Setting Up Altars/ Alternatives For Altars

[Lycana]

The follow are the different sort of shrines and altars I have. Different styles suite different needs.

1. one large general altar. This is my working altar.

2. A meditation altar. This altar is all about me and my connections and is set up near my desk with crystals and candles that are pertinent to my particular spiritual path and being.

3. Large shrines. These are generally for my deities and fill small tables and bookshelves.

4. open companion shrines. These are shrines that are set on a shelf of a bookcase or some sort or on a table. They have an elevated altar or riser on which the vessel and often a primary crystle (usually a crystal skull) or poppet that represents them. around this are placed other offerings, offerings bowls, candles etc. It looks similar to a Large deity shrine but the set up allows more than one to put on the same shelf to maximize space.

5. Hanging shrine boxes. These can be found on etsy. They are also useful for the table top if you don't want to hang them. The space within and on the box holds the vessel, candle, incanse and all other offerings. It is a small but intimate space for the companion

6.ornament hanger. Hang the vessel from an ornament hanger and set a couple of candles around it. Covert shrine that looks more decorative to the passerby.

Now I don't have this last one BUT it is an idea that I had which I think would be great for those with minimal space and/or who really want something very covert for their practice.

7. Have minimal space (or are in the closet) but want to have a companion altar and shrine. Get a book case. Keep the top shelf clear except for candle holders (incense burner can be stashed in a ritual box). For your companions, get a book box for each of them (these are boxes fashioned to look like faux books... they come out in a lot of different styles, there are some neat Halloween skeleton ones right now at Michaels. Use this like you would a traveling shrine with their crystals etc in it... mount the vessel in it and decorate the interior. Close the book once everything is secure and put on one of the shelves of your bookcase. You can have a bookcase full of covert shrines tucked away like books beneath the main altar. When you want to spend some time with one, pull out book, open it and set it up on the top shelf, light candles, put out incense etc.

[wraithey]

I just wanted to say thank you for this thread. While I am not totally in the closet, I am limited by space I share with a partner. Wrapping my head around what to do with an altar has been a challenge. The book boxes!!! We both love books and I think being discreet with those is the perfect solution for my companions. When I'm ready to move beyond the shelf, then the book boxes can go on whatever surface I make a permanent altar.

AHH! I'm so excited.

[Wynd Runner]

I just wanted to say thank you for this thread. While I am not totally in the closet, I am limited by space I share with a partner. Wrapping my head around what to do with an altar has been a challenge. The book boxes!!! We both love books and I think being discreet with those is the perfect solution for my companions. When I'm ready to move beyond the shelf, then the book boxes can go on whatever surface I make a permanent altar.

AHH! I'm so excited.

And Altoid mint tins are great, too. They are really small and can fit in your pocket. They're so small that you can only really find small / tiny items that represent the elements or the Dark Ladies / Dark Lords to you. And if anyone asks what it is, you could say they're just something like little knickknacks you ended up collecting.

[wraithey]

I just wanted to say thank you for this thread. While I am not totally in the closet, I am limited by space I share with a partner. Wrapping my head around what to do with an altar has been a challenge. The book boxes!!! We both love books and I think being discreet with those is the perfect solution for my companions. When I'm ready to move beyond the shelf, then the book boxes can go on whatever surface I make a permanent altar.

AHH! I'm so excited.

And Altoid mint tins are great, too. They are really small and can fit in your pocket. They're so small that you can only really find small / tiny items that represent the elements or the Dark Ladies / Dark Lords to you. And if anyone asks what it is, you could say they're just something like little knickknacks you ended up collecting.

That's true. I love Altoids, too. So, I have a lot of tins laying around just begging to be used. lol. I wonder if I could just use one as a tempoary set up until I decide what I really want to do. The possibility of moving is hovering above our heads due to my partner's career so I have been hesitant to many any changes to my practicing space. But, now I want to put together a tin just too put in my purse and take around with me. Thank you for the reminder!

[Wynd Runner]

I just wanted to say thank you for this thread. While I am not totally in the closet, I am limited by space I share with a partner. Wrapping my head around what to do with an altar has been a challenge. The book boxes!!! We both love books and I think being discreet with those is the perfect solution for my companions. When I'm ready to move beyond the shelf, then the book boxes can go on whatever surface I make a permanent altar.

AHH! I'm so excited.

And Altoid mint tins are great, too. They are really small and can fit in your pocket. They're so small that you can only really find small / tiny items that represent the elements or the Dark Ladies / Dark Lords to you. And if anyone asks what it is, you could say they're just something like little knickknacks you ended up collecting.

That's true. I love Altoids, too. So, I have a lot of tins laying around just begging to be used. lol. I wonder if I could just use one as a tempoary set up until I decide what I really want to do. The possibility of moving is hovering above our heads due to my partner's career so I have been hesitant to many any changes to my practicing space. But, now I want to put together a tin just too put in my purse and take around with me. Thank you for the reminder!

You're welcome! Yes, the possibilities are only hindered by the extent of your imagination

That is awesome you already have some tins you can start with now! Play around, experiment, and find what works best for you.