Tools of the Trade Part 3!

Now, we’ve, discussed the many things that CAN go on an altar. This is, by no means a definitive final list! An altar, ESPECIALLY your own must, be a reflection of who you are, and what you do.

Today we can talk of what very well may be the last 3 things you could put there.

A Chalice.

Miriam Webster defines a chalice as such
chalice: a drinking cup, or vessel

It’s that simple! It’s also bee described to be as a”Footed Cup”. Meaning, that it looks like a goblet. A Cup on a stem, with a wide base.

What could it be used for? Well, in a ceremonial sense, it’s meant to hold liquid to be shared, wine, grape juice or even mead. Sometimes cold, clean water. Some spell work, and opening and closing a circle (we will discuss casting the corners and circle work in another post!)

In other work its simply an offering.

A Chalice can be an ornately gold chased, and decorated. It could simply be a clay or wooden cup that you feel attached to. I’ve even seen some use real animal horn drinking horns on their altars. What pleases you?

Wow. The next one is rather huge! And open to MUCH debate!

Deity representation.

Let’s say you’re Altar is built to worship Brigid the threefold Goddess of Smithing in the Celtic Pantheon. What could you use to show your love for her? Someone might use a piece of pig iron, to show that work is going to begin. Perhaps you’ve crafted that iron into a passel of arrowheads. You could choose the best one you’ve done, and leave that on altar as thanks to her and her guidance. You may even have a statue, or a picture, or, as she IS the threefold Goddess, a poem extoling her many virtues!

When it comes to a representation of your personal Deity, It is, again, what pleases you? A stone you found when you promised to worship your deity? Is it Book that explains your path? YOU choose. Ask your deity, and listen closely.

I kind of have been making small hints as to the last topic. Offerings. What does one offer on an Altar? Well, in my opinion, it’s what matters to you. It could be seasonal. Many folk offer food and colours and decorations that symbolize the Sabbat they are celebrating. (Sabbat is just another name for one of the eight possible holidays many celebrate. More on those, another time!)
Other furnish an Altar with a request. Food, and incense when asking their deity for help, to be eaten and burned AFTER the request has been granted.
An offering should be carefully considered, from the heart, and mean something special to YOU for your style of worship. I cannot tell you what to offer, but I can suggest that there is the WHOLE world wide web to research upon! If there is a particular occasion, then I can almost promise that someone has written about it. On the Web, or a book! Use your research resources.

That’s it! This and the last 2 other posts are a good start to what an altar is, and what one can put on one. In the end, I am no expert. This is where my path has led me to. I hope what I’ve learned has answered some questions for you. AS well, I do hope that ive raised your curiosity and you look more for yourself!
Any questions?

Merry Meet,
Merry Part!