Altar Tools Religious Goods Sacred Images Questions and Answers

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Thu Jan 21, 2010 5:20 pm

You can sprinkle a little bit of Banishing powder around your altar spaces to actually banish individuals from touching it and even banish their attention.

Working with an altar that has space beneath it to store items is rather helpful. You can leave out unobtrusive things like tea-lights, votives, but can't exactly leave out a devil candle, or worse a genitalia candle. This is where the drawers come in handy, when you are not working with them you can snuff out the candles and place them in a drawer or space beneath the altar. A little dash of Banishing powder around the altar and you'll keep the rabble away.

canobiecrazy · Unread post by **canobiecrazy** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 6:23 pm

Im just curious, is it okay to use Silk Flowers on an altar instead of real ones?

Aaaaannnnddddd, Yippie! Its my first post!

Unread post by **starsinthesky7** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 6:38 pm

I have some fake flowers on my altar. So you can use them i dont see why not.

canobiecrazy · Unread post by **canobiecrazy** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 6:58 pm

starsinthesky7 wrote:I have some fake flowers on my altar. So you can use them i dont see why not.

Okay, thank you!

skyme714 · Unread post by **skyme714** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 9:51 pm

catherineyronwode wrote:I believe that this is a direct extension of the general and widely-held African American folk belief that a woman should never set her purse on the floor when out visiting because if she does, she will become "low in money."

My mom ALWAYS told me not to put/leave my purse on the floor that then I will have no money! And she is NOT into any type of magic.
I never believed (cuz what has purse to do with the money i get!) but had to pick it up cause I lived with her, so had to obey.
Now when I dont live with her any more, my purse is always on the floor as I dont have enough room for all my stuff. Needless to say Im tight on money

Now Im gonna go pick my purse from the floor

.

kmew1315 · Unread post by **kmew1315** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 10:02 pm

Interesting. I think I'm going to stop throwing my wallet on the floor when I take off my pants (and stop leaving them in my pants pocket if I throw them on the floor - well, assuming I'm alone at least

)

skyme714 · Unread post by **skyme714** » Sun Feb 07, 2010 10:16 pm

Hey Kevin, I didnt think of it. I often keep my wallet in the back pocket of jeans, even though Im a girl

and even though my mom AGAIN told me not too

but I guess this one was for the reason that its easier to steal from the back pocket.

MysticRootworker · Unread post by **MysticRootworker** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 2:47 pm

Wow-
I always keep my purse on the floor. Well- no more for that! I too never have alot of cash in that purse that is sitting on the floor as I type this!

MysticRootworker · Unread post by **MysticRootworker** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 4:56 pm

I was reading through the posts and saw where you are not supposed to put drawing work (love?) in the west? I have an end table set up with my honey jar, candles etc. Kinda like an altar until I get my room together that I am devoting to my work. I was wondering if this is counter-productive for me since it is in the WEST corner of my room! Where I read this was in a thread about altars. Could this be affecting my work?
Thanks everyone

Unread post by **Devi Spring** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 5:14 pm

Different workers take different things into consideration. I don't have the space to make directional alignment a factor in my altar building, so I just work in the space that I have. Don't get too worked up about it.

MysticRootworker · Unread post by **MysticRootworker** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:05 pm

Great! so for the time being I am going to just use the place I have been. I have a curious kitten who seems to love both fire and water, so I like to burn my candles where I can watch them..
Thanks Devi

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 7:02 pm

Directionality like hoodoo is a set of principles, not hard fast rule. Generally things are drawn facing East, banished/waned in the West. That being said, there is nothing wrong with having your altar face only one direction. The idea of direction is to have your intent clear and focused. Don't let your work and intention get mixed up and you are fine.

MysticRootworker · Unread post by **MysticRootworker** » Tue Feb 09, 2010 7:27 pm

When I get my room finished I believe I will take into account the direction and all for placement of my altars/work space. I am fortunate enough to have a room that I already designated for this. I live alone and have plenty of space. Too much really sometimes.
Thank you again..

thegoldman · Unread post by **thegoldman** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 2:25 pm

My altar is in my bedroom, where I frequently have vigil candles burning for various saints and for positive work.

Are there any issues with having sex in the same room as your spiritual work?

I'm not so concerned about the general drawing work as I am about the saint work. It can be a bit unsettling sometimes when seeing pictures of Moses and St. Jude, etc., and I'm wondering if I'm being disrespectful by not extinguishing the candles until we're finishing having sex or if I should just quit worrying about it!??

Unread post by **Devi Spring** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 2:30 pm

There are many people who will not keep their altars in their bedroom for just that reason. Of course, if you live in a batchelor you may not have many options - in which case covering the altar or otherwise blocking it from view with a room divider or some such is called for.

I never feel comfortable with altars in sight of the bed...unless I was doing love/sex work.

Unread post by **Literarylioness** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 8:11 pm

My altars are all kept away. I do not feel comfortable with them in the same room as my intimate relations.

Mary

Unread post by **jwmcclin** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 8:28 pm

Locations of spell work is a personal thing. Some work better or feel as comfortable with lets say candle spells in the bedroom; while others will not have their work as close. Its a personal choice.

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 10:42 pm

A lot of people have or keep their altar in their bedroom. However, for ancestor altars you do not want to keep it in your bedroom or perform any sex in front of that altar. I have not heard this about saint's altars, but I would assume that it must be the same case. Of course you'd think the saints would know to turn away during such an intimate moment

.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 12:10 am

My husband and i keep four altars in our bedroom and have no trouble having sex in their midst.

We do not do cursing work on these bedroom altars, however. Here is my bedroom altar to Jesus and Siva.

We also have two altars in the shop for business and love. In the church we have two mixed-deity altars plus four candle altars for love, money, blessings, and curses.

We are altar-happy.

Unread post by **CopperFox** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 6:16 am

I'm with the altar-happy Ms. cat; if my husband and I restricted our matrimonial sports to the rooms where there were no altars that would leave the bathrooms and closets. I have this peculiar notion that the spirits in our home don't perceive sex in the way we living do. This is just my own feeling, but I think they are more attuned to the joyful, loving energetic aspects than the physicality and lust. Anyhow, I don't feel uncomfortable in the least with sharing any of my activites from my spirits -- familiar or familial -- as one can't really get away from them anyway.

MysticRootworker · Unread post by **MysticRootworker** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 6:23 am

LOL Copperfox-
I feel like that too. I mean I have wondered who was watching at times. This is a great thread as I am in the process of deciding about my altars and placement and such. I only have one actual "altar" at the moment and another space that is kinda like workspace/altar. I too think that I will be altar happy, because for me just looking at the photos of altars has a calm, peaceful, happy effect on me. So glad to know that I can go with my heart on the placement of these.
Thank You Miss Cat for sharing yours.

Unread post by **Mama Micki** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 8:42 am

I live in a somewhat small house with my husband, two daughters, a dog, a cat and over 600 books. My bedroom is about the only place where I can have an altar without the cat jumping on it and knocking something over or my girls touching or taking something. If I had a bigger house, I'd dedicate a room to my magical work, but for now I just make do.

Unread post by **Devi Spring** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 9:20 am

Our bedroom has a little alcove, from which you can only see the foot of the bed from the right hand side, with you not being able to see the bed at all as you shift left. I had several shelves put up in that alcove since I'm a bibliophile and always needing more space for my books. Being pretty altar-happy, as Miss Cat puts it, the top shelf in that alcove has become an altar space. But you wouldn't get a full show while we're being intimate - you'd get the PG-13 version looking at our feet! So it's technically in our bedroom, but kinda not - as it's in that alcove space and out of view of the bed. That was a nice compromise for me that I felt comfortable with.

However, when I was single and lived alone in a small bachelor apartment, I didn't have any choice but for my altar (at the time I only had 1 and it only had one deity on it) to be within sight of my bed. I put my main deity statue into a nice little wooden box, which kind of acted like blinders - so he could only "see" straight in front of him, and that blocked out the bed. I had personally felt uncomfortable until I made that adjustment.

There are some spirits I wouldn't mind being intimate in front of - and Shiva, as represented on Miss Cat's bedroom altar, would definitely be one of them. That reminds me that I need to find a new home for my Shiva altar, which got packed away when we were renovating.

For me now, it's so much the intimacy that I was uncomfortable with, as I'm married and I can't see any spirit having issues with conjugal relations (even though I personally don't have issues with any consensual relations, but some spirits may feel differently). The energy of the altars was too stimulating for me - I could get settled into sleep with all that lovely energy pulsing on the altars. Once it was out of sight of the bed I felt better and more relaxed.

I did have a small bathroom altar for about 3 hours once. The first time I peed in there I felt sooooo inappropriate! LOL - so it had to find a new home! But then I've heard of people who have lovely watery altars in their bathrooms and just adore it.

I think it comes down to personal choice and comfort level.

YouTube · Unread post by **Miss Bri** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 9:29 am

thegoldman wrote:My altar is in my bedroom, where I frequently have vigil candles burning for various saints and for positive work.

Are there any issues with having sex in the same room as your spiritual work? I'm not so concerned about the general drawing work as I am the saint work. It can be a bit unsettling sometimes when seeing pictures of Moses and St. Jude, etc., and I'm wondering if I'm being disrespectful by not extinguishing the candles until we're finishing having sex or if I should just quit worrying about it!??

My love/sex/fertility altar is ALWAYS in the bedroom cause that's where the magic happens

I have lived in situations where that has been the only altar in the bedroom, along with my personal prayer altar and I have lived in situations where ALL of my altars have been in the bedroom with the exception of banishing/cursing work. I have noticed that for some who are psychically sensitive having altars with ancestors or active spirit helpers can make rest and sleep a little difficult--dream visitations may go up and there is just a "psychic thrum" that they pick up on. My preference is to have only my love/sex/fertility and personal prayer altars where I sleep. Other altars are found throughout the house.

good luck,
Bri

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 11:09 am

This may be why I was always taught that any altar is fine in your room but your ancestral altar-the idea that it may disturb the sleep of those more sensitive to such things.

Unread post by **CopperFox** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 2:01 pm

My actual ancestor altar is in the front parlor of my home, on the back of my Mom's piano. It is by far the most elaborate and lovely altar in the house...and probably sees the least amount of conjugal relations. Not so much because of the function of the altar but it is not an especially private area; anyone in my front yard or on my porch can see into the room and it is where I receive guests and in the near future, rootwork clients. I can see where keeping such an altar in the bedroom could result in a little too much energy for a good night's sleep; it is very full of energy and activity. On occasion when I have an important issue to read on, I'll catch a quick "nap" in that room...it's not really fair to call it true sleep. I guess it is more a between sleep/trance state that is very conducive for me to receive information from my spirits.

My marriage and combined altars for prosperity and Saint Expedite are presently located on the bar that divides my kitchen and living room; that particular altar sees a lot of action...from mundane household activities, to ritual work almost daily and a fair amount of loving...all with no sense of unease for myself or my husband. We do, however, come from a culture where it is the norm to display family photographs throughout the home, and I think that is a variety of altar in and of itself. So folks from our area are used to getting it on in front of a portrait of granny and Auntie Rose. The best thing about the location of that altar is that it is positioned right in front of the sink; dishwashing takes on a whole new feel when you also use that time to pray. It sounds funny, I know, but I can really get into my prayers when I'm scrubbing up the dinner dishes!

Like Devi, I had a brief attempt at an altar in the bathroom. I was thinking it could be a regenerative/healing type altar-space but I dismantled it in only a few days because in my small bathroom it was just too difficult to maintain. Instead, I set up little temporary sacred spaces when I want to do some work of that type in my bathroom.

We have one small altar set up in the craft room of our house, for "Dob" our handyman in residence. When our home was being built, about 36 years ago, one of the workmen was killed in an accident -- he's never left. Last fall he began to kick up some real mischief and Ms. cat wisely advised us to give him his own space. You can read more about that experience and her advice, if you like, under a thread by me titled, "Ghostie House Guest Pestering Baby."

I really enjoy having altars throughout my home; it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to have such tangible reminders of my faith and work present. I am in the process of re-doing the parlor with my ancestor's altar to use for rootworking and reading -- I am planning on adding several more altars to the space to accommodate the needs of my clients. I am especially excited about the candle altar I've planned, I can just see it in my mind lit up with prayers for many. I also found a beautiful peacock statue to incorporate into a protection altar I am building. My altar spaces are constantly changing, vital places that reflect who I am and what I am doing at any given time.

I have enjoyed following this thread and sharing my own experiences. I hope others continue to share their own ways of incorporating altars and ritual space into their homes.

Michelle

thegoldman · Unread post by **thegoldman** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 6:54 pm

All of you have been so helpful. Many thanks!
My situation is based on necessity - my bedroom is my sole source of privacy, so almost all my candles are burned there. Candles of a negative nature are burned in the bathroom, but I have to use small candles for single burns since other people have access to my bathroom.

I'll leave my altar set-up as is since I don't have any alternatives (unless I wanted to pay someone to burn candles for me). Reading the feedback from others who have altars in their bedrooms gives me some peace of mind.
Again, thanks!

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 8:51 pm

Here's another of altar in our house, nagasiva's devil, witch, and demon altar on the enclosed back porch -- and no, this is not in the bedroom, but by the back door:

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 11:28 pm

I've always found it interesting how "ecclectic" hoodoo altars can be. I mean they have such wonderful decorations from all sorts of places. I mean they'll have things like candles, masks, toys, figurines. They look mysterious, light-hearted, magical, and vintage all at once. If I may ask, why a witch altar?

I'm really enjoying seeing your altars miss cat! They are marvelous.

Unread post by **Flamethrower** » Thu Feb 18, 2010 11:40 am

For me, Cat's altars appear to be eclectic works of art. Her altars are beautiful. Love, Luv, LOVE THE UNDERWOOD DEVIL CAN.

I have one altar for everything, but I'm keenly aware of fire hazards so I try to keep items on my altar and surrounding areas to a minimum. I don't live alone, so my altar is a large silver tray on my bedroom dresser with candles, pics, maybe a Saint card or two. On my tray there is a thin sheet of glass acting as a protective barrier between my candles and pictures and papers. I try to burn only plain glass candles with saint cards underneath so no worries about Saint Martha watching me. If I have to leave town when my candles are still burning, I simply lift the tray and set it in the bathtub.

TRUE STORY: I won't do TMI, but I once lived with a man who practiced Santeria and had a beautiful altar honoring Ochun (aka Venus aka La Virgen de Caridad del Cobre) on the fireplace mantel in the living room. Sometimes we set treats for her, but had a vigil candle burning 24/7. We knew we were supposed to cover her statue with a yellow cloth when we had our adult playtime in the same room, but one day we just acted ignorant and thought maybe she couldn't see us if we were behind the couch. No joke, we heard this loud noise and saw that her candle glass had cracked!!!

Thegoldman, your altar is probably perfect for your current situation. If you're concerned about upsetting the saints, then simply turn the pic of St. Jude the other way; I do the same thing with mom's photo on my bedstand.

ShadoWalker · Unread post by **ShadoWalker** » Thu Feb 18, 2010 12:44 pm

I have my altars in my bedroom also since I have not other place to place them. As a practioner of the magickal ways my views on sexual relations have also changed in the past. I use to be freaked out if I would have intimate relations in front of altars or pictures..lol. Then I started to think that these are spirits and in all reality the spirits in a way are with me wherever I go soooo just because my altar isn't there it doesn't really mean the spirtis aren't there. Then my view points on sex changed going from just this physical need to an exchange of energy. I never go out and just grab someone I don't know to have that type of relationship with. If I do have intimiate relationshps with someone then it is someone I am connected to and the relationship is intimiate therefore when happening in the room with my altars it's a sacred act. A union. A joining of two spirits to bring forth energy and that energy that is raised I will send into jewlery, or my altar, or even send it out in a quick working.
Thank you Lord Ganesh for answering my prayers that I lay at your feet

ANGEL007 · Unread post by **ANGEL007** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 10:06 pm

when someone comes and moves your alter blows out your candles and disrespects your belief ! how would you handle this ?

Unread post by **Devi Spring** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 7:11 am

This has been discussed before at length, so if you search around the forum you will find plenty of ideas.

Two ideas: You either get better at being discreet (e.g. altars in closets, or cabinets that can be locked and closed away from prying eyes), or can have a rootworker work on your behalf if you are unable to work at your home.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 10:07 pm

People who disrespect your altar work are not good people to have in your home or in your life.

In my experience, there are several reasons people do this, and i will take them from the worst-case scenario down to the most innocent. As you read these descriptions, you can probably figure ou where the person who disrespected your altar falls on the scale:

1) They are psychopathic / sociopathic threats who mess with everything of anybody's; they will rob, steal, rape, even kill with no sense of boundaries.

What to do?

Get them out of your life immediately. Do not explain, do not argue, do not attempt to influence them. Just get away.

2) They are generally okay with folks in society as a whole but they want to control, rule, or dominate you specifically; they have targeted you as a victim of mental or physical abuse, parental control, marital control, domestic battering, etc.; you will know of other ways in which they are seeking to dominate you, e.g. through the tyranny of food, through sexual control, through financial rulership, etc.

What to do?

Get them out of your life as soon as possible; this may require waiting until you come of age or can get a divorce or find a new home. Do not explain, do not argue, do not attempt to influence them. Just get away.

3) They are okay with society and okay with you, but due to indoctrination by media or an organization, they believe that either some or all forms of spiritual work are either "wrong" or "bad" or "not real" or "dangerous" and so they are only seeking to control, rule, or dominate you in this one sphere of your existence; they do not mess with your other possessions or try to dominate you in other ways.

What to do?

Speak directly to them and tell them to stop touching the sacred things on your altar. If they argue with you, stop the argument immediately and plan to get them out of your life as soon as possible; this may require waiting until you come of age or can get a divorce or find a new home. After your first polite request, do not engage in further conflict on the subject; do not explain, do not argue, do not attempt to influence them. Just get away.

4) They are okay with society and okay with you and they suffer no indoctrination by media or an organization with respect to your spiritual beliefs, but they are either mentally ill or they are intoxicated (with alcohol or drugs) in a way that renders them incognizant of boundaries and rules; they may have OCD, ADHD, alcohol or addiction issues, or other social-developmental problems that blind them to the fact that it is not okay to rummage through other people's clothing, jewelry, cutlery, books, electronic equipment, or mess with their pets or children; their focus is not on your altar per se; in the past they might also have handled or mishandled your cell-phone, your dog, or your collection of tea-cups.

What to do?

Speak directly to them and tell them to stop touching the sacred things on your altar. Listen to their temporized excuses (which might include terms like "oh, sorry, i just couldn't help myself" and when they are done talking, acknowledge what they said, then follow with a short, concise statement that you have rules about your altar which include no one touching it but you, and that you expect them to abide by these rules. If they agree to abide by the rules, then wait until they have gone away, cleanse the altar and re-make it. Observe them the next time they visit; if they follow your rules, all is well; if they do not, consider moving them up into category 3 or consider that their mental illness or intoxication is such that they are not reliable to be around, and remove them from you life accordingly.

5) They are okay with society and okay with you and they suffer no indoctrination by media or an organization with respect to your spiritual beliefs, and they are neither mentally ill nor intoxicated to the point that they fail to respect the property of others, but they suffer from a specific form of mentally ill hypervigilant compulsivity which leads them to believe that candles are "dangerous" and they will put candles out wherever they see them; they do this not only at your altar, but if you observe them over time. you will see them do this in restaurants as well as in the homes of friends and relatives.

What to do?

Speak directly to them and tell them to stop touching the sacred things on your altar. Listen to their temporized excuses (which might include terms like "oh, sorry, i just couldn't help myself" and when they are done talking, acknowledge what they said, then follow with a short, concise statement that you have rules about your altar which include no one touching it but you, and that you expect them to abide by these rules. If they say they cannot abide by the rules, because "candles freak them out" or some such excuse, ask them whether they can either control their impulses while in your home or if all meetings with them should be confined to rooms in which there are no burning candles. Let them explore their options. If they agree to abide by the rules, then wait until they have gone away, cleanse the altar and re-make it. Observe them the next time they visit; if they follow your rules, all is well; if they do not, consider that their mental illness is such that they are not reliable to be around, and limit their ability to enter rooms with you in which candles are lit.

6) They are uneducated, ignorant children.

What to do?

Speak directly to them and tell them to stop touching the sacred things on your altar. be kind but firm. Use the same tone of voice you would use on a toddler who is trying to rev up a chainsaw. "No, honey, that's a tool, not a toy. That's not yours. Put it down and let's find you some toys to play with." Lead them out of the room, if possible. Also, if possible, give them something magical that is appropriate for a child: "Here, honey, this is a special scared stone from India, and you can keep it. It's for you. You can make a wish on it at night when you go to bed."

There you have it -- cat yronwode's Six Stages of Altar Messers and What To Do About Them

P.S. I just uploaded this in more permanent form to the Free Spells Archive page of Practical Tips at

http://www.luckymojo.com/spells/practicaltips.html

Here, courtesy of Lou Florez of The Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers (AIRR), is an entire half a room dedicated to altar space -- it would take some really weird person to walk into that room and mess with this!

Ruth2 · Unread post by **Ruth2** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 5:22 pm

Hi,

It has recently been heavy on my mind to begin to work with my ancestors. I am very unfamiliar with them and am trying to get a hold of some photos and biographies of my grandparents and great grandparents. I would like to set up a little altar as a way to honor them and invite them to participate in my life more. Does anyone have any suggestions on doing this or products that help with an ancestor altar?

Thanks,
Ruth.

Unread post by **jwmcclin** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 5:33 pm

You can set up an altar (the size of your choosing) to include pictures of your ancestors, a white candle and water (I learned from readings) or Florida Water. You can search the forum for additional suggestions. BTW LM sells several oils and waters appropriate for your needs.

Ruth2 · Unread post by **Ruth2** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 5:58 pm

Thank you, but I'm not sure which oils and waters you are referring to. The only oil I saw that seemed like it might be appropriate was a Spirit Guide Oil. Is that the one you mean?

For the Florida Water, are you suggesting a glass of Florida Water on the altar?

Thanks for your response,

Ruth.

Unread post by **Turnsteel** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 6:53 pm

Ruth wrote:Thank you, but I'm not sure which oils and waters you are referring to. The only oil I saw that seemed like it might be appropriate was a Spirit Guide Oil.

Indian Spirit Guide oil, if you have Native American Ansecstors

Spirit Guide Oil

Blessing Oil

7-11 Holy oil

And that's just off the top of my head, lol. I've used all of those for anointing candles on my ancestor altar.

Ruth wrote:For the Florida Water, are you suggesting a glass of Florida Water on the altar?

Some, by no means all, like to lightly scent the glass of water they put on the altar with a few drops of Florida Water, Kananga Water is also used for this. But no, not a glass of just cologne. I personally just use clean fresh water.

Honestly, your ancestors will tell you what they want. I leave bottles of whiskey, the small ones, unopened, cups of coffee and tea in the morning(sometimes,when they ask) and glasses of whiskey.

NotDorianGray · Unread post by **NotDorianGray** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 1:00 am

I am lucky enough to have been left a selection of cut-crystal bowls by my grandmother, and I use therse on my ancestor altar. I, personally, don't like to keep photos on there, but I have things that have been passed down to me. If you have items left to you, you can dress them with a few drops of one of the oils that HailDiscordia suggested.

I also include items on my altar that reflect my heritage as well as my actual ancestors, as I do not come from a tradition of ancestor worship. I have items brought back from Britain, as that is where my family is from: Ireland, Scotland and England. I have an Egyptian statue symbolising my first introduction to the Western magical tradition. I have a piece of Pounamu (New Zealand Greenstone or Jade) which is my connection to my Iwi (tribe), Ngai Tahu.

An ancestor altar is ultimately going to be personal to you, and reflect those elements of your history that you choose to honour. I would definitely start by purchasing a blessing or holy oil to dress candles on your altar, and perhaps look at the amulet page and see if there is somethign particularly indicative of your heritage that you might want to include as well. Definitely get a nice candle holder and a nice dish to palce offerings into.

Start simple. The more work you do and the more you use this altar, the better an idea you will get as to what your ancestors need and what you feel you ought to include.

Ruth2 · Unread post by **Ruth2** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 1:19 pm

Thank you everyone! These are very helpful suggestions and give me some great ideas on how to start.

Ruth.

Lynda · Unread post by **Lynda** » Wed Apr 07, 2010 11:56 pm

I do something a bit out of the ordinary, and I've always wondered about it but haven't asked until now.

Because of my living situation, I don't leave my altars set up. I set them up for specific spellwork and then when I'm done I take them down. I also sort of keep it specific to the room/type of work - for example I do any type of love or drawing work in my bedroom, while work on the "darker" side is done elsewhere. And most of my work involves candle burning, either on its own or in addition to other work, and after leaving them burning for awhile (I leave the altars up for several hours usually) I let them finish in the fireplace, even the glass vigil candles. I set the candles on a nice tray, if its a petition to a saint I have a prayer card and perhaps a glass of water on the tray, and I've never seen it as disrespectful as its more of a safety issue. But others may have a totally different idea and I'd love to hear what you may have to say about this issue.

wowee · Unread post by **wowee** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 1:45 pm

Hello blessings to all. My question is this, I am about to build me a little meditation room and I need to know which way do I put my alter? Is it to be facing the east or the west or the north or the south? And any other suggestions for my room will be greatly appreciated.

Unread post by **kimberlyanne** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 2:38 pm

There's some good info on this thread:

does-altar-set-up-have-an-effect-on-spe ... tml#p33062

Hope this helps!

MysticRootworker · Unread post by **MysticRootworker** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 2:40 pm

Kimberly Annie-
Too funny while I was looking for that thread, you were posting it. I remember reading it and how helpful I found it.

Unread post by **kimberlyanne** » Mon Apr 19, 2010 2:43 pm

That is funny! I thought the thread was/is great too. It's loaded with some good info...!!!!

Ruth2 · Unread post by **Ruth2** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 10:00 am

I mainly go for what just feels right to me.

I have a devotional altar that reflects my Catholic faith in my room. This is on top of a dresser and I do use it to place candles for spellwork such as success work. The first drawer of the dresser holds my oils and supplies.

I have a money altar on top of a very high bookcase in the living room that I have covered with a "money altar cloth" from LM and that's where I do all money spells. I pretty much always have a green candle going there for my own general prosperity. I also have a framed picture of Santa Muerte as she has helped me with money issues before. I keep some cinammon sticks and a glass of water. I actually keep a glass of water on all my altars.

I have a healing altar set up on top of a shorter bookcase in the living room for all healing spells. There I have a statue of St. Philomena, a green scapular, an OL of Guadalupe candle, blessed Palms, healing oil, herbs, some crystals and some seashells.

Reversing work is generally done in the dry bathtub. I will also use the dry bathtub to place any candles I need to keep burning when I am out of the house.

I think you just go ahead and set up your altar/s in a way that feels right to you based on the knowledge you have now. As time goes by you may change things a little to find ways that work better for you. The direction of my altars has never been an issue for me and I don't need to clean them between workings because they are always used for the same kind of work.

Ruth.

Ruth2 · Unread post by **Ruth2** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 10:20 am

Lynda,

I think that's a very practical solution. Kind of similar to my keeping them in the bathtub.

Miss_Liz · Unread post by **Miss_Liz** » Wed May 26, 2010 8:23 pm

ConjureMan wrote:The idea is to not mix the magico-religious systems.

*Quick disclaimer, I'm sick and my brain isn't working at 100% capacity for being coherent so just keep that in mind if I say something that doesn't make sense or is really stupid.

I've never had any real interest in ceremonial magic so I have no reference material, but I don't see too much of an issue with mixing magico-religious systems (again, ceremonial magic is beyond me and I'm aware it had very specific rules and such..that's what I've heard anyway so I'm not arguing your point). I practice neo-Celtic eclectic..ism. Started off as Wicca in Middle School, then I grew up. Anyway, I use an old computer desk as my alter, the top of it I use as a permanently set up devotional alter to my patrons with statues, candles, incense holder and offering bowls/offerings. Then on the back of the main desk, like where the monitor would go, I have my frequently used books (no room for a book shelf atm) such as magickal encyclopedias, pre-published grimoirs, a bible, a few spell books, my oracle cards and reference book, etc. The desk has 3 little side shelves for like cds and stuff I use for my oils, herbs, candles incense, and frequently used tools (like a wand and athame for ritual). On the main part of the desk where the keyboard and stuff would go is my "working alter" where I light spell candles and do the spells themselves. Under the desk is a little bit more storage and the rest is in my closet in plastic craft storage containers. Coincidentally, because of my very cramped living situation I actually sleep right next to it almost a little under it but doesn't bother me. I've always had to have my alter in my bedroom. I guess semi-combining my alter spaces works for me because I only work in folk magick, so it all blends together pretty well to me as I have never had any real success with "Wiccan/neo-pagan spells."

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Wed May 26, 2010 10:14 pm

Ceremonial magick, at least in most cases, requires its own specific space that is completely unlike the spaces used in folk magick traditions.

What you quote is directed specifically at traditions, not necessarily the altar. If you feel like decorating your altar with elements of all the paths you follow, good for you. However I am of the school of thought that blending traditions *in practice* is not only bad magick, but can leady to shoddy results. For example don't expect to go to the graveyard, cast a circle and petition Hecate to bring a spirit to you then gather that dirt and expect it to work in a hoodoo trick. If you work with a system, follow and honor its tradition without hodgepoging from other system. So my intention in that state was directed at blending traditions not keeping separate altars.

Hope that clarifies. Any further questions can be directed towards me through a PM so as to keep this thread on topic.

Miss_Liz · Unread post by **Miss_Liz** » Wed May 26, 2010 10:54 pm

This thread is about alters and they're set up. That is what I provided with the flip side of your answer as it has been said several times here that everyone does things differently. I said I was unversed in ceremonial magic which I accepted as having stricter guidelines and understand how blending that with folk magic wouldn't work well. I also said I didn't practice neo-pagan magick because it doesn't work for me, but I practice the religion. Any one of any religion can practice hoodoo.

Unread post by **cognitivedissonance** » Thu May 27, 2010 3:01 pm

I'm working on a stealth altar, and I really appreciate all of Bri and cat's advice on practicalities in this thread.

Unread post by **ConjureMan** » Thu May 27, 2010 8:35 pm

Eilis19 wrote:This thread is about alters and they're set up. That is what I provided with the flip side of your answer as it has been said several times here that everyone does things differently. I said I was unversed in ceremonial magic which I accepted as having stricter guidelines and understand how blending that with folk magic wouldn't work well. I also said I didn't practice neo-pagan magick because it doesn't work for me, but I practice the religion. Any one of any religion can practice hoodoo.

Do not mistake my post for correcting your practice. My post is aimed at clarifying the quote of mine and what I meant by that. Neither am I saying you have to be of any one religion to practice Hoodoo. Hope that clarifies.

DrXTheRebirth · Unread post by **DrXTheRebirth** » Mon May 31, 2010 11:12 pm

I was taught if you have saints in your room and you plan to be naked, that you cover them up by throwing a sheet over them.

chy clayton s · Unread post by **chy clayton s** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 7:03 pm

Back in December I dedicated an altar to my son - specifically to his sobriety.

I burned a 4" candle every morning and evening, plus various Saints candles, plus various purposed candles. I put my whole self into this work.

(And right about now miss cat and other experienced rootworkers are nodding their heads and knowing what happened.)

I decided in advance that I would work this for 6 months - May 15th was my cut off point.

My son sobered up (from meth), got a decent job, started going to church regularly, and all around became "My Son" again.

I got severely aneamic, seriously stressed my chronic health problem, and became depressed.

May 15th, I burned the last candle and places a cloth over the altar.

May 20th I realized I was depressed and unhealthy and saw an MD for some short-cycle drugs.

May 27th my son lost his job. May 29th he was acting stoned and we told him he needed to pass a drug test to continue living with us - he walked out. June 2nd he was arrested for minor possession. June 7th he was arrested for car prowling and possesion. And June 10th he was incarcerated for parole violation.

Apart of me thinks that I should have continued the altar longer - maybe a year sober would have given him more coping skills. But the reality is that while I can keep him sober by sheer force of MY prayers and faith (and lots of LM oils), if HE doesn't want to stay sober - he won't.

For me, having a pre-determined cut-off point is crucial in rootwork. This is my son and it would be way too easy to justify "one more week - one more moon," as long as he was doing good. And even easier to justify starting over and over again.

But it wouldn't be real for him, and it wouldn't be healthy for me.

Now I just need to start some healing/cleansing work for myself.

chy

--thanks for reading.

Unread post by **Joseph Magnuson** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 7:16 pm

This was the best post I have read in months... Thank you for sharing that with us.

Good luck to you!
-Joseph M.

Unread post by **Miss Phoenix** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 7:59 pm

This is both sad and inspirational. I think there is a certain point where you must know when to say when and you did so. Thanks for sharing

nknk2 · Unread post by **nknk2** » Sat Jun 12, 2010 8:54 pm

My Prayers are with you and your son. Have you thought of taking professional help for your son? I am sure you must have, but just adding some thoughts.

Also, meditations helps a lot in healing. If you haven't done it yet,then please give it a try.

MightyAphrodite · Unread post by **MightyAphrodite** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 10:50 am

Thanks for sharing that. At least you can feel that you gave it your all. Now it's your son's turn to give it his all.

Unread post by **kimberlyanne** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 11:20 am

I commend you for sticking to your plan. Yes...heal yourself.

luckycharms13 · Unread post by **luckycharms13** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 12:04 pm

I have been doing a few spells for a couple months on my dresser for Reconciliation with my ex. I have been sweeping and mopping my room (including underneath the dresser) pretty regularly with Chinese Wash. Today I was sweeping and found a small (about 2" long) dead frog. There was also a dead fly by the dresser, but the frog really freaked me out. I happened to read the entry in cat's Hoodoo Herb and Root Magic book about frogs earlier today, but I have no clue what it means in terms of a sign or omen. I also have no clue how it got into my room without me noticing, or how long it's been here or where it came from. Needless to say, I'm kind of freaked out. Any ideas regarding what it means and what I should do would be greatly appreciated.