[header] How to do white magic [title] Pick the base for your altar. [step] Your altar can be any raised flat surface wide enough to place your book of shadows and your chosen ritual items. This can be a coffee table, nightstand, a shelf, or a large storage chest. 
Some practitioners prefer to use a round altar, as it is easier to move around when inside a ritual circle. Others prefer square or rectangular altars for practical reasons, such as ease of storage.