Beginner’s Guide: Altar Dos and Don’ts

Want to build an altar? Great! Here’s a primer what you should and shouldn’t do.

Before I begin, I wanted to make something clear: you do not need an altar to practice Magick. However, you do need a specified spiritual area. The people who say you need an altar are probably trying to sell you altar supplies. Sure, I have them in my stores, too. But, I want you to practice the way that suits your financial situation.

This is not a guide on how to “decorate” your altar. That is up to you. There may be a few things every altar needs, like candles, but that is not what this guide is. This is a general list of a few things you should know when making an altar.

And here are a few tips to get you there.

DO: Classify your Altar or Specified Spiritual Area as a Place for Witchcraft

Your space or your altar should be specified by you as a place for Magick. This is where you should perform all your spells and, if possible, your rituals*.

The more you practice in an area, the more energy you build up around it. This goes into the time of day, too, which I will get into below. You will create an energetic spot with your altar or spiritual area.

This will also create a connection in your brain to your spellcraft. For example, I do not have a television in my bedroom because I believe that room should be used for relaxation and sleep. Your brain is programmable, and when you only do one thing in one area, you will create a stronger connection to it.

*Some rituals may require you to go outdoors. In this case, leave the altar behind

DON’T: Use Your Altar or Area as an End Table

Your altar or spiritual area is for Magick. Period. Nothing else should happen there.

Do not eat your breakfast there. Do not drink your coffee there. And do not, for love of all things Magick, let others use it as an end table. This is your space, aligned with your energy.

When you live with others, it can be difficult, especially if they are not on a Magick path. Just be forward with them. That is the only solution. Tell them, “No, you may not use my altar as a spot to let your coffee cool off.”

And the earlier you let them know, the better.

DO: Try to Use Your Altar at the Same Time Every Day

This does not mean that you cannot have your daily session and then have to wait until tomorrow to do your next spell. Have a regular morning meditation session at your altar and then feel free to experiment with the rest of your day.

When you do this, you will fortify the energy at your altar. This is similar to only performing Magick here. When you create a routine of Magick, your spirit will grow used to your practice. Thus, the rest of you (mind and body) will follow.

When you build this habit, you will see that your Magick increases ten-fold.

DON’T: Let Your Altar or Area Get Cluttered

The environment you create is a direct translation of your inner mind. In other words, as above-so below.

When you have a cluttered altar, it is a reflection of your cluttered mind. This also works the other way. When your altar is cluttered, your mind will be cluttered. It is a positive feedback loop.

Keep it clean and only have items you need for your spell in your area or on your altar. When you are done, remove everything you’re finished with so you have a blank slate for next time.

DO: Actually Use It

When I first began my practice, my altar was basically a decorative table in my home. In other words, I didn’t use it for Magick. I used it to make myself think I was a Witch because I collected a few cool-looking artifacts.

An altar is an altar, and it should be treated as such. You practice here. You don’t have an altar in your extra bedroom and then do petition Magick at the kitchen table. This not only impedes your Magickal development, it causes energy to lessen at your altar and grow at your kitchen table.

Use your altar. It is not decoration.

DON’T: Move Your Altar

Believe me, I’m a big feng shui person, too. I like to move my living room around every few months. My bedroom, too. But, do not move your altar.

This will disrupt the energy you build at your altar. It is easy to see your altar as disconnected from the space it inhabits. It’s not. Wherever your altar is needs to stay there to keep its energy intact. Be sure you want your altar to stay in the place your choose before you begin using it.

Obviously, this is impossible at some times. We move, we renovate, etc. Sometimes you HAVE to move it. But, if you can avoid it, don’t.

Love + Blessings

Laci

If you would like to try working with spirits at your altar or spiritual area, you should look at my stores. I have everything you need to begin.

If you are practicing alone, I urge you to look into the Mysticmagicks Facebook Group. It is full of practicing witches and spirit keepers looking to help others.

And, if you enjoyed this post, I have a newsletter where I go more into Magickal practice. I also give weekly discounts for all of my stores to subscribers. You can subscribe by placing your email address into the box below.