Altars: Questions and Answers

Sister Jean · Unread post by **Sister Jean** » Mon Apr 23, 2018 9:29 am

Hello Blackcattt0123,

Yes those are great ideas!

Take care.

===

LuckyLady,

Holy water is water, so only use it on objects that will not be harmed by water. That is, do not put it on paper or leather. Just use common sense.

Deliciousdonut · Unread post by **Deliciousdonut** » Mon Nov 05, 2018 3:43 pm

JayDee hi, I think this is the place to ask this question because I I get confused because there so many forums to choose from,ok here’s my question, ok the only kit I ever did was my cut & clear ok with the break up spell kite and incense and cleaning supplies well I need to make mine a portable alter so I got 2 incense burners for one for the good work and one for the bad work was that a good idea? I got a candle snuff, I have lemon ammonia to clean, no to I need to buy a table cloth? And do I clean up with the ammonia before t start my work are after? And is there any prayers to say for protection, I just want to not have any of this come back on me

JayDee · Unread post by **JayDee** » Mon Nov 05, 2018 5:58 pm

Deliciousdonut,

This seems like the right spot to answer these questions. Many people use working alters based on 1. space 2. privacy, 3. need, 4. the magic being done. A dresser top, a chair top can all be alters. It is also very common for people to use different burners and area to work the good and the bad in. Cleansing the area to start off is ideal. You can then burn a nice incense as you pray to God for help, protection and call on any spirits, ancestors to come and aid in the work, speak to the herbs used in the work and appeal to their spirit as well. You do not need a table cloth, but many people use a table cover related to the work, maybe a red placemat for love work, green for money, a black one with halloween type skulls for negative work. I put my work in glass pyrex dishes when I burn them. A good prayer is the Lords prayer asking for protection, Psalms 23, Psalms 53 to protect against enemies known and unknown. Here is a LM book that is filled with great information on alters:
http://www.luckymojo.com/hoodooshrinesandaltars.html

You asked about prayers, though this book is not filled with prayers it is filled with using bible scripture in work and prayers and would go great with the book listed above:
http://www.luckymojo.com/hoodoobiblemagic.html

Deliciousdonut · Unread post by **Deliciousdonut** » Tue Nov 06, 2018 8:56 pm

JayDee, thanks again I’m going to get a black mini table cloth I can’t wait until my products arrive so I can really get the ball rolling, I’m going g to ask you a few more questions when my things arrive so I can Make sure I’m doin everything right, to make the spell work they I want it and protecting myself, do you think I shooget the clarity incense Powder???

JayDee · Unread post by **JayDee** » Wed Nov 07, 2018 12:51 pm

Deliciousdonut ,

Clarity incense is a great product to use on yourself when you need to think clearly, make a wise decision, or to help someone else do that. It is a goos incense to have in the collection for the alter work. As starting out I would order an incense of each: One for love, one for luck, one for cursing, one for cleansing/uncrossing. If you doing love work use the love incense, cursing etc.. As you work and try new products expand from there.

Deliciousdonut · Unread post by **Deliciousdonut** » Wed Nov 07, 2018 6:20 pm

JayDee, ok thanks so much! I’m going to order them now ,

1) do you think I need to have the church lite another clarity candle for me, or should I just wait until I get my order? That first candle helped my so much.

2) what incense I get for cleansing ?

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Wed Nov 07, 2018 6:38 pm

deliciousdonut,

Please ask your questions in the topic threads where they belong. This thread is about altars,

1) Ask here: MISC Candle Services General Questions and Answers misc-candle-services-general-questions- ... 30273.html

2) Ask here: General Loose Powder & ResIn Incense Questions and Answers general-loose-powder-resin-incense-ques ... 11840.html

faithandprosperity12 · Unread post by **faithandprosperity12** » Thu Jan 10, 2019 2:11 am

Hello. Hows it going. i am a newbie. I found some hoodoo courses online and I am halfway through a beginners course.

I was just wondering. Do i need to set up an altar first before I start doing spells or can I just do a spell then do the altar setup later.

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Thu Jan 10, 2019 8:47 am

faithandprosperity12,

Hello and welcome to the Lucky Mojo Forum.

You do not need an altar to cast spells in the African American hoodoo tradition -- depending on what kinds of work you are doing. Here are one dozen examples:

1) Foot-track magic -- no altar required.
2) Bathing -- no altar required.
3) Anointing of the hair or body -- no altar required.
4) Candle magic -- does require at least a flat space, which some call a working altar, even if it is not dedicatory or venerational.
5) Making a mojo or a doll -- requires only a work space, but many practitioners will dedicate the items with candles or incense at an altar.
6) House cleansing -- no altar required.
7) Spells cast in food -- no altar required.
8) Dusting lottery tickets with sachet powders -- no altar required, but some workers hold the tickets on an altar until the numbers are drawn
9) War Water or Hot Foot Powder at an enemy's house -- no altar required.
10) Paper in your shoe -- no altar required.
11) Freezer spells -- no altar required.
12) Drifting water spells -- no altar required.

I teach a one-year course in hoodoo and this sort of information is covered in my course. If your "beginners course" does not cover it, you ought to approach your own teacher and ask for better teaching.

This thread in the forum contains many pages of questions and answers -- i recommend that you go back to page one and read all the way to here. Then, if you have more questions, just ask.

By the way, we have published an entire book on altar work in hoodoo -- a great, and very economical, guide to all types of altars. Here it is:

BOO-FLS-HSAA
Hoodoo Shrines and Altars by Miss Phoenix LeFae
$9.00

You can order right here in the Forum by clicking on the blue Add To Cart button.

Contents

Dedication and Acknowledgements 4
Altars of the Ancestors
Hoodoo: A Brief Introduction 5
How Do We Know About Hoodoo Altars? 6
Altar Described by Newbell Niles Puckett 8
Altars Described by Zora Neale Hurston 9
Altars Described by Harry M. Hyatt 10
You Shall Build There an Altar
Definition of Altars 14
Basic Types of Altars 16
Altar Work or Just Work? 19
Altars for What Purpose? 20
Building the Altar 21
One Altar or Many 25
Practical Altar Tips 26
Altar Objects 27
Magical and Spiritual Correspondences 37
Preparing the Altar Space 41
Keeping Your Altar Clean 42
Altars for Ongoing Work 47
Cat Yronwode's Secrets of Altar Respect 48
Altars for Various Conditions
Altars for Love 51
Altars for Money 52
Altars for Healing 53
Altars for Protection 54
Altars for Justified Enemy Works 55
Altars for Cursing and Vengeance 56
Dedicated Shrines
Altars for Ancestors 57
Shrines for Catholic Saints 59
Making Offerings to Spirits 60
Unusual Altars
Travelling Altars 65
Pocket Shrines 63
Hidden Altars 66
Business and Office Altars 69
Candle Ministry Altars 72
Frequently Asked Questions 78

faithandprosperity12 · Unread post by **faithandprosperity12** » Thu Jan 10, 2019 9:25 am

Thanks so much. Def gonna purchase the course and book soon.

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Thu Jan 10, 2019 12:08 pm

faithandprosperity12

Thanks for your interest in my course. About 2,170 people have taken this course so far, since it was first offered in 2003. This is not an online course. It is a regular program of study with me. It is taught in the form of a 432 page hard-bound book, with 8 homework assignments. As a student you will have access to a secret or private portion of this forum, where you will be able to view videos about African American culture and post messages about the lessons and the homework assignments, and i will reply. Upon graduation you will receive a certificate and you will be eligible for free apprenticeship training by me in person, at my premises.

In order to enroll, you will need to make some required purchases of specified types of herbs, minerals, oils, powders, incenses, bath crystals, washes, and other items, so that you can actually handle the materials i teach about and also have in hand the items needed to complete your homework assignments.

Read more about the course here:

http://luckymojo.com/mojocourse,html

Then, if you are interested in studying with me, please put the words, "I am a prospective student, please log my purchases" in the message area with each order you make until you have made all of the required purchases and we have scheduled a telephone interview so that we can get to know one another.

In the meantime, please enjoy the thousands of FREE teaching pages in this forum, courtesy of our dedicated moderators (graduates of the course) and also my free online book "Hoodoo in Theory and Practice," here:

http://luckymojo.com/hoodoo.html

Good luck and best wishes.

Jimm108 · Unread post by **Jimm108** » Sat Feb 02, 2019 12:07 pm

I have my ancestor Altar set up and everything has been great so far. Pictures, bible, rosary, water, crucifix all feel right. I am stuck at the color of the candle, etc. I have a red oil lamp and feel drawn to use it, as red is associated with love, and I am reminded of my connection to my family and I think the words "Blood of my blood", and how we are connected by blood, it helps me to focus and appreciate my blood line and the fact that I am here because of them.
I have read that many people use a white candle. So, I am unsure what is best and don't want to second guess. Are there any insights/suggestions?
Thank you

Miss Athena · Unread post by **Miss Athena** » Sat Feb 02, 2019 12:12 pm

Hi Jimm108,

If red feels right to you, then use it. There is no hard and fast rule about such things, although in hoodoo red is used for passionate love, not familial love, but you can go with it if it is speaking to you in the manner you describe.

Many cultures around the world use red vigil lights for ancestral veneration, so you would be in good company.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Jimm108 · Unread post by **Jimm108** » Tue Feb 05, 2019 5:38 am

Thank you! It definitely helps.

martinezmarco296 · Unread post by **martinezmarco296** » Thu May 09, 2019 5:58 am

I like to set up an altar to pray to God and my saints family members. However my question is I have enemies and I like candles to evoke reversal spells, shut up spells, evil be gone candles and incense. Can I use the altar? Where does the altar need to be placed? I want to understand if I build my altar can I set it up for all our needs. Any advice will be appreciated.

Miss Athena · Unread post by **Miss Athena** » Thu May 09, 2019 9:11 pm

Hello martinezmarco296,

It's generally a good idea to keep separate places where you work positive spells (like love, money etc.) and where you work negative spells (like cursing). Don't do all of that in one space.

I hope I understand your question correctly. Good luck.

martinezmarco296 · Unread post by **martinezmarco296** » Fri May 10, 2019 7:20 am

Yes you understood the question correctly thanks

MissMichaele · Unread post by **MissMichaele** » Mon May 13, 2019 1:00 pm

You could have separate altar spaces on the same table if your house is small. You could mark off the space with different-colored altar cloths or a line of ribbon, beads, or even tape if that's what you've got. Separate tables, though, would probably be easier on your mind.

You may want to protect your worship altar with evil-eye charms, salt, or bay leaves at the corners -- but if you really are placing THE ALMIGHTY right in the middle of it, ask Him if that needs to be done.

Mamawolf · Unread post by **Mamawolf** » Sat May 25, 2019 1:57 am

Can I burn ancestor money is a glass pyrex bowl for a cookie sheet? I can't afford a cauldron right now.

Also, I live with a lot of other family members, how much smoke do the large bills give off? Anytime I light palo santo they scream and complain. I really want to burn the money.

Any suggestions? Thank you.

JayDee · Unread post by **JayDee** » Sat May 25, 2019 5:45 am

Mamawolf ,

Pyrex works great to burn items, I use them all the time with candle work. I have never lit them but I would think they will give off as much smoke as burning any piece of paper.

MissMichaele · Unread post by **MissMichaele** » Fri Jun 07, 2019 2:03 pm

Mamawolf, there have been changes in the quality of Pyrex over time. For extra reassurance, I'd put a thick layer of salt in that bowl first (since most people don't have sand on hand).

Learline · Unread post by **Learline** » Tue Sep 03, 2019 7:45 am

How should an altar be set up? What all is needed?

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Tue Sep 03, 2019 9:06 am

Hi, Learline -- and welcome to the Lucky Mojo Forum!

I have moved your question into the long-running thread on altars. There are 10 pages of free text and images here that will go a loooong way toward answering your questions. We also have published a compact $9.00 book on the subject which goes into even greater detail.

BOO-FLS-HSAA
Hoodoo Shrines and Altars by Miss Phoenix LeFae
$9.00

You can order right here in the Forum by clicking on the blue Add To Cart button.

For more information, see:
http://luckymojo.com/hoodooshrinesandaltars.html

If, after you read the thread here, you have further questions, please just ask -- and we will reply!

see-ker · Unread post by **see-ker** » Wed Sep 04, 2019 7:30 am

Hello everyone,
I ordered Hoodoo Shrines and Altars' book and I am sure that it will help me with regard to this matter (actually my altar is still under construction). I like the idea that it will be multicultural with probably a Buddha near the pic of a catholic Saint. It's something I didn't imagine in the past though.
I don't know much about Hoodoo currently (I live overseas in Europe) so I read the forum to familiarize myself and learn, thanks for this opportunity!
Blessings

Miss Athena · Unread post by **Miss Athena** » Wed Sep 04, 2019 5:55 pm

Hello see-ker,

Welcome to the Lucky Mojo forum! We're glad to see you here.

When working with saints on your altar, make sure you do your research on the saint you choose to ensure they are amenable to sharing an altar with other saints or deities. Some prefer their own dedicated space, while others are open to sharing.

Good luck with constructing your altar.

see-ker · Unread post by **see-ker** » Wed Sep 04, 2019 9:57 pm

Thank you Miss Athena,
Actually it's something I hadn't considered, but I should indeed, and I will do researchs!

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 10:22 am

see-ker --

What Athena said is true -- and although direct spirit contact is always to be desired, like her, i always recommend that as a newcomer to both these magical and religious traditions, you learn about the spirits.

One way you can learn about these things is to study with people of the various cultures, regions, and localities whose saints and deities you are petitioning. Home altars are a form of folk religion, and folk religion is a form of folk lore. So ask folks!

Another way to learn is through historical research. For example, if you wish to petition a Catholic saint who was known to have been oppressive and cruel to indigenous people, it might be inappropriate to also put on the altar the statue of an indigenous person. Just sayin'.

duckyducky11 · Unread post by **duckyducky11** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 10:46 am

Hi guys. What happens when your altar becomes an open portal that doesn't close? no matter how much i cleanse the area, if i light a candle there, there will be the same negative spirits that come through. How do you close off the open door once you're done?
Thanks!

Miss Athena · Unread post by **Miss Athena** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 7:05 pm

Hello duckyducky11,

This kind of "open channel" to spirits can indeed result in all kinds of spirits, positive and negative, coming through. I learned early on in my practice to call forward only my personal spirit guides (whether ancestors or other benevolent spirits I work with). I learned this the hard way, after allowing the spirit guides of my clients to communicate directly with me. Now, all conversations are filtered through my own guides.

You need to cleanse and fumigate your altar area regularly. I use Chinese Wash on the wood base and holy water on all of my non-porous altar items. I smoke the area in white sage and keep an open bowl of basil and mint on the altar, to protect against malevolent energies. Your mileage may vary, but this is what I personally do and it has worked for me.

WAT-CHI-GL04
Chinese Wash, 4 oz.
$5.50

http://www.herbmagic.com/sage-white-incense.html
http://www.herbmagic.com/basil.html
http://www.herbmagic.com/mint.html

I hope this helps. Good luck.

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 7:57 pm

duckyducky11 --

I wash with Chinese Wash and use a little bit in the laundry when washing altar cloths as well. I use a regular moistened cloth for dusting. I do not smoke with Sage because i dislike the aroma of it, but i do like the aroma of Sandalwood, Dragon's Blood. Frankincense, and Myrrh, so i use those as an altar incense.

I was taught to test the spirits, as it says in 1 John 4:1 --

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

And in 1 Thessalonians 5:21:

Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good,

I just ask, "Who are you, what is your name, where did you come from, where is your home, where are you going?"

If a spirit is not of God, i do not accept it at my altar.

see-ker · Unread post by **see-ker** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 10:09 pm

Thank you Ms Cat for your advices, there are much appreciated!

Actually yes, absolutely, I need to learn and to be careful, so one step at a time is something I need to remember.
Since at this point in my life I can't state that I'm 100% comfortable with this or that religion/spiritual tradition I met in the past I will probably clean my altar space and start fresh (I will receive soon Chinese Wash!). I will see later if I can add deities from several cultures if it still would be something important for me (currently I don't know).
I just know that I want to connect with Saint Cyprian of Antioch, and I read the thread on him on the forum. To place other deities from other cultures/traditions beside his image won't be a good idea probably, actually it's a bit what I understood (and what I'm feeling too).

The quotes from John and Thessalonians: this resonates!

Wilson3 · Unread post by **Wilson3** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 1:15 pm

Hello I’m new here! Not sure if I posting correctly but I have a question.

I did a money spell using lodestone, magnetic sand and $100 but now I need the $100.

Will it stop my spell from working if I take the money off the altar?

Terra Rising · Unread post by **Terra Rising** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 5:09 pm

Wilson3,

Welcome to the forum. I'm not sure what kind of altar you have or what it is supposed to do but if you need the money for an emergency, you should use it. I have a lodestone to attract money to me and to train the dressed money I place underneath it. I often spend the money for family needs and replace it with extra cash weekly. The lodestone has trained it so it will draw more money to me. I would dress the $100 with Lodestone oil or Money Drawing oil and tell the bill to return to you multiplied by 100. You can also write "Return to Me" or RTM on the bill so it comes back to you.

Best of luck to you!

duckyducky11 · Unread post by **duckyducky11** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 6:31 pm

hello miss athena and catherine, thank you very much for the advice, will look into it!

Wilson3 · Unread post by **Wilson3** » Fri Sep 13, 2019 9:37 am

Thanks Terra

I said altar (not knowing what an altar really is

) mind you I am new to everything but I really just got my items. I was reading what different items are good for not really knowing a specific spell or how to actually do one correctly.

I ended up purchasing a money drawing spell that included lodestone, magnetic sand, oil, and the instructions. I also got pyrite, mercury dime, and a blessing mojo bag. I completed the instructions that came with the spell and anointed the pyrite and dime and added them to the box.

I’m eager to change my situation I just got to keep reading and learning more bc I don’t know to much of anything.

i appreciate everything I’m learning here and again thank sooo much.

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Fri Sep 13, 2019 10:44 am

Wilson3,

Best of luck with the magical work you are doing and congratulations on the learning you are undertaking.

If you have any more questions about altars, this is the thread for the topic -- for other topics, see other areas in the Forum.

For the table of contents to my free online book on African American folk magic, "Hoodoo in Theory and Practice," click this link:

http://luckymojo.com/hoodoo.html

Off-Purple · Unread post by **Off-Purple** » Fri Sep 27, 2019 1:55 pm

I need advice on how to have a secret altar, in new to hoodoo and my living situation doesn’t afford me to be able openly practice hoodoo. I’m starting out by trying to work with my great grandparents, I have a little information on my great grandmother, but the little info I have suggests that she would be sympathetic toward me using hoodoo.

Terra Rising · Unread post by **Terra Rising** » Fri Sep 27, 2019 3:28 pm

PrimePurple,

Welcome to the forum! I moved your post to this thread since you are asking about altars. Please do not create new topics as this is against the forum rules. The place you are welcome to create a new topic is the introduction area and I encourage you to introduce yourself to the community if you get a chance. There we will give you a list of helpful links and rules to help guide you.

2019-public-forum-introductions-f222.html

Please give this thread a good read starting on page one and if you have any questions afterwards, we will be happy to help any way we can.

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Fri Sep 27, 2019 5:46 pm

Prime Purple,

You do not need an altar to practice folk magic. It is not a religion. Many practitioners use a simple working space such as nightstand, bureau, chiffarobe, or vanity. Nobody says you CANNOT have an altar, either. It's your choice.

If you want to connect with your direct ancestors in a "secret" or unobtrusive way, simply invest a few dollars in some picture frames, frame their pictures, and when framing the photos, write a note of respect and devotion to each one by name and hide it between the photo and the backer of the frame, where it will remain unseen.

Off-Purple · Unread post by **Off-Purple** » Fri Sep 27, 2019 6:25 pm

Thank you Terra, I apologize I’m new here thank for directing me to the right place!

Off-Purple · Unread post by **Off-Purple** » Fri Oct 11, 2019 11:31 am

Thank you catherineyronwode,

That was really helpful, because of some of the information that I read online, I was given the idea that I absolutely needed to have an altar. I like your idea about the photographs, just in case I didn't have photographs of my ancestors, what could I do? My Great Grandparents were born in the 1800s I get the feeling that photographs may be hard to come by. Would a note directed toward them, kept in a secret area still work? Thanks again!

FiachnaCybele · Unread post by **FiachnaCybele** » Fri Oct 11, 2019 2:46 pm

I don't have any pics of my great-grandma Rosie, who is kind enough to help me, so I got a couple of pictures of the places where she lived and framed those, and it seems to do nicely. I have a picture of the courthouse in Atalla County, Mississippi where she probably got her marriage license, and a pic of some of the beautiful trees and a stream from the area that seemed "right."

I hope this helps, and good luck!

Learline · Unread post by **Learline** » Thu Oct 31, 2019 11:19 am

Hi All,
I have a quick question. My husband and I both are learning so that we can practice rootwork. My question is should we have 2 separate altars or is 1 fine?

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Thu Oct 31, 2019 12:28 pm

Learline,

i hope you fully know and understand that not every hoodoo practitioner, past, present, or future maintains an altar -- right?

You do not need an altar to practice folk magic. It is not a religion. Many practitioners use a simple working space such as nightstand, bureau, chiffarobe, or vanity. Nobody says you CANNOT have an altar, either. It's your choice.

1) So first you must decide if you WANT an altar.

2) Next, ask yourself WHY you want an altar!

A) Do you intend to use it as a place of veneration or as a shrine? If so, whom will you venerate -- and do both you and your husband venerate the same entities?

B) Do you intend to use it as working space on which to blend herbs, dress objects with powders or oils. If so, can the two of you share such a space, like sharing a kitchen counter?

C) Do you intend to use it as a safe place to burn candles? (Did you know that it safer to burn candles in a fireplace, behind a screen, than on an altar?) If so, can the two of you share such a space, like sharing a kitchen counter?

This book, written in plain language, will help you a lot. It presents examples of historical hoodoo altars and tells you how to make your own:

BOO-FLS-HSAA
Hoodoo Shrines and Altars by Miss Phoenix LeFae
$9.00

You can order right here in the Forum by clicking on the blue Add To Cart button.

For more information, sse:
http://luckymojo.com/hoodooshrinesandaltars.html

pboyprince · Unread post by **pboyprince** » Mon Nov 04, 2019 8:42 am

Hi,
I’m a truck driver and I’m always on the road (on the road for 3-4 months at a time). I’m new to hoodoo and wants to know if it’s possible to have an alter without having any knowledge about any of my ancestors (I was migrated to the country when I was a child and didn’t get a chance to meet nor keep a relationship with my elders) and if it’s possible to have an alter in a semi-truck.

Terra Rising · Unread post by **Terra Rising** » Mon Nov 04, 2019 6:39 pm

pboyprince,

Good question! Yes, you can make a travel altar and that sounds perfect for your truck. You could make one from a old wooden cigar box and paint or add pictures from your country of origin on the outside. I would place in it a 4 inch white candle, a small dish (like an antique salt dish) for cold fresh water, and maybe a packet of herbs. Acacia can be used for ancestor work and I like to use Althaea to attract my helpful ancestors.

I suggest purchasing the book that is mention above your post, Hoodoo Shrines and Altars. It mentions travel altars and will give you some helpful tips on creating your own. I also recommend checking out this thread and reading what others have wrote about contacting ancestors and how to work with ones you never met. Unfortunatly it is a common issue but there are ways to contact them so please don't feel discouraged.

I hope this helps!

pboyprince · Unread post by **pboyprince** » Wed Nov 06, 2019 10:19 pm

Thank Terra Rising, very helpful info

Learline · Unread post by **Learline** » Thu Nov 07, 2019 8:26 am

Thank you Catherineyronwode. I've purchased the book already.

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Sat Nov 09, 2019 1:12 pm

Learline,

You are welcome -- and i wish you good luck in all your work.

RainAvery17 · Unread post by **RainAvery17** » Sun Dec 01, 2019 2:16 pm

Due to a pest situation, packing, throwing things away ,and not having money... I don't have an altar.

Will saints still help me without one?

Once I get settled I'll be able to set one up but right now I can't.

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Mon Dec 02, 2019 9:14 am

RainAvery17 --

I am not a member of the Catholic Church and cannot give an informed opinion on matters of Catholic doctrine, but it has never been said to me by any folk Catholic friend of mine that a home altar is necessary in order to petition saints.

Did you hear that a home altar is a must-have in your cultural community, or are you possibly just feeling doubtful of your own relationship to the saints you normally petition?

Because this may be as much a matter of regional and cultural folk Catholic beliefs as Church Catholic doctrine, i will try to see if i can get a Catholic practitioner to reply.

Good luck.

Papa Newt · Unread post by **Papa Newt** » Mon Dec 02, 2019 9:42 am

Hi RainAvery17,

Yes, saints will still work without having a dedicated space for them.

I grew up with my mom praying to saints, such as Saint Anthony. While there was never a dedicated home altar or imagery of the specific saint in her home, but her dedicated space was in her heart and her belief in Jesus Christ. I saw a number of miracles with just a prayer to a saint.

A dedication of a prayer to that saint every morning and evening would not be a bad idea.

heidiroseholton · Unread post by **heidiroseholton** » Mon Dec 02, 2019 10:50 am

Hi RainAvery17,

It’s no problem if you don’t have an altar. In my family, we never had one - we just prayed. But if you would like to feel more connected to a particular Saint and making an altar isn’t practical for your situation, just head to the nearest Catholic Church. Most have little shrines or stained glass pieces set up to the more well known saints and you can light a candle there and pray. Another low cost and space friendly option is to purchase a Saint medallion of whoever you’d like to work with from a church gift shop or a spiritual supply shop like Lucky Mojo. I keep a Saint Christopher medal in my vehicle because I’m on the road a lot. It cost me $3.99 and is about the size of a nickle - and Saint Christopher is always right here with me!

Another Catholic weighing in,
Heidi

cognitivedissonance · Unread post by **cognitivedissonance** » Mon Dec 02, 2019 11:10 am

Two cents as a Baptist:

The altar at a Protestant church is typically used as the best place to request assistance, very few Baptists have dedicated altars at home besides the family Bible. I usually go during the altar call at the end of the service, and quietly kneel and pray. If the church knows you, they generally won’t interrupt.

Catholic churches frequently have a Mary Garden on premises that you can leave petitions at. Look for a statue of Mary with a bench in front of it, usually with candles and flowers. I’ve written my petition on a candle with Sharpie and left it there with no questions asked.

RainAvery17 · Unread post by **RainAvery17** » Mon Dec 02, 2019 5:35 pm

Thank you Our Lady Loreto, St Joseph and St Expedite! I was approved for an apartment today!! I was approved literally 2 minutes after I applied (St Expedite). I feel great about this. The neighborhood is near where I wanted to be, and they have a program where they report to the credit bureaus for on time rent to build your credit.

I prayed to each saint in my car as I was filling out an application!

catherineyronwode · Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Mon Dec 02, 2019 6:00 pm

RainAvery17 --

That's great!

I moved your question about Saint Jude to the Saint Jude thread, which is here:

saint-jude-spiritual-supplies-questions ... t5001.html

Nelle · Unread post by **Nelle** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 1:31 pm

I was raised Italian Catholic....

No shrine necessary, though my grandmother had a number of saints’ pictures. You could always just say a prayer, but the most common method was/is lighting a candle in church.

There’s a wide variety of novenas to choose from - in many churches they even sell instructional booklets in onsite shops - you Cain find them in more celebrated New Orleans churches, and in the church by Olvera St in Los Angeles, and St Patrick’s in New York for instance, as well as in the Cathedral at Barcelona and in a lot of the churches in Venice. Not sure if St Peter’s has a holy souvenir shop, but I’d more more surprised if they didn’t than if they did....

Home altars not all that common, actually.

FiachnaCybele · Unread post by **FiachnaCybele** » Tue Dec 03, 2019 3:31 pm

Hi Nelle,

Welcome to the forum!

As you can see from this thread, many people in the Hoodoo tradition do have a home altar for their ancestors, and the Catholic minority for working with the Saints.

Also, just as a head's up, this forum is for discussing Lucky Mojo products and how to use them. Lucky Mojo sells vigil candles for the saints, as well as altar supplies, Holy Cards, etc.

https://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatcandles.html
https://www.luckymojo.com/mojocattools.html
https://www.luckymojo.com/mojocatholycards.html

And, of course, many workers just use their altar as a place to do their magical workings, so they can create their own version of a sacred space.

I hope this helps!

Nelle · Unread post by **Nelle** » Wed Dec 04, 2019 1:49 pm

Um...sure, and thank you.

I interpreted the question as being about the catholic tradition outside of the Hoodoo tradition, in response - I thought - to Ms Yronwode’s question?

Apologies if I misunderstood

I’m well aware of the products, and have used some of them. Thanks again!

FiachnaCybele · Unread post by **FiachnaCybele** » Wed Dec 04, 2019 1:54 pm

Hi Nelle,

No worries! I was trying to keep things in a Hoodoo context, as that's what these forums are here to help folks with.

Have a great day, and again, welcome!