There are a few topics in this series that I am resistant to write. One of them is about altars. I am resistant to share about them because I don’t use them very often. For me it’s a space issue - I just don’t have a whole shelf or a table top to dedicate to an altar. I also resist them because so many people in the magical and witchy communities say that you cannot do this work without one. And, I don’t know about you, but as soon as someone tells me I have to do something a certain way, I completely rebel against it.
I will share briefly why I feel this way about altars. It is absurd to me that Spirit, your ancestors, or any ascended master or elemental1 is going to refuse to help you if you don’t pay homage or “worship” them in a certain way. Yes, I think of altars as a place of worship (dedication or devotion) and that smacks of organized religion. I do understand the need to be respectful of spirit and to make offerings of gratitude and to even have a place that holds space for your intention. However, I have received fantastic results all these years, without using dedicated altars. I do have one bookshelf where I keep all my treasures as well as some additional clutter like some semi important papers or things I don’t want to lose. I don’t call this an altar though, I call it a place for my special things. It’s more of an altar to myself and what is special to me. I have my cat’s ashes there. My special pendulum. I have had every crystal I have put my hands on in that space at one time or another. It actually makes me teary-eyed to list those things.
So, while I am not a dedicated user or builder of altars, I do know how to assemble them and how to make them meaningful, if you want to use one. I will also share with you how to use an altar if you really don’t have any space to call your own (if you live with other people or your space is too small).
What is an altar?
“An altar is a designated structure for the purpose of establishing a connection with a spirit or deity - a place to make offerings in their honor or to perform other rituals.” This definition comes from Claire Goodchild’s book The Book of Ancestors2. I like Vix Maxwell’s definition from her book Witch Please! - “A table or other surface on which to place and keep your magical tools and workings. A place to work your magic.” They are both accurate.
How do I build one?
As Vix suggests, you find a table or a shelf, even a window sill, that is not likely to be disturbed and you start filling it with symbols and pretty things. You can place bird feathers you find on the ground (please do wash them thoroughly first). Set your intention for what this altar will represent or hold for you and then place items of significance there. You can look up symbolism online and choose items from that information or just do your own thing. You know I find this way the most powerful, but do you. It doesn’t matter and don’t over think anything. You cannot make a mistake here.
You can turn to social media to get some inspiration, but remember that those fancy altar set ups are likely just aesthetic (set up for the purpose of taking that picture) and not a working altar.
You should clean and cleanse the area first. So clear the dust and then you can take a rattle or some sage and cleanse the energy of the space. I will share more about energy cleansing in my energy hygiene post.
You can say a prayer over the space once you have it filled appropriately and seal in your magic.
I have an altar but now what do I do with it?
Great question. You can let it sit there sort of like a spider web to pull in and catch whatever you are manifesting (if you built it for manifesting) or you can use it in your rituals. When you set your intentions or do your gratitude practice or meditations, you can light a candle (or turn on an electric one) and sit in front of it while you do your thing. You can also just enjoy your morning cup of tea or coffee in front it. Its your sacred space.
What if I don’t have anywhere I can dedicate to an altar?
I haven’t seen this suggestion in very many places but it a great one. You can build your altar in a shoebox or one of those small plastic storage boxes. You can pack it up and put it away when you are not using it. It is not any less potent or powerful in this form. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Magic is flexible, it bends to our needs. We don’t have to contort ourselves or our environment to accommodate magic.
I hope this gives you enough information about altars and what they are to decide whether you need or want one. If nothing else, take a few minutes and search Instagram for altar inspiration. There are some truly beautiful ones out there to admire.
I would love to answer any questions, see pictures of yours (I don’t know if you can upload pictures to the comments) or chat about magic in general. Maybe I will open up a thread to discuss all things magical.
Of all of the divine beings that offer help, the elementals probably would have an issue with you not having an altar. I don’t usually work with elementals because of their reputation for being difficult. Story for another time.
She will tell you in this book that you cannot work with your ancestors or the spirit realm without having an altar.
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I have a special little place in each room with the rock people and the plant people. I have a couple crystals in a plant that I have nurtured got years. In another place I have a little bottle of essential oil spray and of course a few crystals. I’ll give myself a little spritz when I walk by, taking that fragrance with me wherever I’m headed. Another one has my pendulum , a plate of oils, and a photo of myself as a little girl. No one needs to know their purpose: that’s just the way the area is “decorated.”
You could also use an old-fashioned metal lunch box.