Altar Tile Pentacle

The Altar Pentacle is a free standing pentacle, a disc or tile with a pentacle engraved, painted or burnt on it. Whilst the pentacle represents the five elements and the Universe (the pentagram carved upon the disc is surrounded by a circle. The intersecting pentagram represents the interconnectedness of the elements of life while the circle is the never-ending symbol of unity), as a ritual tool, it represents the Element Earth and the power of manifestation.  The pentagram is a sacred symbol of wisdom and protection. Placed towards the centre of the altar, it is used as "an altar upon the altar". In other words, ritual items to be charged or consecrated are placed upon the pentacle symbolizing magick made manifest. It is used for evoking the deities and other entities as well as a talisman of protection within the magick circle. It is used when consecrating other tools and ingredients used in magickal workings. Some books suggest that it should be made of either copper or wood, however, there are tiles and ceramic discs available which many practitioner find acceptable. Another thing to consider is that the design of the pentacle will determine its magickal properties. An example is the pentacle shown in the middle below. It is a wooden disc with a design burnt into it and coloured. The symbols are for the four elements or quarters, Air, Fire, Water and Earth, as well as symbols representing the Triple-goddess and the Horned-god.

To make your own:

Copper: Can be difficult to find a supplier. Alternately, find someone who does metal work and get them to make it for you. To empower and consecrate a copper pentacle, smudge to cleanse it before burying it in the earth on the new moon and retrieve it at the full moon. This simple ritual is returning it to the earth to absorb the element and power. It is now ready to be your altar symbol of Earth. You may also want to anoint your pentacle with a magickal oil of your choosing.

Tiles: There is no reason if you wish to have a tile rather than a disc. You can buy untreated tiles from a hardware store in which ever colour you desire. Paint your pentacle plus symbols if you wish to include them in what ever colour you deem appropriate. Varnish to protect. I would suggest using rock salt once varnished and smudging to consecrate and charge.

Wooden discs. Choose your wood carefully for different woods have different magickal properties. You can then carve or paint your symbols on the wood before varnishing. I would suggest that you smudge or use incense to cleanse rather than salt which will dry out the wood and may cause splitting. Also, anointing will empower your disc.

            

	Chalice		Athame		Shaman
	Wand		Censor		Staff
	Cauldron		Bell		Besom