Praying at Home (or at Heart) - Part III
Altar Fundamentals 2: Basics // 12.03.2023
Art: Altar of an Unknown Pagan.
Of the many questions our Order receives, the most prevalent draw back to this central question: 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 3, we will continue on with the fundamentals of what is needed in the establishment of an altar – from types of offerings to the altar itself. If you have not read our previous entries in this series, you can go back and read Part 1 and Part 2.
Context
Altar - As we now know the basic composite objects present with the sacred space, we now will look to what one constructs their altar upon – the physical device itself. In order to establish the sacred space, the Pagan must utilise an area that exists in our Middangeard – that is, an actualised space to overlay with a home for the divine. In this, we see the clear parallel of our material world serving as the foundation for the presence of the divine within.
Altars can come in many shapes and sizes, but they must all adhere to the same basic principle: that it is holy and remains only for the holy. It is strictly discouraged to build your altar for dual purposes: sacred for your family’s evening prayers and a coffee table the next morning. The divine powers should expect (and deserve) a dedicated place to reciprocate gifts for blessings within the home as they deem fit - treat it with respect.
Offerings
The primary means of interaction wielded by the Pagan, the offering is of vital importance. Rooted in the ancient customs of Germanic gift-giving, it is one of the highest forms in which one may extend tribute to the Gods. A gift for a gift, as the saying goes, is the nature of the cycle we observe still. To his friend a man, a friend shall prove, and gifts with gifts requite (Hv. 42). Offer to them equitably, and they will do so in turn.
Below, we will detail some basic types of offerings suitable for your home practice. As with the component items of the altar in Part 2, we will expand on these in full detail later in our articles to come. For now, we will summarise the main three in summary – drink, foodstuff and devotionals.
Drink – Suitable drinks of all kinds can be given during ritual and are highly encouraged. Which we so choose is wholly dependent on the preference and palate of whomever we offer it to. A noble ancestor who was partial to single-malt whiskey would gladly accept such, whereas our mighty Redbeard is famously known for his love of ales. Even away from alcohol, a bowl of fresh spring water to nourish our Earth Mother can be given in earnest. None are above a good drink, intoxicating or not.
Foodstuff – Meats to breads, cakes to jams: food is our energy. As in drinks, so much of the right food to offer has its basis in preference and tradition. The traditional sacrifice, preparation, and consumption of horsemeat during the Yuleblot is of both; a violently blessed tradition and a very nourishing food for feasting. Conversely, Frige may be best offered home-made pastries to honour the Goddess of Mothers and Mother-Goddess.
Devotionals - Devotion without sacrifice is a sacrifice of devotion. In order for our practice, both at home and during Blot, to have meaning to those we offer it to, it must mean something for you and I. Ornate weapons, fine clothing, and great works of art of a rich man all find warm welcome in the Gods, as do the drawings and kind words of a pure-hearted child.
Better no prayer, than too big an offering, By thy getting measure thy gift; Better is none, than too big a sacrifice (Hv. 146). The lesson to heed is thus; make your devotional commensurate with your means.
Hail the Gods.