Setting up an Altar
by Blayze
The altar set-up is really a personal thing. It can depend on the shape and size of the altar itself and the shape and size of the various items placed upon it. 
There are a few general rules to follow however. Everything placed upon the altar should be easily accessible, especially if the item will be picked up and moved during the ritual. Anything that produces heat should be placed upon a heat-proof surface or raised up on a stand. This is especially true for censers containing hot charcoal. Candles should be placed so the flame will not set any other objects alight and are not easily knocked over. The same goes for cups and bowls. Place them so they won’t be knocked over and spill their contents upon the altar. The pentacle will have many items placed upon it during the circle cast and any consecrations. Make sure it is free from obstruction. 
The above may seem like common sense but sometimes decoration and design can get in the way of practicality. 
In setting up your altar you are creating a focus point of your sacred space. Try to place objects and tools that are meaningful to your working and make sure that you understand why each object is present and why you have placed it thus. 
There are two common altar set-ups prevalent in Wicca. They need not be adhered to and are guidelines only, but many find that one of the other is very comfortable for them. The two main types are Female / Male - Goddess / God and Elemental / Cardinal Points. 
Female / Male 

This set-up works well for a rectangular altar that is placed along the side of the circle (either in the East or the South) 
The placement of the tools is up to interpretation and practicality as well. The pentacle is generally placed in the centre rather than the left side as most objects will be placed upon it at some time during the ritual and this leaves space available. 
Elemental / Cardinal Points 

This set-up works very well for round altars especially when they are placed in the centre of the circle as each item is then easily accessible and the candles are in the middle of the altar. If this set-up is used when the altar is at the side of the circle then the above aspect would change depending on which direction the altar is facing. 
If the altar is facing east then directly in front of the priest(ess) would be the cup with the athame and sword to the back of the altar. If facing south then the fire candle and wand would be at the fron and the pentacle and dish of salt at the back. The cauldron is placed in the centre as a symbol of spirit.