Post by bluefedish on Mar 29, 2008 1:38:00 GMT -5
Is the place you choose for working or simply communing must be a space devoid of fear. This is extremely important for the solitary Witch, because you don't have anyone, save yourself, to rely on when odd things begin to happen.
A sacred space or place is not just an area in which to erect an altar and perform rituals, or simply commune with the Universe. It is a power center either of your own making, or made by the forces of the Universe, or by a drastic event in human consciousness (such as a battleground). It's a place to respect as well as a place to be respected in - whether it be a work area or a meditation sanctuary. To work in the no-limit world of the Craft you must accept that anything can happen. If you have properly prepared yourself to operate in this environment, then the experiences and lessons will reach to infinity.
Physical Space
There are 2 types of physical sanctuaries - inside an enclosed area (house), or outside in the world of nature. A basic prerequisite for either place is privacy. Interruptions cause failure because you will simply not be able to focus as you should. Your attention and the direction of it is vital for your success in any magickal, ritualistic or meditative endeavor.
If you share living space with another adult, now is the time to discuss your need for privacy if you think a problem may arise in the future. There is nothing more frustrating than to attempt to perform a magickal function and have someone interrupt you because they think it's "cute" or "funny".
Solitaries who share living space with non-Craft adults in the home may find themselves in the midst of severe arguments when defending their rights to sacred space and the protection of the items therein.
The detail of your explanation for both privacy and tools will determine the extent and plans of your area. It can mean the difference between a permanent place or a temporary one. The more entrenched you become in the Craft, the more determined you become in your right to practice it.
The Indoor Sanctuary
If you are living alone, setting up an indoor sacred space with physical items doesn't present much of a problem as you can shut the door to that room when company comes. The more you become integrated in the Craft, the less desire you'll have to keep everything locked away. A deep reverence for your faith and practices will emerge, along with a great deal of pride in what you have accomplished and believe in. This is a natural progression.
However, you will have to make some serious considerations now, when setting up your sacred space. You shouldn't discuss your entrance into the Craft with outsiders until you fully know and understand the belief system you have chosen.
A Witch needs a place to work and celebrate, therefore one of your first major magickal acts will be the design, physical set-up, cleansing and consecration of the area chosen. This space should be ready to use when you take your vows of dedication. Creating your sacred space becomes a symphony of planning and movement. Your positive energy melded with the energy of the Universe will create a melodious haven for yourself; and perhaps, in time, for others as well.
Designing the Sacred Space
For indoor work (or relaxation), you should pick a place in a non-active portion of your living area. Keep in mind that the space you choose should be large enough for you to move freely or lie down comfortably if you desire to do healing or vision questing. Keep in mind that your sacred area doesn't need to be built on a foundation of expensive accessories.
Once you've chosen the actual place, you should take some other design features into consideration. Shelving and storage for magickal tools, close proximity to the sacred space so that you aren't running around when an emergency arises. "Be Prepared" is a motto for witches.
Plants are a wonderful consideration for inside space. Place them on shelves or hang them from the ceiling.
An indoor or outdoor space can be concealed by a movable partition. You can purchase or make them, and they are great for small sites that you wish to remain permanent but desire to keep cloaked from non-magickal eyes.
Get out your notebook and begin the design of your own magickal space. List what room would be appropriate, any major structural changes you would like to make, shelving, storage, shades, lighting, etc; anything you would like to bring into form for the shell of the room. Don't worry if your space isn't perfect, your space will grow with you and change as you do.
A sacred place will carry the positive energy you generate there long after a working is over. If you invite the Universe to commune with you, even in the bathroom, vestiges of that union will remain. If done often enough, it could become just a physical as the items already therein.
Outdoor Spaces
If you prefer working outdoors, and climate permits, look for a place that is totally private. This is easier said than done, as neighbors can be real detriments to magickal workings. To conceal what you are doing, you can create a rock garden enclosed by trees, shrubs or fencing.
Keep in mind that an outdoor sanctuary requires several years of hard labor, both in the design and in the upkeep. Start small and expand a little each season. Not only must you do the required research for magickal properties of plants, bu you must also study the type of ground you have, what tools are necessary to care for the land, and what plants will prosper in your climate.
Temporary outside places are easier to handle. Take a walk to the nearest park or wooded area. There are always areas that are willing to shelter you as you commune with the Universe - you just have to ask them first!
The Heart of Power: The Altar
As you are unique in design, so should your alter be. There are several types of altars - among them are the table type, the wall altar, and the stang (or vertical altar). An altar serves 3 specific purposes:
1. It helps you centralize your personal power. Therefore, each item placed on it should have a specific purpose. Don't have anything there that isn't needed.
2. It can serve as a work table, like that of a master craftsman. As such, it should be large enough for comfortable crafting or tools, talismans, etc.
3. It enables you to honor the Universe and your beliefs, even when you're not physically present.
Altar Items
The tools on your altar, and placement thereof, change with the season, celebration, or need. You will collect and make several special tools and decorations over the years. Some things will become standard for each ritual. Other items will be discarded or given away.
Begin by choosing an altar cloth. It should be large enough to cover the entire top surface of the altar. The color and pattern are optional. For general workings, the choice should be a plain color such as black, blue or dark green. For seasonal celebrations and other rites, you can use a colored pattern that brings out the mood of the occasion.
On top of the altar cloth, you can have a working cloth (but is not necessary). This should be smaller, the size of a place mat, and it should be kept in mind that it will get soiled due to your various projects and rituals.
All candle holders should be large enough to catch any drips, and sturdy enough that they will not easily tip if the altar gets bumped. Candle skirts, which are little rings designed to catch drips, can also be used.
Most witches like to have a representation of a deity or deities on their altar, as well as a picture or statue of their power animal. Representations of the deity can be in the form of a statue, pictures, or even a specific colored candle or gem.
There should be room on the altar for an incense burner, holy water, cup or chalice and a pentacle. The pentacle is placed in the center of the altar space, or above if you are working on your mat.
The altar should also contain 2 objects, both the same design, one colored black and one white. This is to represent balance in all things - one to repel and one to draw.
Get out your notebook and write "My Altar" at the top of a fresh page. You should answer these questions:
1. What type of altar do you prefer? Will you make it, buy it, or use something you already have?
2. Where will you place your altar? Inside the house, outside, what room, which corner, etc.
3. What will you use for altar cloths?
4. What type of illumination will you work by?
5. What tools and representations of the deities would you like to put on your altar?
If you plan to make many of these things, begin by listing the supplies you think you will need.
Note: There is no need to make this an expensive endeavor. Go to local flea markets, yard sales, fabric outlets, etc. In the Craft, honor doesn't come by spending lots of money. Here, money doesn't bring power or acceptance.
The space itself, should be viewed with the utmost seriousness. It's purpose is both a healing and connecting one. No one should be allowed to enter this sacred space unless you are sure they will do so with respect. This is a place for positive thoughts, not negative ones.
Selected Source:
To Ride A Silver Brookstick - New Generation Witchcraft By: Silver RavenWolf
A sacred space or place is not just an area in which to erect an altar and perform rituals, or simply commune with the Universe. It is a power center either of your own making, or made by the forces of the Universe, or by a drastic event in human consciousness (such as a battleground). It's a place to respect as well as a place to be respected in - whether it be a work area or a meditation sanctuary. To work in the no-limit world of the Craft you must accept that anything can happen. If you have properly prepared yourself to operate in this environment, then the experiences and lessons will reach to infinity.
Physical Space
There are 2 types of physical sanctuaries - inside an enclosed area (house), or outside in the world of nature. A basic prerequisite for either place is privacy. Interruptions cause failure because you will simply not be able to focus as you should. Your attention and the direction of it is vital for your success in any magickal, ritualistic or meditative endeavor.
If you share living space with another adult, now is the time to discuss your need for privacy if you think a problem may arise in the future. There is nothing more frustrating than to attempt to perform a magickal function and have someone interrupt you because they think it's "cute" or "funny".
Solitaries who share living space with non-Craft adults in the home may find themselves in the midst of severe arguments when defending their rights to sacred space and the protection of the items therein.
The detail of your explanation for both privacy and tools will determine the extent and plans of your area. It can mean the difference between a permanent place or a temporary one. The more entrenched you become in the Craft, the more determined you become in your right to practice it.
The Indoor Sanctuary
If you are living alone, setting up an indoor sacred space with physical items doesn't present much of a problem as you can shut the door to that room when company comes. The more you become integrated in the Craft, the less desire you'll have to keep everything locked away. A deep reverence for your faith and practices will emerge, along with a great deal of pride in what you have accomplished and believe in. This is a natural progression.
However, you will have to make some serious considerations now, when setting up your sacred space. You shouldn't discuss your entrance into the Craft with outsiders until you fully know and understand the belief system you have chosen.
A Witch needs a place to work and celebrate, therefore one of your first major magickal acts will be the design, physical set-up, cleansing and consecration of the area chosen. This space should be ready to use when you take your vows of dedication. Creating your sacred space becomes a symphony of planning and movement. Your positive energy melded with the energy of the Universe will create a melodious haven for yourself; and perhaps, in time, for others as well.
Designing the Sacred Space
For indoor work (or relaxation), you should pick a place in a non-active portion of your living area. Keep in mind that the space you choose should be large enough for you to move freely or lie down comfortably if you desire to do healing or vision questing. Keep in mind that your sacred area doesn't need to be built on a foundation of expensive accessories.
Once you've chosen the actual place, you should take some other design features into consideration. Shelving and storage for magickal tools, close proximity to the sacred space so that you aren't running around when an emergency arises. "Be Prepared" is a motto for witches.
Plants are a wonderful consideration for inside space. Place them on shelves or hang them from the ceiling.
An indoor or outdoor space can be concealed by a movable partition. You can purchase or make them, and they are great for small sites that you wish to remain permanent but desire to keep cloaked from non-magickal eyes.
Get out your notebook and begin the design of your own magickal space. List what room would be appropriate, any major structural changes you would like to make, shelving, storage, shades, lighting, etc; anything you would like to bring into form for the shell of the room. Don't worry if your space isn't perfect, your space will grow with you and change as you do.
A sacred place will carry the positive energy you generate there long after a working is over. If you invite the Universe to commune with you, even in the bathroom, vestiges of that union will remain. If done often enough, it could become just a physical as the items already therein.
Outdoor Spaces
If you prefer working outdoors, and climate permits, look for a place that is totally private. This is easier said than done, as neighbors can be real detriments to magickal workings. To conceal what you are doing, you can create a rock garden enclosed by trees, shrubs or fencing.
Keep in mind that an outdoor sanctuary requires several years of hard labor, both in the design and in the upkeep. Start small and expand a little each season. Not only must you do the required research for magickal properties of plants, bu you must also study the type of ground you have, what tools are necessary to care for the land, and what plants will prosper in your climate.
Temporary outside places are easier to handle. Take a walk to the nearest park or wooded area. There are always areas that are willing to shelter you as you commune with the Universe - you just have to ask them first!
The Heart of Power: The Altar
As you are unique in design, so should your alter be. There are several types of altars - among them are the table type, the wall altar, and the stang (or vertical altar). An altar serves 3 specific purposes:
1. It helps you centralize your personal power. Therefore, each item placed on it should have a specific purpose. Don't have anything there that isn't needed.
2. It can serve as a work table, like that of a master craftsman. As such, it should be large enough for comfortable crafting or tools, talismans, etc.
3. It enables you to honor the Universe and your beliefs, even when you're not physically present.
Altar Items
The tools on your altar, and placement thereof, change with the season, celebration, or need. You will collect and make several special tools and decorations over the years. Some things will become standard for each ritual. Other items will be discarded or given away.
Begin by choosing an altar cloth. It should be large enough to cover the entire top surface of the altar. The color and pattern are optional. For general workings, the choice should be a plain color such as black, blue or dark green. For seasonal celebrations and other rites, you can use a colored pattern that brings out the mood of the occasion.
On top of the altar cloth, you can have a working cloth (but is not necessary). This should be smaller, the size of a place mat, and it should be kept in mind that it will get soiled due to your various projects and rituals.
All candle holders should be large enough to catch any drips, and sturdy enough that they will not easily tip if the altar gets bumped. Candle skirts, which are little rings designed to catch drips, can also be used.
Most witches like to have a representation of a deity or deities on their altar, as well as a picture or statue of their power animal. Representations of the deity can be in the form of a statue, pictures, or even a specific colored candle or gem.
There should be room on the altar for an incense burner, holy water, cup or chalice and a pentacle. The pentacle is placed in the center of the altar space, or above if you are working on your mat.
The altar should also contain 2 objects, both the same design, one colored black and one white. This is to represent balance in all things - one to repel and one to draw.
Get out your notebook and write "My Altar" at the top of a fresh page. You should answer these questions:
1. What type of altar do you prefer? Will you make it, buy it, or use something you already have?
2. Where will you place your altar? Inside the house, outside, what room, which corner, etc.
3. What will you use for altar cloths?
4. What type of illumination will you work by?
5. What tools and representations of the deities would you like to put on your altar?
If you plan to make many of these things, begin by listing the supplies you think you will need.
Note: There is no need to make this an expensive endeavor. Go to local flea markets, yard sales, fabric outlets, etc. In the Craft, honor doesn't come by spending lots of money. Here, money doesn't bring power or acceptance.
The space itself, should be viewed with the utmost seriousness. It's purpose is both a healing and connecting one. No one should be allowed to enter this sacred space unless you are sure they will do so with respect. This is a place for positive thoughts, not negative ones.
Selected Source:
To Ride A Silver Brookstick - New Generation Witchcraft By: Silver RavenWolf
