How to Set Up Shrines/Altars for Spirit Work

Everyone has their own way of doing things when it comes to spirit work. This is my method and a few of my tips, but feel free to take it all with a grain of salt. Hopefully this will inspire you to make your own altar or shrine!

Shrines

A shrine is a particular space made to honor a spirit or deity. I am focusing on the spirit shrine, because every religion does things a bit differently depending on their deities, and I can’t speak for them. This is a super loose construct, and you can really personalize this based on your spirit companion’s wants and needs.

To make a shrine, all you need to do is have a vessel of some sort, if the spirit has one, and a plate, bowl, or cup to give offerings at. Other than that, pretty much anything can go on it. Obviously, things like garbage, or your keys/phone don’t really belong on a shrine. Keep this space as neat and ‘sacred’ (for lack of a better term) for the spirit as possible. Respect their space basically. Here are a few ideas for different types of shrines (feel free to mix these ideas together, ex: put crystals or other energy bringing things in an ancestral shrine if it is fitting, etc):

Specific things that can go on a shrine for Non-Human entities include:

Crystals
Blessed water
Vessel of the Spirit
Charged objects
Imagery of the spirit
Things related to the spirit (ex: sea shells for water spirits)
Bones (particularly good for death spirits, or for the animal owner of the bone. Always ask the bone’s inhabitant if it is okay to use it)
Trinkets you think they would like
Candles
Flowers/herbs/plants
Photographs you think they would enjoy
Poems and written pieces you find or create

Specific things that can go on a shrine for ancestors include:

Images of them
Objects they owned
Things they liked (ex: certain perfumes, makeup, etc)
Objects from their era
Their ashes/urn if you have it
Their hair (some people collect hair of their loved ones when they pass. Always ask before they die if this is okay)
Images of their headstone if they have one
Poems, pamphlets, and prayers from their funeral/wake/visitation
Candles
Historical information about them
Newspaper articles from their era

Honestly, if the spirit and you decide it is a good fit, go with it. Be considerate, though, and don’t take things that don’t belong to you from the woods if you haven’t asked and it isn’t legal to possess.

Other than that, some other general ideas include:

Altar cloths
Decor that fits
Your tools for spirit work

Basically, that’s my short and easy guide.

Altars

Altars, places where you work, are very personal and I honestly can’t tell you what you need to put on there. Because everyone’s practice is different and we all have different needs. These are some things I would keep on mine, depending on my needs for that particular time.

Candles
Bones, feathers, sea shells, and stones (basically, things that could connect me to the owner of the object. Sea shells and stones are more representative of bones of a different kind, but I enjoy having them nonetheless. These are not really permanent additions for me, more like things I can get out when I need them. I don’t currently have any bones, but those are something I could keep out more often)
Scrying Mirror
Pendulum
Spirit Vessels
Wand
Crystals for Spirit Communication
Herbs or Oils for Spirit Communication (mint is very important to my practice and so is lavender. Those are a part of my everyday altar setup)
Offering plates (I keep my shrines within my altar)
Roses or flowers as an offering to the forgotten dead

Those are my ideas! If you have any more, feel free to include them in your reblog!

GIF by modernwitchesdaily

#ref #spirit work #altar

stormyalexander

Altar Update

#v #altar #witch altar #witchblr #witch blog #spring altar

stormyalexander

🕯Black Cat at the Altar🕯

#v #witch #witchy #altar #witchblr

stormyalexander

I believe this is my first time posting a photo of my altar. It’s definitely a work in progress, but I’m proud of it nonetheless. It’s decorated for the autumn season. I work at a nature center, so I was able to collect some California buckwheat and fallen oak leaves from around the property.

#witchcraft #witchblr #altar #witch altar #witch #witch things #v

stormyalexander reblogged

thatgayguywitch

Altar Ideas ☀️

Some simple ideas…

pentacles made from sticks
drape beads over things
tarot cards surrounded by crystals with similar associations
bundles of herbs/flowers
crystal corner
a tapestry
candle inside a circle of crystals
crystals & rocks surrounding chalice
surround candles with crystals corresponding with intentions
mini statues of deity/things associated with them
prayer candles - image of deity on candle
little bowls of offerings

#altar #ref

stormyalexander reblogged

chubmackerel-deactivated2021030

Altar Ideas ☀️

Some simple ideas…

pentacles made from sticks
drape beads over things
tarot cards surrounded by crystals with similar associations
bundles of herbs/flowers
crystal corner
a tapestry
candle inside a circle of crystals
crystals & rocks surrounding chalice
surround candles with crystals corresponding with intentions
mini statues of deity/things associated with them
prayer candles - image of deity on candle
little bowls of offerings

#altar

stormyalexander reblogged

january-witch

shroud-of-roses

Witchy Items for Your Altar

I share a very small room with my sister, and obviously don’t have much room for an altar. I use most of my space for my Hellenic shrines and altar. I keep my witchy stuff on my shared bedside table. Here is what I use, and how I store/display it. This is element based, but you can use it however you like.

North (Earth)

Small Himalayan Rock Salt Lamp - This is a tool I use all the time. It detoxifies my room, and cleanses the space. I feel so much more at ease with it on, like it’s washing everything away!
Crystals - You might want to move these or switch them out depending on what spell you’re doing, as all energy contributes to the working, but while you’re in your room, or even while you’re away, you can leave these here to represent Earth.
Salt - Little packets of salt work, or you can place a bowl with some salt in it on your altar. I use my rock salt lamp.
Dirt - A literal baby jar of dirt works, or you can put a plant on your altar if it’s by a window. I have a succulent!
Earth Imagery - A mini globe would be pretty cool! Or even a little eraser or what not. Having an actual picture of the Earth would be amazing, especially if the clouds were visible, and maybe if it had the sun in the background. Then it could be all encompassing of the elements.
Herbs, Flowers, Plants, etc - As with the crystals, you may want to change these out or put them away during spells, or switch them out. However, they would look really cool as you went with the seasons!
Fossils - I think fossils are awesome Earth representations. They have been in the ground for a very long time! I used to have some really cool fossils I used to represent Earth on my altar.
Tree Slice - Have you ever seen those little wooden slices that come from a tree stump? The ones that definitely had huge roots? Those would be perfect to represent Earth!

South (Fire)

Birthday Candles/Tea Lights - You can colour code! These are great for short workings, or even to call the elements. To make these stand up, place them in a bit of clay and let it harden.
Matches - Double whammy here- light your candles and have a representation!
Ash - I used to have volcanic ash, which was perfect. It got spilled, but for the while that I had it, it was awesome. Collect ash from incense, a fire, etc, and use it (just wait for it to cool!!!)
Charcoal - I always thought charcoal looked kinda witchy. I think a dish of it would make a good rep.
Charred Wood - If you have a bonfire, or just so happen to light a piece of wood on fire, you could let it cool and use it for your altar.
Lamp - If you have a secret altar, a little lamp could be an inconspicuous representation for fire, as it does produce light and heat.
Lantern - You can buy super cute mini lanterns at the Dollar Store. I love them, but haven’t gotten one yet. I think they would be fun to use for Fire.

West (Water)

Glass of Water - You can use whatever type of water you’d like; moon water, rose water, purified water, gem elixir; take your pick! Just make sure it doesn’t get moldy and stay moldy. Change it out each day/week.
Sea Shells - You can get these in super small sizes! Or, you can get them big and bulky.
Sea Glass - These little stone-like fragments are so pretty! They look just like crystals, and can be found on the beach or in the store!
Sea Salt - Sea Salt could work to represent Water, especially if you pour it into a seashell or add in sea glass to it. It could be like a little potpourri of water related objects!
Rain Cloud - You can create clouds out of things like stuffing for toys, cotton balls, and sometimes led lights. It could be a fun project, or you can buy one of them off of etsy.
Mermaid Image - I have a mermaid book mark made of metal, and it sits with my other water-related objects. I feel like it adds that feel of majesty to my water representation.
Drift Wood - This is so pretty! The pieces are smooth, have a fun shape, and definitely capture the essence of water!
Sand - If you go to a beach, collect some sand, and place it somewhere on your altar! Be sure to put it in a bowl, though, because it is hard to clean up.
Sea Weed - You can hang this somewhere, or put it directly on your altar. Either way, it looks great.
Coral - If you find some coral, you can place it on your altar. It looks so neat!
Starfishes/Sand Dollars/etc. - These are a little harder to find on the beach, but if you do, place them on your altar.

East (Air)

Wind Chimes - These add a little decoration to your altar, as well as give you an air representaiton. You can even listen for the tinkling of bells to see if any fae are around!
Bells - If you ring a bell, it disperses stagnant energy, and helps to cleanse a space. Having one on your altar is a great way to keep it fresh!
Feathers - This is a pretty obvious one, an oldie but a goodie. If you have some feathers, you can use them, but make sure there are no laws against collecting them in your area. Alternatively, you can use fake ones from a craft store.
Empty Glass or Bottle - Air is all around us. Use that to your advantage!
Dandelion Puff - This is what I immediately think of when I picture the wind. You can collect some puffs and put them in a glass.
Bird’s Nest (fake) - You can buy or make a fake bird’s nest. They look pretty real, and have this awesome rustic naturey vibe to them!
Leaves - They were once high in the sky! Collect them during the fal season or after a storm.
Incense - Another well-known one. You can burn this and use the smoke.
Tornado Making Jar - You know those little jars that you can shake up, and they make a tornado? Those would be a fun water-air duo!

Other:

Small Jewelry Box - This can store crystals, herbs, essential oils, etc. I use to use mine to cleanse my crystals becuase it played music!
Multi Colour Light-Up Candle - I found mine at Five Below! It lights up in tons of different colours, but is pretty large. However, it takes up a lot less room than a bunch of different coloured candles.
Your Wand - Having your wand on your altar makes it a sacred, special tool. It will be charged by the witchy items you have there, and will feel natural inn the environment.
A Mini Besom or Real Besom (Broom) - I use a paintbrush as a mini besom, as I can’t have real one. However, it would be nice if I did, and I’d keep it near my altar!
Your Grimoire/Spellbook/BOS/etc - If you aren’t hiding it, you could keep it on your altar!
A Fire-Safe Dish or Cauldron - If you water scry, burn things, or just like to include your cauldron in your spells, you can keep it on your altar.
Incense Tray - Incense can’t be burned without somewhere to place it. Keep your incense holder handy!
Altar Cloth - This ties everything together! It can be switched out for sabbats/festivals/seasons/spells.
Chalice - I’m not Wiccan, but I use the chalice in my workings every once in a while, usually for water-related magic. You can get these beautiful metal ones at antique stores, or regular old wine glasses at the dollar store!
Mortar and Pestle - For practical use and an awesome vibe! You can keep this near your herbs.
Coloured/Enchanted Salts - They display beautifully,and are really good to have on hand.
Spirit Vessels - These can go in their own little corner if you like. They could also be the center of your altar, especially if you work mainly with spirits.
Tarot/Other Cartomancy Cards - Find a nook for your cards to be kept safe and clean. They will be charged by the other objects all around it, which makes it an awesome idea to have on your altar.
Scrying Mirror - Make this the main attraction, or perhaps just a piece of the puzzle. If you have an ornate mirror, it could be a very drawing part of your altar!
Crystal Ball - Like the scrying mirror, it could be a background piece or the focal point.
Runes - If you cast runes, you can keep your bag or box of them on or near your altar.
Other Divination Tools - You cans store these, or just la them throughout your altar. Whatever you choose, having your tools close by will be awesome!
Twig Shapes - You can make sigils out of twigs and hot glue! Add a ribbon or piece of twin in the shape of a loop, and you can hang them above your altar as decoration and as a little energy booster!
Circle (Embroidery Hoop) - I know most people use salt to cast circles, but I actually use an embroidery hoop. I cast one around myself, and one around the items I am working with (ex: what’s in the hoop).
Knife - If you use a ritual or practical knife in your workings, it’s good to have on hand. I can’t have one, but I like my wand better anyway, personally.
Fae Garden - You’ll have to have plenty of sunlight near your altar for this one, but it will definitely be fun to have some Fae living on your altar!
Spell Supplies - Random bits and bobs, like egshells and ribbons, can be kept on your altar as well.

#altar #ref #i feel like i reblogged this before but idk

stormyalexander reblogged

january-witch

in-her-broomcloset

Secular Altar Themes

Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn
Weather: rain, snow, fog, etc.
Biome: aquatic, forest, desert, grassland, tundra
Element: Earth, Air, Fire, Water
Celestial: Moon, Sun, stars, planets, etc.
Divination: display your methods of divination. If you work with Tarot/Oracle, highlight a certain card and its meanings
Healing: display whatever tools you use for your healing methods
Animal Focus
Color Focus
Crystal Focus
Material Focus: all wood materials, all copper, all glass, all porcelain, etc. Kitchen Witches can even have a whole tea set on their altar to Craft with
Witch Type: if you identify as a specific type of witch, you can coordinate your altar to that. See here for inspiration
Spell Type: love, wealth, prosperity, luck, growth, strength, protection, etc.
Aesthetic: whatever you like, Pinterest has inspiration for you
None: no strong theme at all! Just all your materials in one place with a cleared Craft space

#altar #ref

stormyalexander reblogged

tinymagic-deactivated20190407

magickthyst

things to have on a NON wiccan altar 🌸✨🌊🕯🍇🌿

i personally find a lot of info floating around about WICCAN altars. as i know many of you aren’t wiccan, i myself am not either, i thought i’d compile a list of possible things to put on a witches altar! i hope you enjoy my lovelies 💘

✨ signs of the sabbats, if you celebrate! this is my absolute favorite way to incorporate decor into my altar. here’s a lil list of some ideas to inspire you lovelies

yule - mistletoe, pine needles, symbols for the sun, pine cones, red + green + white + yellow candles.

imbolc - flowers, a brigids cross, yellow + green candles to represent the sun and return of spring.

ostara - fake eggs, flowers, representations of wildlife as they return after hibernation, potted plants, various seeds you plan on planting, pastel colored candles.

beltane - lots of greens, succulents, plants, acorns, seeds, pastel flowers + ribbons, yellow + pink + baby blue candles.

litha - flowers, fruits n veggies, items that represent the sun, yellow + gold + orange candles.

lughnasadh- harvested flowers and herbs from your garden(s), leaves, fruits, vegetables and gourds, candles ranging from green to yellow + orange + brown.

mabon - gourds + pumpkins, apple/apple seeds, signs of the harvest, leaves, pine cones, red + orange + yellow + brown candles.

samhain - pictures of your ancestors, tools for divination, gourds + pumpkins, black + white + orange candles.

✨ candles!! these are honestly my favorite things to have around. i personally celebrate the sabbats and use various colored candles to represent the changing seasons or to have an overall theme of my altar! here’s my personal list of color correspondents you could use.

✨ incense! i LOVE swapping out scents for the seasons to really put me in the mood.

✨ an offering bowl! for those of you who connect deities to your practice, offer to the fae, etc i love to have one placed on my altar!

✨ various methods of divination! i personally prefer to keep everything i use on my altar to let it be surrounded by positive energy at all times.

✨ your book of shadows/grimoire if you have one! going along with why i keep my divination tools at my altar, i prefer to keep my bos there as well.

✨ CRYSTALS!! i adore crystals and swap them out as i need + want to feel specific energies. here’s a list of crystal correspondences so you can personalize your altar + space!

✨ a pentacle! as a witch i view them as a sign of protection and like to have one on my altar at all times. you could draw one up or even make one yourself! i created my own from sticks i found in my backyard.

✨ represent a part of nature you feel connected with! show that on your altar!! seashells and such from your local beach if you feel connected to the ocean, various representations of the elements if you feel connected to them, etc. this is a lovely way to create an overall theme for it if that’s something you’d like to do!

✨ forms of cleansing! a bowl of salt, a sage stick, palo santo, etc.

✨ items you use for spell work! i have a jar of snow water and full moon water i collected that i leave on my altar as i use it, and continue to filter out as i collect new things!

✨ a cauldron! whether you create ingestible spells or burn herbs, it’s a lovely tool to have on hand and at your altar if you’d personally like to work with one!

✨ various pieces of art, personal drawings, garland etc to hang around the space of your altar! i have a lot of wall space surrounding it and loveee to use floral garland, paintings of flowers n herbs, decor that reminds me of my craft, etc to create a sacred space for myself.

i hope you enjoy and found this helpful my lovelies!! i would LOVE to see and hear about your personal altar space so please always feel free to send me an ask or message! 💘

#altar