes sense. I am tired! lol! Thanks for the input. :)

lunalafey	15 Apr 2003
I have not seen anything that tells about one direction being better than another. I look West when I face my alter. East sounds good to me. The sun comes up and shines upon your alter at the start of a new day. Great if your a morning person.

jmd	15 Apr 2003
There are various traditional positionings, East certainly being one of the most important... By all means, given that your room, and your response, makes this all the more appropriate, orient it accordingly.

Pollux	15 Apr 2003
Yep, agree with Luna and jmd. The BEST position you can place your altar is the one that works best for YOU. So, from what you say, East sounds very very very sensible. Some traditions indicate North, some East, and I don't know them but I am sure there might be some suggesting West or South... :P Personally i use the North (even though I am an air-like person).

Sulis	15 Apr 2003
As Pollux says, different traditions advocate placing your altar in different places. I think that traditional Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wicca uses North - the direction of Earth or North East. I quite like the idea of relating your altar to whatever direction it faces and having things on it which relate to that element. Mine faces West because that is the only available space I have and it works just fine. Love and light Crystalmynx xx

Ravenswing	15 Apr 2003
well-- I'm lucky enough to have room in my studio for two altars. The first faces north-- this is the reading/cotemplating altar... The altar of My Goddess fases the east, the dawn-- I am a morning person... Although there's plenty enough space to rotate them if I feel the need... fly well Raven

zorya	15 Apr 2003
if you have options, than you could orient it in the direction that best suits your 'growth' at this time. (there are many views as to what each direction represents) for example; if i were most concerned with healing, i would orient it to the south, which for me symbolizes water and healing. etc...

Celtic_Dragon	15 Apr 2003
That's funny because I've always associated healing with fire, to each their own I guess. :D I presently don't have an alter but I'm enjoying everyone's responses, if I may request, what do you place on your alter?

zorya	15 Apr 2003
celtic_dragon, 'what do we place on our altars?' would be a great idea for a new thread. maybe you would like to start one ;)

Victoria	15 Apr 2003
In reading someone whose opinion I trust, I thought I 'should' place my bedroom altar facing North - and it s-o-o didn't feel right. When I moved it, it just clicked. I go with what works for me.

The direction to place an altar thread was originally posted on 15 Apr 2003 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.