Altars and Tools
Teacher: Fenrir Fenris
Teacher: Fenrir Fenris
In this class, I plan to help inform people on anything and almost everything there is to learn about altars and tools. I'm sure you are all quite familiar with some knowledge of these things but for those who aren't so informed, I ask that you take what I have put here and put it towards your knowledge. Don't take it word for word and say that this is the only way things can be! I wouldn't want that at all. This information has been gathered from books as well as from my knowledge of Wicca for the 14ish years I've been practicing.
Altar History
Some scholars think that the first altars were actually tombs of the dead where offerings were made to a defied ancstor. Others believe that the idea of the altar came from the Pagan belief that the newly deceased were gathered on the borders to fhte sky, under the constellation called Ara, meaning "The Altar". Ara lies in the Milky way, south of Scorpius, and is well to the south of the celestial equator. The ancient Greeks visualized it as the altar on which the gods swore an oath of alligance before challenging the Titans for control of the universe. The word "altar" comes from a Latin word tha translates to "on high". We could put a variety of meanings into this terminology--from a physically high place, to a seat in the stars, to the more esoteric meaning of consecrating a sacred area that sits between the worlds of human and diety, enabling the human to work with diety on the diety's level from where the Witch physically stands. Ancient altars were often made of stone or, if constructed of wood, held some type of stone surface in the center. Many were carved or painted with symbols of animals or dieties. It was during the various Inquisitons that the Witch altar took on a more lurid, negative roll--in inappropriate and inaccurate representation of the Craft altar--that was reflected in many horror movies from the 1940's through the 70's, feeding the inaccurate, sensationalist information to the general public. During a few modern Craft ceremonies, a person's body may become the altar for a few moments to meld them with the elemental and divine energies so that in the future they may work more easily through space and time; however, sacrifices and rampant sexual excursions, as shown in the movies, are NOT part of Wiccan dogma.
Altar Design
For as many magickal people as there are in the world, there are an equal number of altar designs. A magickal altar is normally a flat surface that becomes the focus of spells, rituals, and daily devotionsal activities. The altar is a place of power; over time, it will collect all the positive energy that manifests while doing magickal work. An altar can be made out of any material, and quite a few magickal use the furniture they already have in their homes rather than buy or build a new altar (espically when they are first learning). Your altar can be the top of your bedroom dresser, a coffee table, or a night stand. A home entertainment center with compartments of various sizes and movable shelves is an excellent choice, as longs as you remember to watch burning candles. You need at least three feet of air space for any flame to the next shelf. If not, you can scorch the wood and set the furniture on fire. You may choose to use a portable altar instead, something that can be packed away when not in use, such as the top of a trunk, a flat board, or a pice of glagstone that you can push under your bed.
Please take time to read and reflect on this. If you have any other questions feel free to ask.
Altar Examples
Here are some examples of altars I found, which I like a lot. Some are fancy and some are simple. This is your space, it can be as big or as small as you want it. Don't go over on your budget just to make your altar look like a masterpiece. Put it together as you go. I've spent well over a year getting things for my altar, so don't worry too much. And I realize that many of you reading are kids (under 21) and still live with parents. If your parents don't approve about you practicing Wicca, but still want an altar, feel free to make it descret. You don't have to wall your room with pentacles, you can have small representations of the elements, like a collection of trinkets. Feathers, sea shells, candles, a pot of flowers, etc.
Altar 1
Altar 2
Altar 3
Here are some ideas of free standing altars. Wall altars and "hidden" altars will be up shortly.
Note: Please excuse any typos, I'm a bad typer and I did not major in english! Feel free to ask questions or put up your insight on the topic.
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