Altar tiles are found on magical altars in different cultures and religions around the world. Ceremonial Magicians use an altar tile called a “pentacle” as an amulet of evocation. Wiccans borrowed the tool from Ceremonial Magic and use it as the “seat of power” on the altar, to charge and consecrate items. Many other Pagans prefer the more generic terms “altar tile” or “altar paten,” and use one for a variety of reasons: as a symbol of ones faith, as a tool representing the element of Earth, for drawing energy, or as a practical way to hold other items and keep the altar cloth clean.
Altar tiles are among the easiest tools for you to make yourself. The beauty of hand-crafted tools is that they are imbued with your personal energy and will resonate better in your rituals than any tool you can purchase. Here, we’ll learn how to make a simple altar tile using paint.
You Will Need:
· Flat object (see below for details)
· Symbol or image
· Ruler
· Printer and paper
· Primer (optional)
· Acrylic craft paints
· Paint brushes (assorted sizes)
· Transfer paper
· Painter’s tape
· A pencil
· Acrylic Sealer
1. Prepare your tile. You can use wood, metal, glass, chipboard, or stone. It just needs to be flat—a slice of tree stump, a paving stone, an unglazed plate, or leftover shelf cutting. Sand rough wood if necessary and clean the tile of dust and debris.
2. Find an image. Many people will use a pentagram, but this is not a requirement. Any runes, symbols, or sigils that have meaning to you will do: a triple moon, a Celtic cross, an ankh, a yin-yang symbol— choose what you find meaningful. Raid your library or the internet or draw your own.
3. Measure the altar tile. Resize your image on a printer to fit your altar tile and print a copy.
4. If it’s a nice stone or wood, you may wish to leave the tile exposed and simply paint the design on top. If so, skip this part. If it’s unfinished clay, chipboard or something unsightly, prime the whole thing. When the primer is dry, paint on a base coat in the solid color of your choice.
31
DIY Pagan Craft - Altar Tiles
By Sage