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Course #1 Lesson #9 One of the most challenging, and fun, parts of the Craft is often times just finding a place to practice it. Some people have little choice but to use whatever space they may be able to find on that particular day. Other's are more fortunate and are able to create their own sacred space. Personally, I've had good success working in either format, and I do not believe that a physical part of your home that is used only for magickal workings is an absolute necessity in order to achieve success in your endeavors. Having said that, I do know first hand that the more I work within one area, the more comfortable I become and the more power there seems to be. Whether that is just a result of the familiarity of that space, or if indeed there is something to be said for the fact that the more power that is raised there, the more residual power is available later, I am not completely sure. So, while it's not absolutely necessary to erect a permanent physical alter, or set up a whole room full of your magickal tools, it certainly is a wonderful idea, and one that we will discuss in this chapter. Indoor Sacred Space
There are very few "rules" when choosing your sacred space. To summarize Silver, and through in a couple of my own ideas, here is a small list of things that I think should be considered when choosing your sacred space.1. You must feel comfortable in that space. If you don't, then all the working you do will probably not alter that. Personally, I don't think I'd be comfortable crawling into my closet to practice. I'm way too tall for that, and would be so cramped up it would be impossible for me to relax. So choose a place that you are comfortable just being there.
2. You must be able to ensure your privacy. There is nothing more annoying than really getting into your ritual, only to get interrupted by a noisy roommate or visitor. This interruption can be overcome, but personally I'd rather not deal with it. If you live in the same house with other people you will need to decide for yourself how to ensure your privacy. The solution may be as simple as having a talk with them and telling them about your need for privacy. Or you may need to consider performing your magickal workings after everyone else is asleep.
3. Remove all the possible distractions from the area you are working in. A ringing telephone, dripping faucet, humming computer, or what have you, can really mess up your focus and concentration, at least it does mine. Turn the phone and computer off, and fix that faucet!
4. Get yourself organized. Whether you use a permanent alter, or an alter in a box, make sure you know where your tools are, and have them with you when you start your rite. I used to have a small checklist of the things I'd need for that rite, and went down my list before casting the circle. This is not a foul proof method, but it worked pretty well.
In my opinion, from this point it's mostly about personal preference, and available space. If you can dedicate a room, or even a part of a room, for your sacred space, then the decorating and designing of that space is going to be a wonderfully exciting time. This is an area that you will spend a lot of time in, so its worth taking some time and spending a little money designing it. Silver has made several good suggestions for way to "spruce" up your space, so I will not rehash that. Just suffice it to say that you are only limited by the space you have and your own imagination.
Outdoor Sacred Space
I will never forget the first time I was involved in a full moon ritual outside. The night was cool, but not cold. There was a soft gentle breeze that seemed to be there to calm us all. And the moon... her rays seemed to be literally falling right on the space that we choose to work in. One member of our group (we weren't a Coven then) had some property back on the mountain that was very secluded. We had to walk in a ways, but it was wonderful. There was just something about being under the moon, the symbol of our Lady, that made that ritual one of the most memorable I've even taken part in. From that night on, any chance I get, I'd prefer to work outdoors. When my fiancé' and I get married we are moving into a house that is sitting on a piece of property that is perfect for us to build a wonderful outdoor sacred space. We started designing that before we even thought about wall colors and decorating schemes lol. Suffice it to say, I strongly recommend performing your rites outdoors whenever possible. I mean, think about it. You are surrounded by nature, the elements, and right smack dab under the Lady. What could be more perfect?
If you are going to take that step outdoors, there are a few tips I'd like to give you, that might save you some trouble. First, and this is especially important if you are practicing solitary, don't try and take your entire magickal collection with you! If you have to walk in to get to your space, you don't want to expend all your energy making trips to and from your car. Secondly, ask the Lord and Lady for direction as to what place to use. They will help you, if you ask them. Like I said, we found a spot where the moon rays just seemed to be screaming "over here". And lastly, make sure you will not be disturbed. Passing cars, hikers and bikers, and all sorts of things need to be taken into consideration. This is a time between you and the Divine, and personally I don't want any distractions. My mind wanders too easily, and the first sign of a headlight from a passing car and my focus can be shot!
The Altar
If you take nothing else from this section, be sure and remember this. There is no right or wrong way to design your altar. Many traditions have their own way of setting up an altar, but for now, this is your personal space and whatever feels right for you, go for it!
As Silver mentions, there are several purposes of an altar. It will help centralize your own personal power; serve as a work place; and honors your beliefs even when you aren't using it. And I have found that the practice of designing and working with the altar is a rite in and of itself. There is just something about being in that place, and that time, that is so magickal.
You will need to decide what type of altar you prefer to work with, and this may require working with a few types so that you can make an informed decision of what works best for you. The table altar needs to have enough surface area that you can use it to work comfortably, especially if you are making any kind of crafts or talismans on it. I have not used a wall altar before, but it seems to me that this would not be a good working altar, but would make a wonderful celebration altar. By that I mean that it could be decorated according to the seasons, or have things that are precious to you either from family memories or crafty reasons.
The items that you place on your altar will vary greatly from what I may place on mine. Again, keep in mind, this is a good thing. Your altar is your space, and you should treat it as such. Don't set anything on your altar just because Silver, or anyone else, says too. But, there are certain items that tend to be used on many altars, and we will discuss those here.
Altar cloth - This is nice, if for no other reason, than to kind of trick your mind into realizing that this is no longer the coffee table, but rather a magickal altar. You'll be amazed at how effective something this simple can be.
Working cloth - About the size of a placemat, and not overly expensive. As Silver mentions it is going to get "stuff" on it while you are practicing, so I wouldn't recommend using a family heirloom or anything for this.
Candles/holders - Make sure your holders are sturdy and won't easily tip over. Again, keeping a fire extinguisher or bucket of water handy is a good idea. What color candles you use is a matter of personal preference, and we will discuss their correspondences later on...
Deity Item - This could be something as simple as a gold and silver candle, an picture, statue, whatever you like. I do think it's important to have something depicting the God/dess, since after all, they are rather important in our religion lol.
Other items that you may place on your altar include incense, holy water, cup or chalice, pentacle, corner candles, bell, cakes and drink for the simple feast, tools, stones, herbs, the list goes on and on.
Writing Assignment
Looking at your own situation, decide whether you are going to be able to practice indoors our outside. Start mentally designing your sacred space. Where will it be, how do you want to decorate it, will it be permanent or portable, etc. Now, work on the exercise Silver gives us on page 83. Answer those questions and begin designing your altar. Remember, this does not have to be a really costly project, and items that have personal meaning are much more effective that something you could purchase at the store.
Lesson Nine Quiz
1. List 3 things to keep in mind, according to Silver and Sundancer, when choosing your sacred space.
2. T/F There is no right or wrong way to design your altar.
3. List 3 things that you plan to put on your altar.
4. T/F A altar that is portable will not be as effective as a permanent one.
5. T/F I have completed the writing assignments for Lesson Nine.
Lesson Nine Quiz Answers
1. a) must be comfortable. b) ensure privacy c) remove distractions d) get organized
2. True
3. Any list is right, as long as you have put thought into it!
4. FALSE!! I know many people who prefer to work with a portable altar, because this allows them to change where they work from time to time. There is sacred space all around us!
5. T?
Continue on to Lesson Ten
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