(no subject)

[sublimatedangel]

For obscure reasons, Amy is interested in altars. Anyone reading this, if you use any kind of altar or know of any particularly interesting things about them, please share.

I'd like to know what it's like (and why), where you have it, how it's decorated, and what you usually do with it (offerings, etc).

Comments

[roisnoir.livejournal.com]

If I can get to them (they're behind a box, somewhere) I have several books with altar info in them. I'll try to dig them out for you for Sunday.

[sublimatedangel]

I would definitely be interested in reading them when you're able to find them. Thank you!

[horrorvenus.livejournal.com]

I consider anyplace I've put something meaningful to me to be an altar. I do have a somewhat official altar on which I've got representations of the elements, my angel cards and a few other things. It's where I sit quietly and don't think.

[sublimatedangel]

::agrees::
Generally, I just tend to find things that "feel right". But I do believe that when alot of people share a belief or a long-lasting tradition, that there is usually some truth within it. And so, I kind of want to see what is traditionally done, and if some of it works for me.

[katlyn.livejournal.com]

I also have a few books about alters ("rulebooks" if you will, or instructions) and can get more specific information for you. I agree with Jennifer... almost any space can be considered an altar, though I (usually) have one main one. This house doesn't have the space, but I've been thinking about cleaning out a corner of the shed. *grins*

My altars are usually places where I burn incense or candles... I often have objects from nature on them like feathers, moss, flowers, bird's nests, etc. Depending on the "purpose" that I'm trying to achieve I'll put specific things on it... like for prosperity I'll have mint, bergamot, and shiny coins placed on the alter, use frankincense and myrrh, and green and gold colored candles.

Right now the closest thing I have to an altar is the top of my bedside table, which I dedicate to love. I have everything I can represented in pairs... two carved crystal hearts- one rose quartz and one amethyst, a pretty jar full of dried red rose petals from the first rose bouquet John gave me mixed in with dried jasmine, rosemary and other flowers, two scented candles, a card with a phoenix and a card with a tiger (strong Chinese animal pairing for love), a massage oil warmer and a picture of the two of us looking very happy. It used to be located in the southwest corner of the master bedroom, which is the best location for marriage and committed love placement in Feng Shui, but since we moved the placement has changed. But... all those things together represent love to me, and even individually they are strong herbs and talismans of love.

All in all, IMO, an alter very simply is just a place where you give things special meaning and they help you reflect on an aspect of life. I'm not very good at meditating- I need something a bit more active so I choose candleburning, herbalism, and fetish/charm making as a way to be more spiritually aware. I'm not someone who goes in for rituals or group activities, either, so having an alter space gives me the freedom to do things the way I like when I like without someone else dictating or telling me I'm wrong.

Hrm... I don't know if that even answers a little bit, or is just TMI. *smiles*

[sublimatedangel]

Not TMI at all!
Your examples are good ones, and I appreciate you sharing them.