How to create an altar. The altar in magic. What accessories should be on the altar

You can build a personal altar for worship, remembrance, or ritual, no matter what religious or spiritual tradition you follow. Even people who do not consider themselves to be religious sometimes build altars to provide a dedicated space for pondering life questions, assessing what they have or reassuring.

Steps

The beginning of the altar

Learn about the traditions of the altar (optional). If you are building an altar for a specific purpose or celebration, you might want to check out the details of this tradition online before you start. Finding pictures and examples of similar altars is a great way to get started. Many people mix and match components of different religions, spiritual traditions and cultures that are of personal importance.

Choose a location. If you plan on meditating or praying quietly, choose a quiet place with no passersby. If you want to keep your altar as a central focal point or use it for group ceremonies, place it in a large room.

Select or build an altar surface. It can be anything from a pile of rocks in a garden to a glass shelf in a closet. If you plan to use the altar for rituals that require table space, such as chopping herbs or incense, make sure it is large and flat enough for this purpose.

Add other furniture or shelves to the altar as needed. Optionally, you can place a pillow or chair for meditation or prayer in front of it. If the altar will be used by children or people below you, consider adding an extra bottom surface that everyone can reach.

Prepare the space ritually (optional). To do this, you can light incense or sage. Alternatively, read a prayer or ask the deity or power you worship to bless the altar without preparation.

Dedicate an altar to a person or religious figure

1. Decide to whom to dedicate the altar. One of the ways altars are used is to honor and remember a religious figure or a deceased relative, friend, or historical figure. Some are intended for several people, such as a deceased friend and his patron.

   • In some traditions, they are not called an altar, but a shrine.

2. Add icons, figurines, photographs or paintings. If you belong to a religious denomination that does not permit the use of divine images, place the image of the person or people you honor in a prominent place, such as a tall stand at the back of the altar. Multiple images can be used to represent different sides of the person of honor. For example, a photograph of a person from a wedding and with his family.

   Add related items or souvenirs. Show objects on shrines that remind you of the person. These can be gifts that he gave you, items that he used in life, or reflecting what he has done in his profession, hobby or personal life.

   • If you honor a religious figure, researcher, find objects related to him on the Internet. There are many items and activities associated with the worship of patron saints, Hindu gods, and most other religious figures.

3. Try adding candles. Place candles around the edge of the altar to light them in memory of a person or in honor of a religious leader. This common and simple ritual is used in many places around the world.

   Decorate with flowers. You can hold a bouquet of flowers on the altar and think of the person every time you change an old bouquet for a fresh one. Also, grow flowers in a pot at the base of the altar, or keep dried flowers as a permanent decoration.

   Add any other decorations or ritual items you deem appropriate. Change the altar as you wish to honor the person and live by your ideals. If the person was from another religion, consider including the symbol for that religion. If the altar seems too dark, add brightly colored scarves and other items to make memories of a friend happier.

Creating an altar for other purposes

Select a goal or topic (optional). If you belong to a particular religion, you can equip your altar with decorated figurines and shrines associated with it. Some make altars dedicated to a specific purpose, such as healing and meditation, and decorate them with appropriate objects found in many cultures.

• As a simple non-denominational, for example, an altar could be built representing the four classical elements: fire, air, water, and earth.
• Other specific examples include a Taoist altar, a simple Buddhist temple, or if you are a Wicca follower, make an altar to Samhain.

1. Lay down decorative fabric. Many altars are torn with cloth to keep the surface clean. For example, a plain white cloth can help you stay focused and contemplative. Bright, embellished fabric can help lift the mood, while an open altar can be covered with a fabric in muted fall colors that won't distract from nature.

   • Continuing with the example of the four classical elements altar, you can choose four small fabrics and place them next to each other: red (fire), white or light blue (air), dark blue (water), and brown ( Earth).

2. Place texts to be read on the altar during worship. If you belong to a religion that contains sacred texts, place a copy on the altar to read for inspiration. Otherwise, you can try to create another book, poem, or important text for you, which will help you achieve a mental, emotional or spiritual state.

3. Add images related to the altar theme. Orthodox shrines usually contain icons of saints or other religious leaders. Hindu temples may include figurines of revered gods. Even if you are not religious, add artwork related to the purpose of your altar.

   • Continuing with the elemental altar example, you could include a charcoal drawing of a flame (fire), a calligraphic bird feather (air), a watercolor of a beautiful seascape (water), and a clay figurine (earth).

4. Add any items you want to use in rituals. These vary widely depending on the spiritual tradition and the personal preference of the altar builder. You may need a lot of herbs, crystals, and specialized containers if you are doing a lot of rituals. On the other hand, it is perfectly acceptable to just light a candle before you pray, or put a journal in which you write your thoughts.

   • An elemental altar can include a candle (fire), a fan (air), a glass of water (water), and a handful of soil (earth). You can pick up each of these things in turn to contemplate the element and what it is, or come up with a more complex ritual.

5. Use any other decorations or ritual items. Arrange them however you like. You can add flowers, decorative figurines, or other decorations. You can put pictures of happy memories around the altar. You can keep the altar relatively empty. Everything depends on you.

   • Among other things, shells, stones, feathers, partially burnt wood, or anything that you think represents or complements the elements can also be placed on the elementary altar.

During the performance of magical rituals or any other actions, the witch traditionally uses the altar in magic.

An altar in magic is a center of power, where energy lines from all directions of the world converge. Symbolically, the altar is the center of the universe.

The altar of the witch can be of any shape, but the most commonly used is a triangular shape, square or round. If the ritual is carried out in nature and you did not take anything with you, then a stump or a large boulder can serve as an altar in magic, however, before that they must be consecrated.

The altar is most often white, black, blue or green. It is covered with a cloth, but only from natural materials, leather is also suitable.

The "face" of the altar, as a rule, is directed to the east, since it is in this direction that the witch usually stands when performing her magical ritual.

On the magic altar, there must certainly be several obligatory items - a ritual knife, a protective amulet or talisman, a pentagram, a candle, a goblet and several objects that personify the forces of the elements - Earth, Water, Fire and Air.

Usually, the personification of the element of the Earth is a sprig of oak, a little salt or a pinch of earth.

The personification of the element of Water, naturally, is a vessel with water, the symbol of the element of Fire is a candle, and Air is an incense. But there may be other options.

Also note that the objects symbolizing the elements are arranged in a certain order: in the east - Air (in other traditions - Earth), in the south - Fire, in the west - Water, and in the north - Earth (in other traditions - Air).

The pentagram is usually located in the center of the magical altar, and a candle is placed in the center of the pentagram itself.

Among other things, a small saucer is usually placed on the altar, on which various gifts and sacrificial products for the god, goddess and spirits are placed.

The altar in magic should always be clean, and objects on it should be placed logically. You cannot do so that Water is on the side of Fire, and vice versa.

Before each magical action, the altar must be cleaned.

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The home altar of the Slavs was arranged in the hut by our village grandmothers, although they called it differently: red corner or red kut. Twenty years ago in this corner there were more and more photographs of relatives, a wooden salt shaker and a couple of candles. There were also Slavic symbols, but often inconspicuous for many - on the shelf in the red corner there was certainly a towel, sometimes also embroidered in white on white, so that the signs could not be seen from afar. Here's a simple family altar arrangement. However, I also want more: to make a beautiful home temple, put the signs of the Native Gods, turn to them for help, and feel the answer ...
If so, read how to create an altar of the Slavic Gods of the House.

Choose the right place

In the old days the house was built so that the red corner was at the window on the east side. Here it is, the right place for the altar: where the sun rises. Nowadays, not every apartment has such a window. How, then, is it correct to place the home temple?
If you choose: put the altar on the east side without a window, or on some other, but at the window - put it at the window. It would be better if it is not to the west. But, if there are no other windows in the apartment, the western one will do. It is better to choose the room where the whole family gathers. You should not put the home altar of the Slavs in the bedroom: it is better to have a kitchen or a common room where you gather with your family.

Altar arrangement: three worlds

It is best to make the structure of the altar similar to that which the Creator Rod of the Slavic world created. Put not one shelf in the red corner, but three. Below there will be the world of Navi, in the middle - Reality, above the Rule, where the Slavic Gods live. They do not put anything under the altar, or if they are fortunate in the house, under the altar there may be a chest with items for magic.

Most of the place you will need in the middle, in the world of Reveal. Here are the Gods who are closest to people: the elemental Gods, the Goddesses of Summer or Spring, the Sun Gods - they are all next to us, often in the world of Revelation. Conspiracy candles, salt for cleansing, items related to relatives are also kept here. The images of the Gods of the Navi World are placed on the lower shelf, if there are such in the home temple, and certainly the image of Veles, the God of the Three Worlds. There may be images of the Ancestors, only on the days of commemoration holidays they are transferred to the middle of the altar - to the world of Reveal. On the top shelf, they put the image of God Rod, God Svarog or Dazhdbog - as it is closer to whom. On it they put a twirl to the Gods and a candle during the rituals.

This is the structure of the altar, and what should be on it?

Now you know how to create an altar, but it will not be filled with power until the images of the Native Gods are placed on the temple. The image of God is absolutely necessary for each of the three worlds. For the world of Navi, they often take the image of Veles. There may be more Gods, if you are not afraid to turn to the Gods of Navi. However, it is better to choose such images for an adult, an experienced fortune-teller or sorcerer, in a house where there are children, it is better to do on the altar with the image of God Veles.

Put one image of God on the top shelf, and who it will be is up to you. If you think that you can put the image of the Creator Sort, this place is just right for him. If you think that you should not depict him, then put the image of Dazhdbog, God of Reflected Light, or Svarog, Heavenly Father. If you choose Svarog, this is the only case when you can put the images of two Gods: place Lada-Mother next to it.

In the middle, put those Gods that are especially close to you, those to whom you often turn. Candles, salt and other items for rituals will also be stored here. So the shelf should be spacious and wide. Sometimes they just get by with the middle shelf, without separating the lower and upper ones.

The construction of the home altar is simple and there should be no unnecessary items on it! What can be stored here?

• Towel with embroidery or three, separately for each shelf.
• A huge candle and other charmed candles that need to be updated every year;
• Thursday salt and white salt for ceremonies is not much, there is no place for all the supplies in the house;
• Important items for the family: the first hair cut from a child; ribbon that the husband took after the wedding from his wife's braids, etc. - you don't need a lot of such items, only the most important thing is what keeps your family.

Glorify the Native Gods, and be happy!

The home altar of the Slavs was arranged in the hut by our village grandmothers, although they called it differently: red corner or red kut. Twenty years ago, more and more often there were photographs of relatives in this corner, a wooden salt shaker and a couple of candles.

By creating a magic altar, we create a whole world in the middle of the world, a very special place - in order there to meditate, practice magic, cast spells, meditate, laugh and communicate with the divine. The altar is a reflection of what we are energetically. It is also a visual trigger, a visible reminder that we are both heavenly and earthly beings, that we belong to both matter and spirit, and our energy, invisible and immeasurable, actually has power and influence and is able to transform, direct and control.

There are several formal ways to rebuild the altar, the easiest of them is to start by presenting four elements on it, linking each of them with a certain direction. Correlate East - and Air, North - and Fire, West and Water, Earth and South ... where I live, I have to approach the issue geocentrically, following the flows of the Earth's energies - on my altar in Sydney, East corresponds to Water, Fire - North, West - Earth, and South - Air.

Sometimes, on my altar, I charge magical instruments that at other times live on their own altars in temporary temples that I create everywhere.

(water element) In a bowl or goblet I hold water. For years, I have taken water from the sea, the sacred wells of Glastonberry, or collected rainwater for the altar, but any water will become sacred if you bless it. By doing this, you change its structure. A bowl of clear, transparent water represents this powerful cleansing element on the altar. Sea shells, pictures of a dolphin or a mermaid, or just a glass of water will also activate the water element of the altar.

Other magical tools and things:

When the four elements or five elements are already presented on the altar, you can add something else there - your intuition and what some thing wants to tell you should become the most important factor in choosing. Most witches would like to have on the altar - it can be complex stone figurines, inexpensive brass figurines, the Empress, or something that you draw yourself. All this should have some personal meaning for you, perhaps it will best represent God for you, and - Goddess.

Many magical altars also have a five-pointed star in a circle, representing the five elements that are gathered together. Again, you can use a photograph, a decoration, a large pewter plate, or just a sketch scribbled with a stick - whatever makes sense to you personally.

You also have to choose for yourself - it can be a special altar cover bought in a store or a piece of your old favorite skirt, or something related to your memories, in a word, everything that will give you energy for the ritual. The color of the drapery also has a magical meaning and you can change it daily, seasonally, to suit your mood, or just to "be different". If you are going to cast some big spell, then use the color that most closely matches the desired result.

A wonderful choice. While this is probably the most stereotypical witch's equipment, it is very practical and has true power. It can be used to cast spells or activate and purify your intention with fire, chop herbs to make incense, or create a magical potion. You can also cook some magical delicacy in it. The three legs of the cauldron symbolize the trinity of the goddess, as well as our wonderful feminine ability to create and give life.

However, the most magical of all are the things that we have found, those that themselves "searched" for us - this is the most powerful magical tool possible. For example, I have a small graceful bird's nest, which I found somehow near the back door of my own house. When I work on making home spells, it symbolizes home and hearth. A stone found in a favorite park, a seashell picked up on the beach on your birthday, a crystal that was presented to you, dried flowers, snake skin - all of these are good for business.

Your altar is YOUR sacred place, which is why you must select its components in such a way that they activate your own magical power. There is no need for expensive tools if you are able to tune in to magic by simply placing a seashell, an image of an angel or some symbol of the Goddess on the altar, and plain clean water. When I look around, I see witchcraft tools everywhere, for whatever I see can become a tool for me.

The creation of an altar is itself a sacred act that can tell a lot about you. Your altar can be as complex, ritualized, theatrical, simple, masculine, feminine, angelic, earthly, sexy, or immaculate as you want it to be. This is your sacred space. What do you want to say with it?

You can store yours and tapes, cords, in special boxes or boxes so that you can pull them out only when you intuitively feel that it is time to activate these particular energies. You can also make some supplies to have on hand when they are due - pelican feathers for Mabon, swan feathers for Imbolc, red cloth for Beltane, for Friday love witchcraft, moon water in a silver divination bowl for a personal conversation with Arianrod, moon goddess of the Celts.

The most powerful magic is to honor your home as a living altar, for it is unique, personal, and divine just like you are. When we think of everything in the house as real magic, a magical tool, a working spell, our home becomes a sensually manifested zone. The experience of this magic is deeply dynamic and very sensual, it connects us with the goddess Vesta, who teaches us to be proud of the home that we have, that we love and that loves us. If you work with your home in this way, people will feel its healing energy as soon as they walk through your door, and as a result, they will come to you again and again, bringing good luck and prosperity to your home.

Blessed be your home, just as you are.

Is a great way to connect with the Divine. You can make an altar for your patron God, Goddess or other deity in whose help you are interested.

Altars can be large or very small, they can be removed after a few days, or created indefinitely. All you need is some magic items and some inspiration.

Choose a place

The type of altar you build will depend on the space available. So consider where the altar will be. Will it be indoors or outdoors? Big or small? Public or hidden from view? Are you planning to hold ceremonies at your altar? For ceremonies, it is better to allocate a special place in the apartment, not occupied by furniture, so that nothing interferes during the ceremony.

Don't be discouraged if you are short on space. A bookshelf, hearth, window niche or small table make for a comfortable altar. But absolutely adorable altars can also be built with crates, car dashboards and more.

When choosing a location and materials, consider your deity's preferred environment. The altar of the Horned God of Cernunnos is better to equip on the street, and Hestia, the young goddess of the family hearth and sacrificial fire, will definitely be more comfortable next to a fireplace or stove.

Invite the deity

After you have chosen and cleared the space, you can invite the deity. Gods and Goddesses are very much like us - most of them love to hear their names and see images of themselves. Therefore, the chosen God or Goddess must be represented somewhere on the altar.

If you have a favorite statue or painting, it will be a wonderful item for an altar. But simpler images are fine too. You can even use a printed image of your chosen God or Goddess. Sometimes you may want to keep the altar a secret from employees, household members, if so, try making it in a desk drawer.

Gods invitations can be verbose and complex, or very informal: “Good evening, blessed Isis. I have made this altar in honor of you. I hope you will enjoy".

Decorate the altar

An unadorned altar is like a house without furniture! Collect everything that reminds of the chosen deity and decorate the altar in a pleasant way for him. Crystals, feathers and other ritual supplies, as well as herbs, food and drinks - any of these things can go to the altar of the deity.

If you have a working relationship with God or Goddess, then you need to know about what He or She loves. The altar is the place where people and gods meet halfway, so whatever you put on should please you and them.

Need inspiration? Think what you know about God or Goddess. What part of the world are they from? What objects are used in their rituals? Is there a particular color, season, plant, or animal that is particularly associated with them? You can represent the elements on your deity's altar, but you don't have to set the minimum of things if the God or Goddess is tied to one or two elements. Also, the altar of the deity should not change seasonally. The main thing is to keep it clean and free of dust.