My Altar:

While getting started on my altar originally I was torn between two ideas. One a traditional Wicca style and two a more abstract personal style.

The first I put in my attic because the space was available. The other one I put in my basement again because that space was available. I also chose these two different places because I live with other people and it was easier to keep long-term spells and rituals from getting disjointed or interrupted.

Initially, it became difficult to separate my mind into the different thought patterns needed for the two separate altars. At one point it almost seemed like the two separate altars were "warring" for my attention. This was not fun in the slightest. I couldn't get anything spiritually done it was scary.

I realized that I had over thought my altar like I tend to over think everything. I had gotten a book on the subject that wasn't helpful. I tried to research the components of an altar on the web but that can be a rabbit's hole in itself. I asked my few Pagan friends what they would do but to no avail.

Finally I decided:

The abstract altar was too vague to the point of being influenced to the negative so I went with the the traditional style. I figure eventually it will evolve into something that will be more deeply personal and but since it has such a strong traditional base it will evolve smoothly and and be all the better for it.

I also have a traveling altar that I bring on my spiritual outings but it spends most of it's time dormant so it doesn't confuse the spiritual nature of my home.

Ultimately, In my opinion, one's altar is a reflection of their spiritual health. Because, I had neglected my spiritual side for so long ,by ignoring my desire to explore Paganism, I had so much pent up spiritual need it was too jumbled to come out clearly. This is why my first attempts were so unsuccessful. I was trying to please all of my preconceptions on what an altar should be that I lost sight of the whole point of it the first place.

My altar is in my sacred space. I commune with the divine there but also with my inner self. It is very tranquil.
I have now decided to start an ancestral shrine now that I feel that the altar is balanced.