Now is a good time for an altar blessing. It is helpful to clear off your altar and clean it at least once a year. Gather some soft cloths and cleaners appropriate to the type of altar and tools you have.

First take everything off the altar. Wipe down the altar. If you have an altar cloth, you’ll need to wash it. Ideally keep at least two, so you can put a fresh one on the altar right away. Clean the individual tools and put them back where they belong. Set fresh candles in the candleholders. Put some type of blessing incense in the censer and light it. Then say:

Altar of service, vessel of care,
Fire and water and earth and air.
Shrine of my spirit, seat of my Art,
Serve me with faith and I’ll do my part.

Let the incense burn down to ash. When the censer cools, clean it again and restore it to the altar.