Spiritual Practices - Do you have an altar?

[Celtaur]

Do you have an altar?

I do not have a formal altar at this time, but considering focusing more attention in this area. I do have a large Buddha statue above my fireplace, which could act as an altar. It is quite high, so does not allow for viewing during seating.

I have a plethora of stones I will likely incorporate in the area with more intention. Right now stones are placed randomly, more as a storage area on top of the fireplace.

I would like to use this space as a home altar for general candle and incense burning, but will likely create a lower altar that I can feel a bit more connection to while seated, in meditation etc.

As for Magick, are altars more often used for the tools of magick predominantly during ceremony, or are they used as part of the magick, as in placing talisman's etc., for longer periods of time to accumulate intended energy?

From what I know altars can be used as a sacred place of communication with the spirit realm, as in gods, angels, etc., being drawn to the area. I know that offerings are also shared in symbolism to devotional aspects of the Divine.

So how do you use your altar? Do you have any insights as to various methods of use that could be useful on the journey?

[cancermoon]

I have made an altar in my bedroom on my bed side table. I have placed a single white candle, bamboo stalks, incense and in the drawer is where I keep my crystals and healing stones, and tarot decks. Every nite before bed I light the candle, burn my incense, and meditate. I find this helps me to unwind and have a good nights sleep.

[Klasien]

I do not have a permanent altar. My altar is my coffee table. I am married, have a son, and the three of us live in a 3 room appartment, so I really don't have room for a permanent altar. I sore all my things in a cabinet, in boxes or drawers, and bring them out when I need them.
I wash the table with water & seasalt first, then I move a burning stick of incense over the surface and finally add an altar cloth (clean tea towel these days...I nicked one and always use the same one) and light one or a few candles, depending on what I want to do.

After I am done, I clear off my things, take the altar cloth outside and shake it a few times to get rid of any residual energy and wash the table with the salt water again. (the water stays on my altar, usually).
I usually don't cast a circle the 'traditional' way, but we have this rug that only lies under the table and around it, and that is usually the extent of my sacred space.

[Klasien]

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook.
I think it is just TOO CUTE to not repeat here!!!

The Super Mini-Portable Altar Kit

Here's what you'll need:
• A canister from a 35mm roll of film
• A penny
• A small twig
• A match
• A small thimble
• A 4" square of fabric
• A ribbon or string

Use the penny to represent earth -- draw a pentacle on it with a Sharpie if you like. The twig is your wand, symbolizing air. The match (which you don't have to light) is associated with fire, and the thimble is a cup, for the element of water. Pack these four items in the film canister, and there's your Super Mini-Portable Altar Kit. Put the canister in the centre of your fabric square, pull the sides up, and tie it with the string/ribbon. You can carry this in your pocket or wear around your neck.

[Celtaur]

I never thought of washing my space with water and salt. Good idea, as salt has energetic properties and is used in casting circles. Does it leave water/salt stains?

The mini-altar thing is definitely... mini. I think it could be used as and elemental charm for some, but could be a quick way to have the symbols of the elements to place on a table when travelling for those inclined.

[Haruth]

The mini-altar thing is definitely... mini.

I love it, though... would a birthday cake candle fit in that canister, I wonder...???

Namaste

[Lillith]

I honestly do not have an altar at this time but I do have a large beautiful buffet table as you walk in the living room with a wooden mirror placed upon it. This is the area where I burn incense , have an array of candles ,and about 70 stones . I switch the stones place and arrangement with other stones to magnify the energies. Sometimes the energies become to strong and have to move them to a completely different area. Honestly several people have recommended me to set up an altar but I have problems in using divination tools. I have watched many and seen many get to wrapped up in the use of the altar and forget about the purpose of one.

[Klasien]

no stains, but I do often just run a damp cloth over it before leaving, just to make sure no salt remains on the table.

[Celtaur]

I love it, though... would a birthday cake candle fit in that canister, I wonder...???

Namaste

That would be perfect

[Klasien]

if it doesn't... just cut off the bottom a bit?? Almost anything can be made to fit if you really want it...