Alter - to change something
Altar - a witches space
Altar - a witches space
What are Altars? - They are spaces where a witch stores their tools of the trades and do spellwork/divination readings/research etc. They can also pray here and put out offerings for spirits or deities.
What’s the difference between an Altar and Shrine? - From the dictionary: Shrine - a place regarded as holy because of its associations with a divinity or a sacred person or relic
Essentially, a shrine would be devoted it a deity, spirit, etc… where as an altar won’t typically be ((but it can be)).
Essentially, a shrine would be devoted it a deity, spirit, etc… where as an altar won’t typically be ((but it can be)).
Does my altar have to be for a deity or spirit? - No. It can be anything you want it to be, so if you don’t want it to be dedicated to deity or spirit is doesn’t have to be. It can be your work space only.
Who can have an altar? - Anyone. You can. Your cat can. Your neighbors. Anyone.
Do I have to have an altar? - No, you don’t have to have one. For some people they want it to be a part of their craft but for others they simply just don’t want one. Personally, I use mine as my main work space and as an aesthetic.
Does my Altar have to be symmetrical? - Nope. It can be as messy as you want it to be (but all within reason, don’t want any accidents now do we?).
Is it okay if my altar is a mess? - Yes! It’s completly okay but if you work with anything heated or with an open flame (i.e incense, candles, oil warmers etc..)please pratice fire safety and have either water or sand on hand incase something unintentionally catches fire.
What can be used an altar? -
Depends on your craft and the surface you’re keeping it on. Your altar is a tool and can be tailored to fit your craft. Here’s a small list of what can be put on an altar, mind you,you do not have to have any of this:
- Altar Cloth
- Cauldron
- Candles
- Crystals
- Incense
- Athame
- Grimoire/BOS/BOM
- Divination Tools
- Herbs
- Jars
- Bones
