Praying at Home (or at Heart) - Part I
Terminology & Conduct 1 // 11.01.2023
Art: Praying Germanic by an unknown Roman sculptor, unknown date.
Of the many questions our Order receives, the most prevalent by far pertain to home practice. Whether it be how to construct ones altar, etiquette in properly conducting a devotional to even who to invoke, when and for what – all draw back to this central question of: how do I correctly pray at home?
In this series of articles, we will be going over all aspects of this subject – from terminology, concepts, a step-by-step guideline, choice of god-idols, Order guidance and more. In Part I, we will go over two basic terms and Order guidance on three basic concepts in prayer conduct.
Terminology
We will first begin with our definitions:
Home practice, also referred to as altar practice or shrine practice (OE wēofodsidu; “altar practice, shrine practice”), is the nomenclature for the performance of a devotional act at ones altar or shrine. Defined as much by location as its ritualistic nature, it is the primary method a Pagan may engage in prayer outside of the supervision of a Gothi. Traditionally the altar practice is performed by the house father (OE hūs- fæder; “house-father”) – literally the father of the house. Where none is present, it may be performed by the clan patriarch.
The altar or shrine (OE wēofod; “altar, shrine”) is a designated sacred space used for the sole purpose of this home practice. It is the most fundamental element of altar practice and is foundational to performing such. Without a sacred space, there can be no purification, consecration nor invocation – all likewise fundamental. The sacred space can be any shape or size; from a small corner shelf to an entire room dedicated for this purpose.
The Three R’s
Now we will lay out our recommendation for conduct in some key concepts. We have detailed them as the Three R’s for ease of memory.
Regularity - as Pagans, we should all be performing a home practice on a regular basis; and we mean that in the literal sense of the word! The strength of ones altar practice is much like any other equivocal act of virtue cultivation. A weightlifter who builds physicality in disciplined routine, shall reap greater reward than one who complete more sets - albeit in a sporadic and unordered manner. Conversely, the Pagan who performs devotional at their altar will find deeper insight in reflection if they maintain practice. In this, ordered quality is superior to chaotic quantity.
Ritualism - to understand how to perform home practice, you must first understand the importance of ritual. Just as regularity sets the foundation for how often you hold your practice, it is ritual that shapes how you conduct the practice itself. When building your tradition, it is certain your practice will certainly mature and change – this is to be invited! You must, however, be mindful innovation does not overtake the tradition that already works. Much as the tree is rooted firmly in the ground that does not shift each day, your spiritual action must be rooted in the same way.
Religiosity – conduct in the truest sense of the word. To kneel before your altar is to kneel in the presence of the Gods, wights and ancestors. A pious Pagan should take great care to act as a son to a father, a retainer to his lord – in reverence, respect and humility. Nature itself is the purest expression of natural hierarchy; we do well to remember we are of the divine, but not divine in and of itself.
There is more to come in time – we hope you are all enjoying your New Year.
Hail the Gods.