Witchcraft: Daily Practice - Day 6

Altar

Whenever I have lost my connection, or I am looking to refresh my spiritual pathway, I usually begin with my altar. Well, one of them at least, because altars have a habit of multiplying when you are not looking. I have a main ‘working’ altar that I see every day, and this is usually the one I begin with. Clearing, cleaning and re-dressing an altar can clear out the funk and help you reconnect or begin your connection. It does not need to be fancy or dripping with occult items. An altar can just be a vase of flowers on your windowsill. Work with the space and the items that you have. Altars should be personal, and they should be fluid, so remember to leave a little space to add things further down the line when you feel prompted to. An altar can be a focal point for meditation, a place to set your spells to work, a place to honour your deity or animal guide, but it is ultimately a small sacred space where magic happens. Try to place the altar in a space that you will see regularly. I have had altars set up in the spare room, but found that because I did not go in there very often, I ended up forgetting the altar was there.

Prompt:

•             Begin by cleaning the space physically by dusting or wiping down.

•             Cleanse the space spiritually by using a splash of salt water, a sprinkle of salt or a dab of essential oil.

•             Say some words to dedicate the space as your altar. All it needs to be is ‘I dedicate this space as my altar’, but you can make it fancier if you wish.

•             Place an altar cloth if using; these can bring in an extra layer of colour magic.

•             Now add your items; you can put representations of deity, the elements, the planets or whatever you are drawn to. Make a point of saying out loud why you are placing that item on your altar; it is more of a dedication for use. You may even want to spiritually cleanse each item before you place it.

•             Once you feel everything is in place, take a moment to sit and connect with the energy.

•             Your altar is now ready for use; try not to neglect it – stop by each morning and just give it a nod, or if you have more time, light a candle for a minute or two or leave an offering of herbs, fresh flowers or fruit.