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Lately, I have been considering creating my own altar. I have resisted this idea for a long time (mainly because I am not Wiccan), and most of the time it comes down to a lack of space. Some recent conversations involving small, portable altars got my creative juices flowing, and all sorts of ideas are popping into my head.
I find myself, now, questioning why I want one. Will I use it? Will it just be to show off some of my Pagan-esque things? Will it be an excuse to buy more Pagan-esque things (I don't need an athame, but I have the feeling if I have an altar, I may buy one)? Will it just become another unfinished project?
I have a stang ... it hasn't been decorated yet, and is still waiting for me to pick up a bag of sand so that it can sit in its pot instead of leaning against the wall. Perhaps I should focus more on it ... start the decorating instead of waiting until I gather all the necessary supplies.
I know that there are different kinds of altars, and that mine need not be one that is used for spellwork ... but, I don't know ... perhaps it is the change I am craving. An altar would sort of solidify my trek out of the broom closet. If I set one up, I would not hide it away in a corner or dismantle it when relatives came for a visit (which, really isn't all that often, but the fundie in-laws have been known to drop by unannounced).
I have been one foot in and one foot out for some time now ... those close to me know ... my work acquaintances don't and the vast majority of my extended family doesn't. Partly because I don't think they would understand ... partly because I truly feel that what I do with my life isn't their concern. Even so, I think I may be ready to jump out into the light of day (so to speak).
So ... do I want to set up an altar ... or find another 'symbol' of my faith that won't gather dust?
--Phae
I find myself, now, questioning why I want one. Will I use it? Will it just be to show off some of my Pagan-esque things? Will it be an excuse to buy more Pagan-esque things (I don't need an athame, but I have the feeling if I have an altar, I may buy one)? Will it just become another unfinished project?
I have a stang ... it hasn't been decorated yet, and is still waiting for me to pick up a bag of sand so that it can sit in its pot instead of leaning against the wall. Perhaps I should focus more on it ... start the decorating instead of waiting until I gather all the necessary supplies.
I know that there are different kinds of altars, and that mine need not be one that is used for spellwork ... but, I don't know ... perhaps it is the change I am craving. An altar would sort of solidify my trek out of the broom closet. If I set one up, I would not hide it away in a corner or dismantle it when relatives came for a visit (which, really isn't all that often, but the fundie in-laws have been known to drop by unannounced).
I have been one foot in and one foot out for some time now ... those close to me know ... my work acquaintances don't and the vast majority of my extended family doesn't. Partly because I don't think they would understand ... partly because I truly feel that what I do with my life isn't their concern. Even so, I think I may be ready to jump out into the light of day (so to speak).
So ... do I want to set up an altar ... or find another 'symbol' of my faith that won't gather dust?
--Phae
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My alter
Date: 2004-08-01 11:21 am (UTC)When I first put together my altar, I was really concerned about it never being used, and not reflecting my beleifs.....that's when I realized my altar is as changable as I am!
The one thing I recommend is putting your altar in a visible location for you, so that you'll see it frequently and remember it's there. I first put my altar in the spare bedroom because it's a quite, generally unused room that I could have my privacy in. It's the generally unused part that had the biggest effect. Because we rarely used the room, I in turn rarely used my altar! So I set it up in my bedroom. Now, I may not use it as much as I was first expecting to...but it's a nice reminder, and set up in a good place where I see it frequently, and can use it as needed.
Also, I don't use my altar for spell-casting, but more for meditation, energy work/sending, and down time with my God, Goddess and Totems. Altars are great in thier flexiblity.
Now, about the "must-buy-but-never-will-use" pagan items. At first I tried doing the typical Wiccan set-up...then immediatley realized that I'm not going to be using a wand, athame, or any of the like, so I just didn't bother with them. For me my altar has helped me figure out my beliefs in a physical association kind of way. Now, that may not work for you. I recommend taking it slowly, and maybe not even worrying about finding traditional set-up suggestions. Start one piece at a time--Where do you want your altar to be? what do you want your altar to be on? Then move to whether you want a covering or not...perhaps from there figure out what's important to you to symbolize and connect with on a regular basis...THEN think about use. don't be surprised if you figure out that an altar in not for you after all.
Just my thoughts and opinions,
Tree
Re: My alter
Date: 2004-08-01 11:40 am (UTC)I didn't know you had one of these :o) Thanks for your suggestions ... I think I might do that (at the very least it would keep me from having to dig my tarot cards out from under the couch - LOL). I will also need to think on it some more ... I keep thinking that if I start to decorate my stang, I will suddenly not need an altar anymore ... that is rarely how it goes for me, though.
Re: My alter
Date: 2004-08-02 02:18 am (UTC)Ya, I just got this earlier this month...so I'm still *very* new to LJ.
Anyways, why not just start with decorating your stang and take it from there. If nothing else, decorating your stang will give you time to ponder the beginings of what you're looking for in an altar.