Today I was asked a question about Personal Altars and Sacred Space which prompted me to think of my early days when starting my journey, and striking memories of my own first Altar.. now 30 some odd years ago.. lol yes I am dating myself here aren't I!
One of the most exciting times I do recall, the setting of my first Altar to which I could call my own.
With in my home there was always a Scared Space established, but almost all of the "work" took place upon the Kitchen Table when needed. No fancy tools, just some good candle flame and items needed to complete the task.
Today I look around The Raven House, my personal home and see that boy times have changed! I now have an Altar set up in just about every room and have a beautiful large Apothecary chamber that has not one but several different Altars for different purposes. With in The Enchanted Witchery candle design studio there are five different Altars positioned for each stage of candle making so as the process goes along my work is being blessed my these Scared Areas. With in the gardens of Enchanted Witchery a lovely Sacred Circle has been dedicated to the workings of the Goddess and is a true sanctuary of magickal wonderment... so very much has changed through out the years.
Yet as it should be.
As you begin your magickal path you start out with ideas and beliefs of what your Altar should entail.
It's design and layout and the tools to which are placed upon it, but as we grown and travel the path we change and so does the space to which we work our Magic.
Things that we once held dear are no longer a part of us and so we change them. We add new and remove those which no longer serve.
I personally have items still from my early days to which I will never part with, but yet others that have since been gifted to many of my students as well as friends and Coven members.. they all seem to find the New Home to which they belong when the timing is correct.
As you travel through your life's journey I suspect you will too experience the changing and gifting..
it is the natural way of growth.
When designing an Altar or Scared Space there is a lot to consider.
Will it be a small area, large area, with in an existing room or a room dedicated as a personal sanctuary?
Once this has been determined the design begins.
What is the over all feeling of the area to which you wish to create? Old World Charm with a mix of Antiques? Or perhaps a very modern clean look.
This choice is so very personal and there is no right or wrong approach to it. Your Altar or Sacred Space must make you feel magickal when you are with in it. The energy should have a strong vibration and empower you when you work, meditate or craft.
Selecting the right elements to go with in this area can lead you in many different directions.
if it is Old World Charm you are creating then the perfect divine place to start is at a high end Antique shop.. but for most of us there is the key element of finances. Not everyone has the ability to just walk into a shop and spend a few thousand to set up a Scared Space and quite frankly it is not always the way it should be done.
As you evolve and your Altar evolves the seek and discover is one of the most enlightening aspects of it all.
You may seek the items you long for by visiting Flea Markets, Yard / Garage Sales or even look with in the storage areas of your own home to rediscover pieces that can be made a new. A coat of paint or stain a special cloth or covering can make any acquired piece new and alive once again.
If you are lucky enough to have a room that has been dedicated to your Sacred Space then the first step is to decide on the color. Soft and Serene, Bold and Bright or Deep and Mysterious.
Select the best color that suits you and give it a new coat of paint. Or maybe cover the walls or just one wall in a wallpaper design of choice. You can also do wonders with fabric on the walls as well.
Many local craft shops and fabric stores have a section where you can by fabric in bulk at a discounted price. Covering a Wall or Walls in a fabric also allows you to change it as often as you like, much like paint but with out the hard work involved in changing a paint color.
Next start your search for the larger pieces. If it is just an Altar on its own that you are setting up then you will need a sturdy table or flat surface to design it upon. Your Search Begins.
If working with a full room then you can add to the seeking cabinets, book shelves, stands and chests to the search for placement in the area.
Select them for need and design. Will it hold Herbs, Oils & Potion Bottles? Books? Candles and Supplies... Once you decide what items it will hold the search is now made easier...
I will advise you though there are times when a piece will discover you.
I have set out many times to find a cabinet and come home with a new table.. you see it and know you just must have it. You will always find a place for pieces like this.
Once you have select a few pieces for your space it is time to set things up. Please do remember all does not have to be acquired with in one day of shopping.. this process can take years to fore fill.
However the process starts with a few pieces.
If you have discover them with in your own home then determine if you like them in the condition they are in or do they need to be reinvented. If so stay with in your select theme of your space and restore, paint or cover the pieces you are working with.
You will also find that taking a walk in the woods will uncover many things that can be added to your Altar or Sacred Space / Room.
I have one area in my home which is an indoor garden room.. with in this area there are vines that are growing about and many upon the actual ceiling of the space. A bright sun filled room that allows me to bring the gardens indoors in the cold dark of winter and enjoy the splendor year round.
By harvesting some grapevines you to can create this look by applying they securely to the ceiling of your room for a very enchanting effect.
Hanging crystals from them enhances the effect and brings in powerful energies as well.
Being effected by candles in my life in all aspects these play a very important role in the decor of the Altar and Scared Spaces with in my home. I am very much an Antique lover and seek the Old World Charm look and feel through out.
Finding holders and wall scones for your candles is a fun process and creating them also fun and easy to do. Old Mason Jars strung from wires and attached to the ceiling make for inexpensive candle holders with vintage effects. Simple fill the jar with some sand and place a votive or tea light candle in them, cluster them in groups and you will have a natural chandelier of light.
Comb the Flea Markets and stop at area Yard Sales to also find old wrought iron and vintage looking candle holders.. sometimes they may not have actually been made to be such but if you use a little imagination you can redesign their use.
Silver tone and Silver plated serving dishes are wonderful for this use. The shimmer and sparkle from the candles to which thay hold make for a very warm feeling.
I could write about this all day! But for today I will conculde with what I have left you here.. in the days ahead I will continue with you on this journey to seek and design your Scared Space..
I do hope you will join me ...
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Simple Vintage Canning Jars Strung from Heavy Gage Wire
For an Old Fashion Candle Chandelier
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Natural Elements of the Earth create a feeling of Nature Within
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