Praying at Home (or at Heart) - Part II
Altar Fundamentals 1: Basics // 27.01.2023
Art: Altar of an Unknown Pagan., unknown date.
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 2, we will go into more detail on the altar space and the fundamentals of what is needed in the establishment of such.
Context
A sacred space can not be without sacred things within – this is a principle that must be observed when considering the establishing of your altar for home worship. While there is no restriction to your adapting and developing of your home-altar to suit your family needs (quite the opposite; we actively encourage this!) there are fundamentals that must be adhered to.
We will cover each of these in turn, and explain the following: what they are, why we use them and the role they serve in our home practice. This will only be a summary, as each will get a standalone explanation later in our collection.
Sacred Space - The key part of the sacred space is just that - the sacred space. While not a “thing” in its own right (in the same way a hammer or a cup are a “thing”) we would be nonetheless remiss not to cover it. The sacred space is, simply put, the space that is deemed to be holy; to serve as the medium by which the Pagan directs their devotion and engages. It is both a part of the altar, and the entirety of the altar. Both the space atop the physical shrine, as well as the space around yourself during ritual.
The sacred space is both the reception and gateway for ancestors, wights and Gods. It is to welcome, engage with and present offerings – all within a space these powers can reside within. In the case of the Gods, their presence requires a god-idol.
God-idol (Weoh) - Due to the inordinate power the Gods possess, their presence requires a vessel to which they can inhabit. The God-idol (OE wēoh; idol) is place as the focus of one’s home-altar (provided it is a Pagan’s intention to interact with the Gods at their home-altar). There are various designs that are suitable for this purpose, with wood being the most commonplace material to construct one out of. One should also factor in the God or Goddess to which they are depicting in the idol; what observable features most reflects their nature? How do you visualise them?
Home-crafting idols is a devotional in and of itself, but it is also acceptable to procure them externally. There are many talented craftsmen within the folk that are exceptional with such creations!
Sacred Flame - The Sacred Flame - the presence of fire is fundamental for any rite. Through the ritualistic lighting of such, Pagans purify the Sacred Space and manifest an area suitable for spirits to enter. Candles are the commonplace choice, but any flammable device may be used for this. While incense is a wonderful devotional, it usually does not create an open flame so should be best kept as a devotional only.
Offering Space - It is good practice to keep a section of your altar-space free to present offerings to the Gods, wights and ancestors; be it libation, consumables or other. This is usually positioned to the front and centre of the altar, as to allow the Pagan to easily access. No special ritual or detail has to be given to this space per se – it is simply there to designate where spirits may engage with what is presented to them.
Much as you would not wish for a drink or food given to be placed around your home arbitrarily each day, you should extend the same courtesy to the Gods in this. When called, they are guests o your household in that moment. Water and towels, and welcoming speech, should he find who comes, to the feast (Hv. 4) – treat them in kind!
Hail the Gods.