Making An Altar Master Post

Making an Altar Master Post

Considering making an altar but don’t know where to start? This long-ass post should cover all the bases of altar building for those of you who are interested but stuck. This post is pretty vague on purpose, altars are an interesting grey area of this practice. When you build an altar you can’t really go wrong, it’s something for you to take control of and decide for yourself.

📖This is all taken from my grimoire so feel free to add any info of your own in a rb or in the comments.📖

🌻What is an altar?🌻

Altars are a magical work space for any witch/pagan/wiccan/other.

Historically altars and shrines were built all over the world in different cultures to house offerings and worship the gods/spirits/ancestors.

The difference between an altar and shrine can depend on the culture you’re looking at but generally an altar is both a work space and a place of worship and a shrine is solely a place of worship (the Theatron of Athens was an altar as it served as a place to house offerings and a communal performance space).

Modern day altars however are more private and unique to the practitioner/s. Altars and shrines can now be created using anything and include many different types.

There are many ways to think outside the box with altar building but don’t think you have to make one just because every other witch does.

🌻Types of altars🌻 (not an inclusive list)

- Home/family altar🏠: This serves as the energy centre of the home that is shared by the entire family. It can be simplistic, change with the seasons, and feature something representing each family member. (this is one that my dad built that lives in our kitchen).

- Personal altar: This altar is usually only connected to 1 or 2 people and kept separate from the rest of the family in a bedroom/box/draw. It can be put anywhere and be of any size (mine used to be on a shelf in my wardrobe and now it sits on the window) This altar is very personal to the practitioner often representing their passions and/or their patron. (this is my own to Dionysus and Apollo but it also includes my desk and bookshelf next to it since the window is so small).

- Working Altar: This altar is very practical. It’s only taken out when it’s needed for spells/rituals and is unique to the spell and it’s intention. If you want this type of altar then when you build it think carefully of what corresponds to the outcome you wish for.

- Shrine: (a form of altar to some, completely separate to other but I’m including it just in case). Created to honour a specific deity/creature/spirit. This is used to house offerings and pray.

-Travel/mini altar: Often stored away in a box/tin. Travel/mini altars can consist of small trinkets to carry around when you’re away from your larger altar or have to conceal your magic (it’s great for witches in the broom closet but depending on the size it could go missing).

- Image altar📷: Less traditional but very creative. An image altar could be a collection of images on Photoshop (for techies), a collage of pictures on a wall or board, or even a drawing of an altar (It’s personal, inconspicuous and it doesn’t matter if you can draw or not). I made this one in my sketchbook using pencil, ink and watercolour.

- Love/self care altar❤: This altar is fully dedicated to self care, loving yourself, or introspection. It includes things that have a lot of meaning to you and make you happy when you’re down (I have one by my bedside and use it when I feel shitty, I also use this space to contact my spirit guide).

🌻Supplies🌻 (again not an inclusive list)

These are some general supplies to have for an altar but this doesn’t mean that anything is 100% necessary.

- A flat surface: This can be anywhere with enough space to display everything.

- A cloth: Not just to protect the surface or fragile objects, it can be a sign of respect to your patron.

- Incense/oil diffuser: To smell nice and can be used to cleanse the space.

- Candles: Decoration, to represent fire or your patron, for candle magic, and meditation.

- Bowl/dish: To hold any offerings.

- Cup/chalice/bottles: For drink offerings, to represent water, to hold water for a spell.

- Matches/lighters: If you include candles.

- Crystals/stones: Decoration, could also be elemental/seasonal/represent the chakra.

- Wand/athame: Can be used to direct energy in a spell.

- Bell: To represent air, to call spirits/your patron.

- Mortar & Pestle: To grind up any ingredients in a spell.

🌻Building an Altar🌻

This is part is going to be a simple guide to building a personal altar (I will be using my own preference for deities as an example but you don’t have to).

1- Find a space: Think about where you want to work and consider the energy you get from different spaces (also consider any pets and fragile objects).

2- Find a surface: This can be as big as you like. I’ll be using my art desk as an example, I took everything off it and cleaned it before I did anything else.

3- Get a cloth: Fabric from a craft shop or an old scarf/veil are perfect and come in any available colour and size. In terms of colour you can chose one of your favourites, something seasonal or something to represent your patron.

4- Set your intention: Now this is the time to decide what your altar is going to be used for. You can pick a centre piece that reflects this.

I wanted to connect with the gods so I made the centre of the altar about myself and my deities go on either side. The centre piece I chose is a picture of a fairy scene I’ve had for a very long time.

5- Candles: The next thing to put down are candles (or any source of light). The light acts as the switch to turn on your altar and give light to any patron for when you want to communicate.

6- Tools: If you want to include any tools from the previous list then now is the time to chose where you want to put them (I included a cup of water, an incense holder, a bell, and a wand).

7- Decoration: Next is to add any personal decoration that can go wherever you like. I put mine in the centre piece.

8- (OPTIONAL) Representing patrons: This step is optional because it isn’t necessary to have a patron in your practice.

Because of the intention I decided on in step 4, I places the decoration representing my patrons on either side of my altar (btw these photos were before I switched from Aphrodite to Apollo so I apologies for the inconsistency).

I left a large space empty to use for when i’m writing in my grimoire, performing a spell or doing a tarot reading. I didn’t include this in my real altar because it’s a decorative section.

🌻Tips🌻

- There are templates that you can follow if you really want to. They’re usually for a large traditional elemental altar though (I personally don’t recommend them because it’s boring and not very creative).

- An altar can be as big or as small as you like and you have no rules or expectations and it doesn’t have to be just one surface.

- If you want an altar for a spirit/deity/fae as well as their respective candle, you could include a candle for yourself to represent your own spirit to stay connected with them.

- An altar is a very subjective thing, if it’s personal it should change with your interests (like from light and fire the first year to sea and sand the next year).

-There are hundreds of videos on altars here’s a few I recommend you look at:

The Witch Of Wonderlust- All About Altars: https://youtu.be/p3ysPbvQa7c

Molly Roberts- Sacred Spaces and Kick Ass Altar Crafts: https://youtu.be/_kcki25BY6o

Harmony Nice- My Wiccan Altar II And how to set up yours: https://youtu.be/tGWkNeoE6RY

Green Witch Glamour- How to Build an Altar: https://youtu.be/v3s_etlsUE0

📚Witchy Books 📚

Good day, lil’ Witches and Warlocks! With this little list I would like to share with you some PDF books I have been using. I hope it will be useful for someone.

The Common Book of Witchcraft and Wicca by The Ancestors

A Wiccan Bible by A. J. Drew

A Witch’s Notebook by Silver Ravenwolf

A Witch’s Bible : The complete witches’ handbook by Janet and Stewart Farrar

Beginner Guide to the Basics of Witchcraft by Ashe. G.

Celtic Magic by D.J. Conway

Charms, Spells and Herbs by Esteban Portela

The Encyclopedia of Witches, Witchcraft &Wicca by Rosemary Ellen Guiley

Grimoire of a Kitchen Witch by Rachel Patterson

Wicca: A guide for the solitary practitioner by Scott Cunningham

The Green Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

The Inner Temple of Witchcraft by Christopher Penczak

The Way of the Green Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

The Way of the Hedge Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

The Witch’s Book of Self-Care by Arin Murphy-Hiscock

Th Spiral Dance by Starhawk

Wicca Book of Spells and Witchcraft for Beginners by Arin Chamberlains

Wicca for Beginners by Lisa Chamberlain

Wicca for One: The path of Solitary Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland

Witchcraft Step by Step

Witchcraft Today by Gerald B. Gardner

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pussymagickk

4 years ago

lunar cycles

Good evening everyone!

Tonight I wanted to talk about something I love, the lunar cycles! Learning about this cycle is so enjoyable, because you don’t have to be a Wiccan or a Witch to participate in any of this, however, keeping this in mind when you are meditating and performing spellwork will always enhance your energies and give you greater success, so without further ado, here’s what each of the moon phases mean, and how you can incorporate them into your magick.

New Moon: This is the time for a clean slate and a new beginning, it is important to gather previous thoughts and feelings and reground yourself. It is the time to plan for the future. This can be done by performing prosperity spells, maybe starting and new journal, and a great time to switch up your altar.

Waxing Crescent: The moon is beginning to grow and be showered in light, and this is what happens to you as a person. This is the best time to bring your hopes and intentions for the future to light. You can do this by writing what you want to achieve on small pieces of paper and pinning them to your walls as a reminder of the direction you are heading in.

First Quarter: This is the time to overcome any obsticals that you may be facing and push through with your achievements, you may have to change how you do things in order to reap the benefits. A great time to try out new crystals and herbs to gain effectiveness in your practices.

Waxing Gibbous: This is the time to refine all that you have learnt. By now you should be growing and moving towards your goal, make sure you have recorded how you have done this in your grimoire or book of shadows, and if there are any last minute changes you need to make, now is the time to do this.

Full Moon: The moon is t her fullest, and completely taken by the light. This is a time to reflect on what you have achieved in the first half of the lunar cycle. You can also take this time to cleanse and charge your crystals so they are ready to use again for the next half.

Waning Gibbous: As the darkness takes over the moon once more, it is time to give thanks for all that you have achieved. You can do this by performing a ritual with the pieces of paper you wrote on, by blessing them and burning them (SAFELY) in your cauldron.

Third Quarter: This is the time of acceptance, you must let go of any old habits/relationships/and energies that are keeping you from reaching your maximum. It’s a time to take a step for what is best for you.

Waning Crescent: A final time of reflectance before the moon is plunged into total darkness again. View how far you have come and ultimately, don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t achieved everything you want to - there is always the next lunar cycle.

*picture credit: created by me*

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pussymagickk

4 years ago

Spirit Work: Red Flags!

Spirit work has always been a huge part of my life, ever since I was a wee two year old toddling around my grandmother’s house. In my two decades of talking to the otherworldly, I have run into horrible spirits and gotten into toxic situations. Evil spirits (and morally grey ones) can and will deceive you. This is a list of signs that the spirit you’re interacting with is toxic or may hurt you.

1. You feel anxious, scared, or a sense of foreboding when interacting with them or when they are around.

This is also known as a sense of dread. Some spirits have heavier energies, but if you are feeling dread, trust your intuition and BANISH immediately. Cut all contact.

2. The name they give you keeps changing.

Some spirits have personal reasons to not give you their true name. This can be a red flag sometimes, but not all of the time. However, having a name that never stays the same is a red flag. It’s a form of deceit and manipulation.

3. It’s too good to be true.

If a spirit comes to you like “YOU ARE THE MOST POWERFUL HUMAN EVER, I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR YOU” or some over the top theatrical stuff, it’s usually a trick. Don’t let them in your life. This isn’t to say that a spirit coming to you and claiming to know you or want to help you is always bad, but be wary.

CW: assaulty, abusive stuff next

4. They manipulate how you feel towards them.

Some spirits, typically those that feed off of sexual energy, will put you in a haze. You will see no wrong in what they do. You may be very sexually attracted to them out of no where or somehow just give in to their advances. This can also take the form of unhealthy levels of dependence and even worship.

5. They manipulate how you feel towards others.

Just like humans, bad spirits want to isolate you and make you more vulnerable. You may find yourself getting into more fights with friends or family. You may have several falling outs and not know why. The spirit will literally be a voice just telling you everyone is horrible and against you.

6. They hurt you.

This can be emotional, psychological, or physical. Scratches, bruises, bite marks, sore limbs, all of it can happen. They can break you down emotionally and break you psychologically. This is usually coupled with gaslighting.

7. They make you feel powerless.

These spirits know they can be banished, so they will make you think that you’re too weak to do so. They make you give in and give up.

8. Unwanted switching/possession/oppression.

Once they have enough of a hold on you, these spirits will literally take over your thoughts. They can even take over your words and actions. Switching is a common thing in spirit companionship, but non-consensual switching is a huge red flag.

What do I do if there are red flags?

Remember that you are always in control. You are the conjurer, you are the medium. No matter how powerful a spirit claims to be, you can always get rid of them. Banish them and ward yourself. Step away from spirit work and tune out of the other world until you recover. Focus on the mundane until you have healed.

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pussymagickk

4 years ago

As a baby (more like fetus) witch, I’ve learnt that taking your time in the craft is important and to not rush into it.

You have time to find what you are interested in and time to prepare yourself.

Personally I’m waiting a while before doing anything serious (even tho I’ve done 2 protection jars and sigils) and am going to work on meditation and shadow work.

It’s a lot and hopefully I’ll become the witch that I desire to be.

Reblog if you are aware you still have far to go in your craft.

Even after years of practicing, I still feel like I have only begun to scratch the surface.

✨My pages on casting runes in my book of shadows/grimoire✨

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pussymagickk

4 years ago

Flower Magick

Geranium- heals domestic conflict and trouble in the workplace, for first or new love, money

Hyacinth- self esteem, rebuilding trust after betrayal, domestic happiness, increasing radiance, attracting beauty

Jasmine- powerful love, sacred sex, optimism

Lavender- love, self-love, fertility, happiness, health, guards against cruelty and spite, all healing, anti stress and addiction

Marigold- positive energy, protects against the night and domestic matters, resolution of justice and legal matters, love and commitment

Rose- Love and reconciliation, self esteem; healing the young, old and abused; attracting money, fertility, (Pink=New love, Red=commitment, Yellow=Love in later years, White=Secret love)

Orchid- Love, Fertility

Daisies- Lust, Luck, Protection

Dandelion- Divination, wishes, calling spirits

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pussymagickk

4 years ago

Do other witches dream of a fully functional tea garden of their own? Grapefruit mint is the prettiest mint I have ever grown, and also one of the tastiest. It’s nice to see it mentioned somewhere!

The-Wiccans-Glossary

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pussymagickk

4 years ago

Grimoire Ideas📖✨

since i’m starting to work on getting my own Grimoire better organized and figuring out what i think fits best in it for me, i feel like i should log some ideas that have helped me in my journey in hopes that it could help someone else just starting out. but just remember that your Grimoire is your own and personal to you and you alone so you don’t need to put everything in if it doesn’t vibe well with you or doesn’t fit into your craft. your book should hold things that are personal to you and your craft and what you believe and you don’t need to have every bit of knowledge in your book.

✏️ an index/table of contents ✏️ a blessing ✏️ a protection sigil and/or spell to keep from wondering eyes ✏️ your personal creed or rede/the wiccan rede(if you’re wiccan) ✏️ personal goals/13 goals of a witch ✏️ personal correspondences/things personal to you ✏️ your beliefs ✏️ your daily rituals ✏️ the different types of magic ✏️ the different types of divination ✏️ any gods, goddesses, deities, or spirits you worship/follow ✏️ information on any gods, goddesses, deities, or spirits ✏️ crystals 》 meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ plants/tress/flowers 》 meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ herbs 》 meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ essential oils 》 meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ incense 》 meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ candles 》 meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ chakras 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ auras 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ elements(earth, fire, air, water) 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ runes 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ magical symbols 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ feathers 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ crystal grid ✏️ pendulum board ✏️ sigils 》how to make them 》how they work 》how to charge ✏️ moon phases 》correspondences 》what they’re good 》what the mean ✏️ moon phase calendar(preferable something that can be removed or changed easily) ✏️ magical times 》hour 》day 》week 》month ✏️ moon water ✏️ sun water ✏️ zodiac 》correspondences 》dates 》characteristics ✏️ mythology of your heritage/culture and/or area ✏️ mythologies of interest ✏️ mythological creatures ✏️ star chart ✏️ constellations ✏️ celestial events ✏️ planets/celestial bodies 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences 》mythology 》relation to magic ✏️ cheat sheets ✏️ tips/reminders ✏️ spirit works ✏️ basic concepts 》banishing 》binding 》cleansing 》grounding 》ect. ✏️ altars 》what they are 》what they’re used for 》what you need 》basic set up 》plans ✏️ familiars ✏️ tools in your practice ✏️ spirit work ✏️ spirits ✏️ personal/family traditions ✏️ animals 》which animals you connect with 》spiritual powers of animals ✏️ spirits guides ✏️ sabbats 》solstice 》equinox ✏️ recipes 》spells 》potions 》teas 》cleaning products 》natural remedies 》powders 》oils 》beauty 》 body scrubs 》ect. ✏️ spells 》self love 》curses 》hexes 》protection 》banishing 》ect. ✏️ tea 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences 》spells 》recipes ✏️ rituals ✏️ visuals 》drawings 》pressed flowers/herbs/plants 》photos ✏️ meditation ✏️ a secret code or alphabet ✏️ gardening ✏️ list of words and phrases ✏️ books 》ones you reference & find helpful ✏️ experiences 》spell work 》divination 》spirit work 》banishing 》tarot readings 》ect. ✏️ spiritual diary ✏️ magical diary ✏️ dream log ✏️ spell log ✏️ anything else you want! literally! it’s your book and its always good to customize it to you! if you feel like it should be in your book, then go ahead and put it in your book because that’s what makes it special!

***correspondences =things such as 》elements, colors, symbolism, planets, astrology, anatomy, ect. really anything else important tied to something.

obviously you can pick and choose whatever works best for yourself and your craft, and i don’t even have some of these in my own book but still thought they would be helpful to include for witches like me who are just starting out who need ideas of what their books can hold! i’ll probably start posting more about my grimorire and how i keep it organized as well!

if you think i’ve missed anything feel free to add on more ideas to pass on to your fellow baby witches!

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pussymagickk

4 years ago

Death Witchcraft Masterpost

-Beginner Death Witchcraft

-Unusual Death Witchcraft

-Spring Death Witchcraft

-Lost Cost Death Witchcraft

-Safe Crossings for Someone Who’s Passed (pet-friendly as well)

-Massaging the Bones (attuning tools and bones to your space)

-Web of Protection (symbiotic/deathwork based ward)

-A semi-theistic Prayer for Passing/Grief

-My Humorous Retelling of “Koschei the Deathless”

Graveyards:

-Ways to Bond with a Graveyard

-Graveyard Dirt Uses

-Graveyard Alternatives

-Graveyard Dirt Alternatives

-Subtle Graveyard Offerings

-Bereavement Traditions

Spirit Work/Ghosts:

-Spirit Work 101

-Autumn Spirit Work

-Communication with Ghosts

-Non-verbal Spirit Communication

-Using a Spirit/Ouija Board

-Spirit Work Techniques: Keys

-Spirit Work Techniques: Energy Directives

-Spirit Banishing Tip

Recipes/Spells:

-Spirited Jack O’Lantern

-Safe Crossings Jar

-Baked Apple Offerings

-Pumpkin Seed Offerings -Underworld Powder Series- Styx

-Underworld Powder Series- Lethe

-Underworld Powder Series- Cocytus

-Underworld Powder Series- Phlegethon

-Underworld Powder Series- Acheron

-Contacting a Loved One

-Death Witch Tip

-Death Witch Tip 2

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pussymagickk

4 years ago

For anyone who is wanting to get more in touch with the moon here are some words that help to describe what each cycle of the moon helps to bring you🌙

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