The Altar.

[Bef]

Hellow All.
Ive never personaly set up my own altar before, But Ive been planning too. (NOT LIKE THAT HELPS!!!) Anyways. I was just wondering, What are some of the basic things you think I should include? Im dedicating the Altar to my Spirit Guides/Guardian Angels.
And any ideas of where I can find some nice material to make a Altar clothe?
Waah. Hmm. Candles, Where do you get em not so expensively?!
-Bef

[sianand_flidais]

What you put on an altar depends on a lot of things, like personal prefernce. As a general rule when I am setting up an altar, I include something to represent the elements, something I connect with the deity I am setting it up to and something personal to me. As for cheaper candles, try your local market, if you have one. The same goes for cloth. Just look around till you find something you like that feels right to you.

[Bef]

Thanks, sianand_flidais!
Hmm. And just make sure your altar is generally tidy? Someone said that, sounded fairly likely. Lol.

[Rain Gnosis]

If you scroll down to the bottom of this page you'll see "Similar Threads" including several about altars. Read those threads.

[AradiaSupernova]

Go with what you feel is right. For instance, a statue of an angel, some candles to whatever you've dedicated the altar to, an insense burner...stuff like that. For cheaper candles, look around for a dollar store near your town. Usually they sell them very cheap (and are good quality). As to altar cloth...hehe. I use my bed sheet :)

[MammaStar]

To chime in with the rest of the group, go with what you feel

An example, my altar has a statue of a Buhdda given to me a long time ago by a friend, a portrait of the Star Goddess, lots of candles and candle holders, crystal points, various other stones, acorns and the piece de resistance!, a mini Grateful Dead bear called "Dark Star" :D

[SilverBear]

Alters evolve as you do. I went through an “everything AND the kitchen sink” phase but more recently I have become a minimalist. Right now on my alter is a crystal, a small fountain, a red candle feather fan in their appropriate directions.

Just put stuff out on your alter, the things will let you know if they aren’t happy being there.

[VelvetBlade]

I love this site...especially the way it loads...but it gives you an overview on what you could possibly have on your altar...

http://www.freyasrealm.com/alters.html

blessings,

~AW

[Sylv]

Another thing you might do for an altar cloth is if you have any old clothes that you don't wear anymore, try using them. That would make it pretty personal. ;) Of course, you can go my route and just not have an altar cloth. My altar is a wooden chest so I just crocheted some doilies to use for the things that might hurt the wood.
If you have a Michael's, they have lots of cheap glass candle holders and vases. I have a bud vase on my altar ($2 from Michael's) and I really like it because I can put so many things in it. Do you intend to make 'offerings' to your Spirit Guides/Angels? If so, a small offering plate/bowl would be appropriate. It really depends on your path...maybe write a prayer or poem, frame it, and place it on your altar. Pictures of people you love, or pictures of angels/mythological beings you've seen that resonate with you. A gratitude or wishing bottle? Ok, I think I've brainstormed enough and thrown quite a few options at you. :D Just to let you know, the things I have from that list on my altar is an offering bowl and pictures of my family. Good luck with it-stop stressing, if it feels good to you it's probably right!

[VelvetBlade]

Good luck with it-stop stressing, if it feels good to you it's probably right!

Best advice I've heard all day !!!


~AW

[Bef]

Your bed-sheet? Wow, I was under the impression that you were advised to only use an altar cloth as an altar cloth, if ya'no wat i mean.
I guess again, its personal choice, What feels best for you.
Thanks everyone for your help.


Go with what you feel is right. For instance, a statue of an angel, some candles to whatever you've dedicated the altar to, an insense burner...stuff like that. For cheaper candles, look around for a dollar store near your town. Usually they sell them very cheap (and are good quality). As to altar cloth...hehe. I use my bed sheet :)

[indigo rain]

my altar has my book of shadows, a big fountain with four candle holders built in two for my patron and matron, and two for the divine spirit and my higher self. my chalice is there, my tarot cards, candle snuffer, athame, incense, and incense burner on each side for my patron and matron, and statues of my patron and matron. i used to think i had to have the traditional set up, with the pentacle and wand and all that, but now my altar's become more personal, i only have the tools i use and connect with. don't put something there because it's supposed to be there, put it there because you feel it's right, if you don't, then you don't need it.

[Bef]

What do you all think of setting up my altar to support my guardian angel? thats VERY personal ay

[Autumn Sidhe]

I think setting up your altar to honor your guardian angel is a great idea. :)

[indigo rain]

wonderful idea, some think of the guardian angel as the higher self or connection to the divine, so to honor your connection to the divine is great.

[Chanda]

I dont have a formal altar. On top of my drawers, I have a framed printout of the White Tara (my Goddess), a very smal bowl for offerings (water that I change daily), an incense burner and place for candles. On this same table I keep my oil burner, a photo of my love and a circle of stones collected on the edge of a river (I dont know why, it just feels right), a box in the shape of a log where I keep some special things...

Wallet, keys, torch, letters and whatever else keep making their way to the top of these drawers as well... This space is very much a part of my daily life.

The act of typing this reply just made me realise that over the last 2 months without meaning to I actually set up an altar that works well for me... :)

Bef, Thank you for starting this thread...

[Sky_SilverRain]

My Altar Clothe(s) are usually a piece of fabric from WalMart or Hobby Lobby decorated to fit the season or holiday!

most of my "items" are hand made as I am a poor college student! But I do occasionally buy things at the Dollar Store or my friend owns a shop downtown with candles and incense, so she gives me a discount!

Your altar is your personal place, set it up so that it fits you! And while there are many sites online that will give you ideas, ultimately it's your special place!

[Chanda]

Everything on my "altar" was recycled from things I had already or found. It feels right to give new meaning and value to these items...

The only things that I buy are the candles and incense.

[Chanda]

You may want to acquire an altar, you may want to acquire a wand, an athame, an incense burner, a cauldron, a chalice. Remember: no matter how much money you put into acquiring them, no matter how much work you put into beautifying them, a kitchen counter, a wooden spoon, a good sharp butcher knife, a sturdy pot, and a glass will do the same work. The key is in your attitude toward them, toward yourself, and toward the work you are doing.

Blessed be.

~Mama Rose, 1996


In my explorations I just came across this... Mama Rose is a Kitchen Witch. Not everyones path I know, but I think it applies to this thread.

Over the years I have spent a lot of money on all my new interests, and you know what happened? I quickly lost interest...

[MoonDust]

99-cent store has great candles in packages of 10-20. What I love is that there the not always those tea-light candles.