Ideally, your altar should be constructed of wood and dedicated solely to the use of being an altar.  But, hey...life is what it is.  So, if you have nothing else available but your living room coffee table, making it necessary to clear the space for communal use each time, then so be it. If this is the case, then it's important to cleanse the area - both physically and spiritually - prior to its function as an altar.

The Duality Altar

   One of the most popular altar arrangements is one that divides the table or other space into two spheres representing duality with the left being dedicated to the Goddess, and the right honoring the God.  Thus:

     Additional incense, herbs, candles or other objects that speak to you (such as rocks, shells, crystals, etc.) may be placed where convenient for you.  You may also wish to include your Book of Shadows, if you have one, in a central location.

The Elemental Altar

   Another common arrangement is to setup the altar according to direction and corresponding elements, as depicted below:

		North (Earth) Pentacle, Bowl of Salt, Stones, Plants, Flowers, Green Candle, Offering Cakes.
West (Water) Bowl of Water, Seashell, Chalice with Wine, Blue Candle, Cauldron		Goddess and God Candles or Statues Book of Shadows			East (Air) Incense, Feather, Bell, Wand, Yellow Candle
		South (Fire) Red Candle, Athame, Boline, Anointing Oil, Candle Snuffer
Patens, or altar tiles, are very popular on any kind of altar setup, as well as being functional.  Tiles/patens are used to represent diety, elements, or simply used to place a cauldron upon (heat resistance), or to use when scrying or divining with a pendulum.  We have several styles of altar tiles, patens and boards in different sizes.  The following is a small sampling: