Creating a Witch’s Workspace

batwitch:

I don’t have an altar. The word ‘altar’ indicates a surface/structure on which offerings or sacrifices are made. What I have is a workspace. 

My workspace acts as a locus and focus for my craft that is accessible and useful and -also- inspiring. If you want to incorporate any art, craft or skill into your life, having a dedicated space for it makes all the difference. If you’re lucky, you may have a whole room for your work, but a desk, table, the top of a dresser or even a shelf work just fine. 

A few tips for creating your workspace;

• Whatever space you have chosen, make sure it’s clean. Cleanse the space both physically and magically. You should probably do this regularly, unless cobwebs are a part of your aesthetic. 😉
• Figure out what you need the space for and how much ‘clear’ surface is required. You may use your space for preparing ingredients, working spells, performing divination (is there room for tarot spreads?) writing in your grimoire, etc. Before you start adding ‘stuff’ leave enough room for these tasks.
• What to put on your workspace? It can be as cluttered or minimalist as you like. To start with; any tools you actually use in practice (which aren’t just decorative or symbolic), the ingredients you work with regularly, books you consult frequently, your grimoire/notebook, divinatory tools, supplies including paper, candles, matches, thread, ink etc.
• Once you’ve got the necessities down, you can decorate to your heart’s content. Things I have included in my own, or seen on other witch’s workspaces; candles, stones, feathers, bottles, jars, dried herbs, living plants, shells, bones, rock salt, flowers, incense, mortar and pestle, small cauldrons, branches, bells, scales, crystals, boxes, scrying mirrors, a compass.
• Avoid symmetry! This is not an altar or shrine, do not lay everything out perfectly in matching pairs. It doesn’t have to be symbolic, it has to be accessible and useful. If you create the ‘perfect’ arrangement, you won’t want to mess it up. 
• Use all of the space, that means above and below your surface too. Put up small shelves to store your stones, or a spice rack for herbs. Hang drying ingredients or pin up charts and diagrams. Store bulky things underneath if possible. Use candelabras to give more height and light. 
• Change it up! I don’t mean with seasonal decorations, but based on what you’re using/working on at the moment, what inspires you, what you found on your walk last Thursday etc. If it feels too cluttered, remove stuff, if it feels too empty, go scavenging.
• This is not a ‘sacred space’, it can be beautiful and inspiring, but it is the equivalent of the artist’s studio, the cook’s kitchen, the carpenter’s bench, the writer’s desk. It’s yours, it’s there to be used, enjoy!