Altars: Questions and Answers
- katherine2
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Well....you know it's very hard to piece things together when you're first starting out and don't know anything, but trying to learn, and eveyone and anyone is telling you something different on just about any subject in Hoodoo....But I do appreciate your comment....
- starsinthesky7
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I say try out each method, and see what works for you. I understand what you are talking about when you are first starting out. If you want you can take Cat's hoodoo correspondence course. That way everything is not overwhelming to you, and you will have a strong foundation for what hoodoo is, and various methods including setting up altars for different purposes.
Thank u St. Martha for everything you have done on my behalf.
Thank u St. Elena! I appreciate your great help.
Thank you St. Peter for opening the gates&roads!
Thank u St. Elena! I appreciate your great help.
Thank you St. Peter for opening the gates&roads!
- leoneses101
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Hi to all, I´ve decided to dispose of a religious statue. How would you go about it with out offending the spirit?
- butchcomer
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I wouldn't dispose of it. I would donate it or pass it along to somebody else.
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Seconding this!butchcomer wrote:I wouldn't dispose of it. I would donate it or pass it along to somebody else.
Thanks and Praise to Dr. Hernandez, St. Jude and St. Anthony for all you have done, and continue to do on my behalf. My eternal thanks to you for your many blessings!
- JCPA72
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I am considering purchasing a larger statue of a Saint I work with regularly, and I thought what should I do with the one I have on my altar now.. then it came pretty easy to me, leave her in a church, I am sure someone in need of her would feel very blessed to have found her in church 
My most gracious thanks to La Caridad Del Cobre, St. Martha, St. Michael, and La Virgen de La Regla
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I don't know if someone would take her from the Church, though. I know I certainly wouldn't pick something up and walk out of a Church! And I'm pagan! *lol* Perhaps a better plan would be to ask a member or the clergy of the church to find a new home for your older statue? Ask if they know of anyone who could use that particular Saint's guidance and help in their lives and ask them to gift the statue to that person?JCPA72 wrote:I am considering purchasing a larger statue of a Saint I work with regularly, and I thought what should I do with the one I have on my altar now.. then it came pretty easy to me, leave her in a church, I am sure someone in need of her would feel very blessed to have found her in church
Thanks and Praise to Dr. Hernandez, St. Jude and St. Anthony for all you have done, and continue to do on my behalf. My eternal thanks to you for your many blessings!
- Miss Tammie Lee
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Keep the statue (for now). In the future you may wish to give it to someone who may need it as much as you did OR you might want to carry it with you if it is that small. I (had) a beautiful six inch statue of St Jude I carried with me everywhere. My Mom needed St Jude, and even though I still did, I gave it to her.
I have not figured how to "pull the quotes"-- but I would NEVER take a statue from a Church-- even if your intentions are good to leave it for someone to find. I would like to believe that most people would "turn in to the lost and found". Statues and other similar items are very sentimental to most people. Just my 2 cents.
I have not figured how to "pull the quotes"-- but I would NEVER take a statue from a Church-- even if your intentions are good to leave it for someone to find. I would like to believe that most people would "turn in to the lost and found". Statues and other similar items are very sentimental to most people. Just my 2 cents.
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- Devi Spring
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
It's pretty traditional within folk Catholicism to leave a statue such as this in an inconspicuous spot within a Catholic church. Some leave it under a pew, some tuck it away somewhere.
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- katherine2
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Thank you starsinthesky for your message....Yes I have been thinking about taking the course...but I am not ready to sign up....Have some things to do first.....
I appreciate your time and your suggestions...
Hope you have a blessed night....
I appreciate your time and your suggestions...
Hope you have a blessed night....
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Hi,
Please forgive me if this question has been asked before, I really couldn't locate anything that is related.
I am about to place an order today, and I opted for fixed vigil candles. I will order 4 of them in total, and all of them are for different purposes, even though some of them are related. For example, I will get a road opener, break-up, love related and business related. My question is can you set all of them at the same time on your altar, or do you have to light them and petition saints/spirits once you have finished with the first one and so on. And also, in which order would I do that?
Thank you and I apologize if this question has been asked before, I couldn't find it.
Please forgive me if this question has been asked before, I really couldn't locate anything that is related.
I am about to place an order today, and I opted for fixed vigil candles. I will order 4 of them in total, and all of them are for different purposes, even though some of them are related. For example, I will get a road opener, break-up, love related and business related. My question is can you set all of them at the same time on your altar, or do you have to light them and petition saints/spirits once you have finished with the first one and so on. And also, in which order would I do that?
Thank you and I apologize if this question has been asked before, I couldn't find it.
- Miss Tammie Lee
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Yes, you can set them simultaneously; however, depending on what you are really trying to , Saturday would be the best day for break up work, and for "(limitations and obstacles)" while Sunday is an overall success day and wealth. Thursday is a good day for wealth and expansion (road opener) Friday is for love and money.
Many people work by days of the week, the time of the day (sunrise and sunset), the moon. Many of the posters that I respect have also written if you need to start immediately, do so. The weekday outline, moon phases, etc are guidelines, but if there is a necessity to begin then begin.
You would write your petition, set it under the dressed candles (I suggest you order some LM Oils) the light the candle and focus on petition. If your spell calls for lets say the 23rd Psalm or if you are ordering a Vigal Candle for a Saint, the prayer for that will be included in the order. Say the prayer (there is typically a place for a petition within a prayer)
Last, before you get started you might want to have a reading from a member of AIRR so that they can instruct you as to which candles to order, kits etc. Most will set lights, too--- to back up your work. This is a good idea. I have had the need for back up work and have found it to be most successful.
Many people work by days of the week, the time of the day (sunrise and sunset), the moon. Many of the posters that I respect have also written if you need to start immediately, do so. The weekday outline, moon phases, etc are guidelines, but if there is a necessity to begin then begin.
You would write your petition, set it under the dressed candles (I suggest you order some LM Oils) the light the candle and focus on petition. If your spell calls for lets say the 23rd Psalm or if you are ordering a Vigal Candle for a Saint, the prayer for that will be included in the order. Say the prayer (there is typically a place for a petition within a prayer)
Last, before you get started you might want to have a reading from a member of AIRR so that they can instruct you as to which candles to order, kits etc. Most will set lights, too--- to back up your work. This is a good idea. I have had the need for back up work and have found it to be most successful.
Work the Lucky Mojo products for you and for those that you hold dearly!
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- Miss Tammie Lee
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I wish I could get these links in... Stars and Mama Micki have something really good under "best days to work spells" enter that in the "search" section.
I would give you the direct link, but I am doing something wrong with the mouse and can't seem to copy paste it.
I would give you the direct link, but I am doing something wrong with the mouse and can't seem to copy paste it.
Work the Lucky Mojo products for you and for those that you hold dearly!
HRCC Grad-Apprentice #1606
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Thank you so much for you help Triplethreat.
This is my first order and I have already scheduled a reading. I will be ordering more products after the reading, I need something to get me going.
I am doing break up spell and love related spell, and have already started a vinegar jar. So in that sense, after the reading I will definitely be getting more products.
Thanks a lot.
This is my first order and I have already scheduled a reading. I will be ordering more products after the reading, I need something to get me going.
I am doing break up spell and love related spell, and have already started a vinegar jar. So in that sense, after the reading I will definitely be getting more products.
Thanks a lot.
- catherineyronwode
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
emmagal --
Your candles are: "road opener, break-up, love related and business related." Some would light them all at once on one altar. I would not. At Missionary Independent Spiritual Church, we have FOUR altars, and your selection happens to work out to one candle per altar. Our altars:
Blessing: positive changes, health, protection, court issues around innocence
Removal: hot-footing, revenge, cursing, dispersal, and damnation
Love: attraction, drawing, sustaining, marriage, return, reconcilliation
Money: attraction, drawing, business, jobs, career success, gambling luck
So i would light one candle on each altar, with the Road Opener coming first.
If you wish to work by the days of the week, which would mean that you light each candle on a different day, either at the same altar or on different altars, you do not need to have seven altars (one for each day of the week). You can have four altars, as we do at Missionary Independent, and as Deacon Millett does at Four Altars Gospel Sanctuary, or even just two altars -- one facing East for attraction, and one facing West for removal. If you can only put up one altar, due to space considerations, you can divide it into either two halves or four quadrants, as you wish.
Sunday: Sun: yellow, gold: health and healing, success, blessings, fame, wealth, men and boys
Monday: Moon: white, blue, silver: women and children, home, dreams, psychic visions, family
Tuesday: Mars: red: competition, war, courage, power, energy, risk-taking, open conflict, victory
Wednesday: Mercury: orange: communication, verbal skills, messages, trickery, gambling
Thursday: Jupiter: purple: patronage, money (Europe), power, wealth, expansion, royalty
Friday: Venus: green, pink: love, sexuality, artistry, seduction, aesthetics, plants, money (USA),
Saturday: Saturn: black: duties, limitations, enemies, controlling, obstacles, curses, death
Note that the traditional day for money is Thursday, the day of power and luxury, ruled by Jupiter, but in the USA, due to two unrelated factors -- the 5-day work-week that ends on Friday with a pay check, and the fact that all of our paper money is green (so called "greenback dollars") -- we have gradually transitioned our money work to Friday and are using green candles for money. In the older European system, green (Venus) and gold (Sun) are for a good agricultural harvest, but it is purple (Jupiter) and gold (Sun) that stand for money in the bank, and you will note that the money of other countries often is partially purple.
This altar, courtesy of Prof. C. D. Porterfield of The Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers (AIRR), is being worked for a Road Opener spell -- and note the use of the yellow "solar" helper light candle and the yellow Sun emblem, to shed solar bounty on the endeavor:

Your candles are: "road opener, break-up, love related and business related." Some would light them all at once on one altar. I would not. At Missionary Independent Spiritual Church, we have FOUR altars, and your selection happens to work out to one candle per altar. Our altars:
Blessing: positive changes, health, protection, court issues around innocence
Removal: hot-footing, revenge, cursing, dispersal, and damnation
Love: attraction, drawing, sustaining, marriage, return, reconcilliation
Money: attraction, drawing, business, jobs, career success, gambling luck
So i would light one candle on each altar, with the Road Opener coming first.
If you wish to work by the days of the week, which would mean that you light each candle on a different day, either at the same altar or on different altars, you do not need to have seven altars (one for each day of the week). You can have four altars, as we do at Missionary Independent, and as Deacon Millett does at Four Altars Gospel Sanctuary, or even just two altars -- one facing East for attraction, and one facing West for removal. If you can only put up one altar, due to space considerations, you can divide it into either two halves or four quadrants, as you wish.
Sunday: Sun: yellow, gold: health and healing, success, blessings, fame, wealth, men and boys
Monday: Moon: white, blue, silver: women and children, home, dreams, psychic visions, family
Tuesday: Mars: red: competition, war, courage, power, energy, risk-taking, open conflict, victory
Wednesday: Mercury: orange: communication, verbal skills, messages, trickery, gambling
Thursday: Jupiter: purple: patronage, money (Europe), power, wealth, expansion, royalty
Friday: Venus: green, pink: love, sexuality, artistry, seduction, aesthetics, plants, money (USA),
Saturday: Saturn: black: duties, limitations, enemies, controlling, obstacles, curses, death
Note that the traditional day for money is Thursday, the day of power and luxury, ruled by Jupiter, but in the USA, due to two unrelated factors -- the 5-day work-week that ends on Friday with a pay check, and the fact that all of our paper money is green (so called "greenback dollars") -- we have gradually transitioned our money work to Friday and are using green candles for money. In the older European system, green (Venus) and gold (Sun) are for a good agricultural harvest, but it is purple (Jupiter) and gold (Sun) that stand for money in the bank, and you will note that the money of other countries often is partially purple.
This altar, courtesy of Prof. C. D. Porterfield of The Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers (AIRR), is being worked for a Road Opener spell -- and note the use of the yellow "solar" helper light candle and the yellow Sun emblem, to shed solar bounty on the endeavor:
catherine yronwode
teacher - author - LMCCo owner - HP and AIRR member - MISC pastor - forum admin
teacher - author - LMCCo owner - HP and AIRR member - MISC pastor - forum admin
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Thank you thank you thank you, you are all awesome. I will take all that into the account, and I am so thankful for your detailed response.
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Blessings......can a person light working candles like a job candle on an ancestral alter. My husband is being considered for a higher position in his Job. As a family this is the break that we have been praying for for a long time. I spend alot of time with my ancestors and so I was thinking of lighting a job candle, on my alter to invoke the help of our ancestors. Any suggestions.
- starsinthesky7
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Yes you can do that as you are asking for their help with your job work. Good luck, and hope you get the work you ask for.
Thank u St. Martha for everything you have done on my behalf.
Thank u St. Elena! I appreciate your great help.
Thank you St. Peter for opening the gates&roads!
Thank u St. Elena! I appreciate your great help.
Thank you St. Peter for opening the gates&roads!
- Mama Micki
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Florida water smells great. I use it to clean all of my spiritual supplies.
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I set up my altar in the extra room we have closed off. (normally nobody goes in there) Well I had to leave the house while my candle burned, when I got back home my son told me that he seen my setup and it was neat?! I asked him did he touch anything he said he did not. The candle did burn all the way out. I need to know if someone sees your altar work in process will it ruin the spell?
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
lovingme1,
Not at all!
Not at all!
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
No it won't ruin the spell. But if I were you I would invest in a padlock for that door so your kids can't get in there, especially with an unattended candle! Thank God no one got hurt!
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
thank you for your quick response, now my mind is at ease
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Thank you Cat. Very informative. Cant wait to take the class I know there is much more where that came from
Be blessed!
Be blessed!
Lady Muse
House of Self Empowerment - AIRR and HP Member - Blue Flag Root Radio
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Blessings,
Okay ......here goes,
I am currently living outside of the US waiting for my permanet residency. I have already received a letter approving the 1st half of my application but because I am a married daughter of a US citizen I have been told that it may take a couple more years to receive my permanent residence. Now, I am a woman of faith and miracles. I am trusting that things will work out sooner than everyone expenct. Is there a candle that I can keep alit in conjuction with my prayers to help with this situation. Thanks
Okay ......here goes,
I am currently living outside of the US waiting for my permanet residency. I have already received a letter approving the 1st half of my application but because I am a married daughter of a US citizen I have been told that it may take a couple more years to receive my permanent residence. Now, I am a woman of faith and miracles. I am trusting that things will work out sooner than everyone expenct. Is there a candle that I can keep alit in conjuction with my prayers to help with this situation. Thanks
- Devi Spring
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I would work Court Case on that, and do some divination to see if St. Expedite would work for you to help move things along more quickly.
Devi Spring: Reader & Rootworker - HRCC Graduate.
- trish76
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I always wondered about that. I have never been taught that specifically but I have always had a complex about a Jesus photofacing the bed lol. Generally I have two glass saint candles on my altar, a female and a male (a carryover habit from Wicca) depending upon my need at the time. Right now I have St. Jude and the Virgin Mary (well it says Virgin Guadelupe actually...same thing).CallMeDrX wrote:I was taught if you have saints in your room and you plan to be naked, that you cover them up by throwing a sheet over them.
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- StarChild80
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Greetings Brother/Sisters , Could anyone provide me with proper steps for preparing my altar, so far i have added only candles a picture ,flowers ,water, and a little box that i use to place my request in, as a beginner could anyone offer me a more effective way to increase the work of my altar, so far i have seen the works manifest quickly with the help of ST. Anthony and St.Martha, (Thanks for the blessings).I'm very eager to learn here so any suggestions would be great/
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Read through this post StarChild80...there is a lot of discussion on Altar setup...
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- Seph
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I’ve outgrown my current altar/shrine space, and I have very limited space in my home. There is one place that may be perfect or it may be entirely imperfect.
I have a built in buffet that is the right size, shape, and location, however the back of it is a fixed mirror. My instinct tells me that because of this it would not be a good place to work.
Can anyone comment on this? Also, it may be possible for me to cover the mirror with fabric, although I’d rather not have to. Can anyone comment on this approach?
I have a built in buffet that is the right size, shape, and location, however the back of it is a fixed mirror. My instinct tells me that because of this it would not be a good place to work.
Can anyone comment on this? Also, it may be possible for me to cover the mirror with fabric, although I’d rather not have to. Can anyone comment on this approach?
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Nothing wrong with working with something with a mirror behind it. I for one use the top of an old dresser with a mirror attached.
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- Mama Micki
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I also have a mirror behind my altar.
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- ConjureMan
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Above one of my altar, hanging from the wall, is an old-fashioned wood-framed mirror that has been consecrated. As I do my work on this altar I'll look up into the mirror and use it to scry upon my targets to keep track of the spell's progress.
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
While I've read quite a bit about hoodoo practice, I'm really just now contemplating actually getting involved with hoodoo work.
My question is, how important is having an "altar" on which to work? I'm from the South and was raised around Baptists my whole life, both black and white and I can't imagine any of the black Baptists I've known would have even considered having a place they referred to as an "altar" or "spirit altar" seeing as how home altar spaces aren't really a part of evangelical Protestantism.
Is it satisfactory to simply have a place where you can set a light?
I'm just curious since I'm not sure how open I want or can be about working.
My question is, how important is having an "altar" on which to work? I'm from the South and was raised around Baptists my whole life, both black and white and I can't imagine any of the black Baptists I've known would have even considered having a place they referred to as an "altar" or "spirit altar" seeing as how home altar spaces aren't really a part of evangelical Protestantism.
Is it satisfactory to simply have a place where you can set a light?
I'm just curious since I'm not sure how open I want or can be about working.
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Welcome to the forum Ntillman. It is definitely your personal choice to have an altar for your work Ntillman. You can choose to have a place or space identified where you work your spells. Some practitioners maintain altars for visual appeal, ancestry worship, candle work, are to help them concentrate on their spellwork at hand. Again its a personal choice.
Your post has been added to a long discussion that covers pretty much all of your concerns and questions.
Good Luck in your findings, Ntillman.
Your post has been added to a long discussion that covers pretty much all of your concerns and questions.
Good Luck in your findings, Ntillman.
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Hello Ntillman, I think you may be a bit confused about what an altar is. An altar is merely a surface dedicated for spiritual matters. This does not mean that your altar needs to a table with arcane runes, weird symbols, and strange curios--it can be, but it can also be as simple as a table with a few candles on it and pictures of your ancestors.
Altars aren't just a "hoodoo thing," but have existed in the South for a long time. Christians in the South, Baptist or otherwise, use tables or the top of cabinets which they decorate with pictures, set up religious iconography, set a candle or two. I've seen these frequently even in the homes of non-practitioners. They may not consider it an altar, per se, but it certainly serves a similar function and these "sacred" areas are treated specially.
If you have the room you can set up a surface dedicated to your work, if not then you can create movable altars, or temporary ones. For example using the top of a counter then putting away your materials when not in use leaving the counter free.
Hope that helps.
Altars aren't just a "hoodoo thing," but have existed in the South for a long time. Christians in the South, Baptist or otherwise, use tables or the top of cabinets which they decorate with pictures, set up religious iconography, set a candle or two. I've seen these frequently even in the homes of non-practitioners. They may not consider it an altar, per se, but it certainly serves a similar function and these "sacred" areas are treated specially.
If you have the room you can set up a surface dedicated to your work, if not then you can create movable altars, or temporary ones. For example using the top of a counter then putting away your materials when not in use leaving the counter free.
Hope that helps.
ConjureMan - HRCC Graduate #1550, Forum Moderator, and Member of AIRR
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Ntillman, as ConjureMan Ali says, the concept of an altar is not always called an altar. We use this word nowadays as a convenience, but i have seen these sacred spaces referred to by names like "my family memory place," "my old photos," or by the name of the type of furniture being employed as an altar surface: "the mantelpiece," "on top my nightstand," "the chifferobe," "my "vanity table," and so forth.
And for those unfamiliar with furniture, here is a picture of a chifferobe, which is a very convenient altar space indeed.

and this is a vanity table:

Now, to show you the traditional usage of a vanity table as an altar, here is a photograph taken by Gordon Parks for the FSA, in Washington DC in August 1942. At right is Ella Watson, and at left is her adopted daughter

On the vanity are statues, candles, lamps, a lucky trunk-up elephant, a crucifix, and small floral arrangements. The owner of this vanity was a member of a Spiritualist church.
And for those unfamiliar with furniture, here is a picture of a chifferobe, which is a very convenient altar space indeed.
and this is a vanity table:
Now, to show you the traditional usage of a vanity table as an altar, here is a photograph taken by Gordon Parks for the FSA, in Washington DC in August 1942. At right is Ella Watson, and at left is her adopted daughter
On the vanity are statues, candles, lamps, a lucky trunk-up elephant, a crucifix, and small floral arrangements. The owner of this vanity was a member of a Spiritualist church.
catherine yronwode
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Thanks for the response. I just felt I couldn't go all out with an altar space (though, being Catholic, it might be easier to conceal than I initially thought). I'm just sure that my new mother-in-law is already a little concerned by my interest in things like hoodoo. No reason to make waves if I didn't have to.
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I know this is an old post but, is it alright to include pet pictures with the ancestry altar as well? My beloved feline (Ebony) passed away a few years back (she was 15 years at the time) and I have her picture & urn on a stand, as well as my mother's urn. Would it be appropriate to place the urns, as well as Ebony's picture, with the ancestor pictures, or should they be placed in a different area? I've often seen Ebony's spirt roaming around the house, my daughter and grandson have seen & heard her as well, especially when I needed an uplifting.
Thanks
Helen
Thanks
Helen
- Commander Snuggles
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Can these two candles be burned simultaneously? If I would like to break up a couple (obviously one that I'm not a part of) but also need money, can these two actions be performed at the same time?
Or, do I have to pick one and go with it? Obviously, I feel that spells work better if they're given one's full and complete attention, but sometimes life doesn't necessarily happen that way.
Any advice is most greatly appreciated.
Or, do I have to pick one and go with it? Obviously, I feel that spells work better if they're given one's full and complete attention, but sometimes life doesn't necessarily happen that way.
Any advice is most greatly appreciated.
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
SilverRose --
Provided the other spirits on your altar are ok with it, I don't see a problem with it.
Provided the other spirits on your altar are ok with it, I don't see a problem with it.
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- catherineyronwode
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Redacepilot -- whoever told you that "you cannot put any other candle, like for money, near a reversible candle, because it will also reverse the work of anything like that" sure does not practice in the same hoodoo and conjure tradition that i do. All the fear-mongering just sounds stupid to me. Flat out, stupid.
If i want to make separate altars for separate forms of work, that's my privilege, and, like Bri said, i would try to make two altars -- or if i only had the one altar, i would divide the one altar into two parts, the east side for drawing and the west side for removal.
But if i am living in a small place with room for only one altar and my li'l ol' altar is too small to divide into two parts, and i need to burn ten candles for ten things on that one altar, i have been taught, and i know how to dress, prepare and pray over each candle for the results i desire and require.
And what about those prayer services, where everybody gets a candle and puts their own wish and prayer on it? All those candles go on ONE ALTAR! And they don't cancel each other out or mess each other up! Get real!
So whoever is teaching you that the a Reversing candle will somehow adversely affect another candle is clearly someone who was never poor or lived in a small home or attended a spiritual prayer service, and, frankly, you need a better and more adept teacher. No lie.
Here, courtesy of Prof. Porterfield of The Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers (AIRR), is a working candle altar on which at least a dozen different spells, from love and protection, to reversing and money-drawing, are in progress, all sharing space:

If i want to make separate altars for separate forms of work, that's my privilege, and, like Bri said, i would try to make two altars -- or if i only had the one altar, i would divide the one altar into two parts, the east side for drawing and the west side for removal.
But if i am living in a small place with room for only one altar and my li'l ol' altar is too small to divide into two parts, and i need to burn ten candles for ten things on that one altar, i have been taught, and i know how to dress, prepare and pray over each candle for the results i desire and require.
And what about those prayer services, where everybody gets a candle and puts their own wish and prayer on it? All those candles go on ONE ALTAR! And they don't cancel each other out or mess each other up! Get real!
So whoever is teaching you that the a Reversing candle will somehow adversely affect another candle is clearly someone who was never poor or lived in a small home or attended a spiritual prayer service, and, frankly, you need a better and more adept teacher. No lie.
Here, courtesy of Prof. Porterfield of The Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers (AIRR), is a working candle altar on which at least a dozen different spells, from love and protection, to reversing and money-drawing, are in progress, all sharing space:
catherine yronwode
teacher - author - LMCCo owner - HP and AIRR member - MISC pastor - forum admin
teacher - author - LMCCo owner - HP and AIRR member - MISC pastor - forum admin
- SilverRose
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Thank you, Turnsteel . I've had them together since I posted my question and it's working. I feel a peacefulness when I pass by it, or stop to chat with the spirits. All seem quite happy. I believe it helps that all loved cats and my Ebony was a very "social" furbaby.
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- kymike78
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I know mirrors are used in reversing spells (by setting the candle on top of it) to reflect the bad spell back on the person who cast it. Would using a mirror topped surface (like a flat mirror used to protect the top of the piece of furniture the candles are sitting on, or a mirror topped table) for just regular day to day work have any ill effect?
- Priestess Divine
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Hello All,
I had been keeping my money/success items split up. I don't know why but my light bulb came on. Some on my night stand beside my bed and some in my walk in closet. I had my Buddha, St Expedite Card, water and Loadstone on my night stand but any other candle items that I worked I kept in my closet. Well I decided to put everything on a shelf in my closet. I remember now...I hadn't before because once a shelf almost caught on fire due to the height of the shelf vs how close the flame was to the top of the shelf.
Well, I'd been burning two candles, one had been burning very very low and the other somewhat low. Well when I moved everything to the same area and added a few other money related items. I noticed that both flames started to burn better! They got bigger and danced and have been since then.
So I wanted to know if the improvement of my candle spell is due to the fact that all money related alter items are together? Does that make it more powerful since all the spirits/energies are working together? I guess alter setup is important.
I love the way everything looks together too! It makes me feel more empowered instead of having everything split up and scattered about. Definietly has a more profound visual affect.
Thanks
Crystal
I had been keeping my money/success items split up. I don't know why but my light bulb came on. Some on my night stand beside my bed and some in my walk in closet. I had my Buddha, St Expedite Card, water and Loadstone on my night stand but any other candle items that I worked I kept in my closet. Well I decided to put everything on a shelf in my closet. I remember now...I hadn't before because once a shelf almost caught on fire due to the height of the shelf vs how close the flame was to the top of the shelf.
Well, I'd been burning two candles, one had been burning very very low and the other somewhat low. Well when I moved everything to the same area and added a few other money related items. I noticed that both flames started to burn better! They got bigger and danced and have been since then.
So I wanted to know if the improvement of my candle spell is due to the fact that all money related alter items are together? Does that make it more powerful since all the spirits/energies are working together? I guess alter setup is important.
I love the way everything looks together too! It makes me feel more empowered instead of having everything split up and scattered about. Definietly has a more profound visual affect.
Thanks
Crystal
Best of Life ~ Thank you Archangel Michael & my ancestors for your protection. Trinity of the 3.
- Devi Spring
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
If you feel that keeping them together is overall a more agreeable arrangement, then there is no reason not to keep that set up working for you. Do what works!
Devi Spring: Reader & Rootworker - HRCC Graduate.
- blackcateyes
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I got that you are supposed to use Florida Water but how?
Do you wash down everything on the altar...or get a little spritz bottle and just spritz everything with it?
I read though all of the posts in the altar section and couldn't find anything that said exactly how to do it, just to do it...
I am a little thick in the head ...so be kind meaning ....I'm special..and slow
<JK> anyways...
Could I use holy water instead ?
Could I use Chinese Wash instead as well???
Cause I bought Chinese wash from here and have it in a spritzer bottle already with some ammonia all ready to cleanse!!!
Do you wash down everything on the altar...or get a little spritz bottle and just spritz everything with it?
I read though all of the posts in the altar section and couldn't find anything that said exactly how to do it, just to do it...
I am a little thick in the head ...so be kind meaning ....I'm special..and slow
Could I use holy water instead ?
Could I use Chinese Wash instead as well???
Cause I bought Chinese wash from here and have it in a spritzer bottle already with some ammonia all ready to cleanse!!!
Just a spoon full of honey makes the medicine go down....;)
- Devi Spring
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Blackcateyes --
You could use any of the substances that you named (Florida Water, holy Water, or Chinese Wash).
It's up to you whether you dampen a cloth and then wipe the surfaces down, or whether you spritz or otherwise asperge the area.
You could use any of the substances that you named (Florida Water, holy Water, or Chinese Wash).
It's up to you whether you dampen a cloth and then wipe the surfaces down, or whether you spritz or otherwise asperge the area.
Devi Spring: Reader & Rootworker - HRCC Graduate.
- blackcateyes
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Boy you are on a roll lady!!! Thanks you have been most helpful!!!A++++
Just a spoon full of honey makes the medicine go down....;)
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I personally dampen a paper towel or cloth with Florida Water and wipe the surface and my altar items down when I put them up. I don't have an altar up all the time right now, but when I had one out all the time I would clean it that way once a month or so, but in between spritz a little of the Florida Water onto the altar before I'd start my work.
- blackcateyes
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I guess Florida Water is more multi-purpose than I thought it was..thanks for the reply! 
Just a spoon full of honey makes the medicine go down....;)
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
You can read more about florida water here: http://www.luckymojo.com/floridakanangawater.html
This particular product is extremely popular in Afro-Carribean magical practices and Latin American magical practices. It has been adopted into hoodoo via these traditions.
It is commonly used as an offering to the dead, a blessing cologne, to cleanse persons and objects, and as medium for psychic work.
This particular product is extremely popular in Afro-Carribean magical practices and Latin American magical practices. It has been adopted into hoodoo via these traditions.
It is commonly used as an offering to the dead, a blessing cologne, to cleanse persons and objects, and as medium for psychic work.
ConjureMan - HRCC Graduate #1550, Forum Moderator, and Member of AIRR
- catherineyronwode
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Blackcateyes, whoever told you that "you are supposed to use Florida Water" to clean an altar is dumb. Many surfaces are DAMAGED by alcohol, and that's what is in Florida Water.
Want to take the finish off your antique varnished table top? Florida Water will do it!! Florida Water is ALCOHOL and alcohol will remove 19th century varnishes. Alcohol will also take the paint right off this charming hand-painted Tibetan end-table:

If your altar is marble and you cleanse it with vinegar or lemon juice -- guess what? You DESTROY your marble altar top. This cute little Louis XV style marble-top nightstand would be RUINED if you attempted to clean it with vinegar:

If you have an altar cloth on your altar, how is Florida Water gonna help you? It won't! You will have to take the cloth off and launder it in soap and water. DUH! Wash this lovely antique embroidered runner cloth with pure soap and water only:

Unless someone knows what the surface of your altar is made out of, they have no right, rhyme, or reason to tell you what you are "supposed" to do. That idea is a JOKE.
Please, folks, use the good sense that God gave you and that your mother tried to teach you.
Don't let internet idiots lead you on a lock-step march to stupidity!
Chinese Wash diluted in water and prayed over has a long history of use as a spiritual cleaning product because it is mild and safe to use on most surfaced that can be wetted.
WAT-CHI-GL04
Chinese Wash, 4 oz.
$5.25


Good luck!
Want to take the finish off your antique varnished table top? Florida Water will do it!! Florida Water is ALCOHOL and alcohol will remove 19th century varnishes. Alcohol will also take the paint right off this charming hand-painted Tibetan end-table:
If your altar is marble and you cleanse it with vinegar or lemon juice -- guess what? You DESTROY your marble altar top. This cute little Louis XV style marble-top nightstand would be RUINED if you attempted to clean it with vinegar:
If you have an altar cloth on your altar, how is Florida Water gonna help you? It won't! You will have to take the cloth off and launder it in soap and water. DUH! Wash this lovely antique embroidered runner cloth with pure soap and water only:
Unless someone knows what the surface of your altar is made out of, they have no right, rhyme, or reason to tell you what you are "supposed" to do. That idea is a JOKE.
Please, folks, use the good sense that God gave you and that your mother tried to teach you.
Don't let internet idiots lead you on a lock-step march to stupidity!
Chinese Wash diluted in water and prayed over has a long history of use as a spiritual cleaning product because it is mild and safe to use on most surfaced that can be wetted.
WAT-CHI-GL04
Chinese Wash, 4 oz.
$5.25


Good luck!
catherine yronwode
teacher - author - LMCCo owner - HP and AIRR member - MISC pastor - forum admin
teacher - author - LMCCo owner - HP and AIRR member - MISC pastor - forum admin
- blackcateyes
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
hahahahahha Momma cat always knows best..anyways..I would guess then that simply a spritzer of holy water will do then as it is the least abrasive...luckily I'm seriously ghetto and my altar is ontop of an milk crate on the floor in the southern corner of the room...cause that's the only space for it....unfortunately not much room on the east and west side of it ...otherwise it'd be perfect...c'est la vi !catherineyronwode wrote:Please, folks, use the good sense that God gave you and that your mother tried to teach you.
Don't let internet idiots lead you on a lock-step march to stupidity!
Just a spoon full of honey makes the medicine go down....;)
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
BlackCatEyes: That doesn't sound "ghetto" to me. Not sure which "ghetto" you are referring to. The real concern is if you have results while using it!? If you do (have great results) than it is perfect and nothing else. If all you have is a milk crate on the floor for an altar, then work the HECK out of that milk crate on the floor! Know what I'm sayin'?blackcateyes wrote: luckily I'm seriously ghetto and my altar is ontop of an milk crate on the floor in the southern corner of the room
Good luck to you!
-Joseph M
Joseph Magnuson
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Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course Graduate #1599
Lucky Mojo Forum Moderator
Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course Graduate #1599
- catherineyronwode
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
BlackCatEyes --
Hey, babe, we have one altar on top of an old table-model sewing machine, two others on coffee tables, one on top of a book case, and another on a pile of old speaker cabinets (those huge old wooden ones from the 1970s, turned on their sides) covered with gold lame cloth from Joanne's Fabrics, okay?

plus

equals INSTANT ALTAR!
Hey, babe, we have one altar on top of an old table-model sewing machine, two others on coffee tables, one on top of a book case, and another on a pile of old speaker cabinets (those huge old wooden ones from the 1970s, turned on their sides) covered with gold lame cloth from Joanne's Fabrics, okay?

plus

equals INSTANT ALTAR!
catherine yronwode
teacher - author - LMCCo owner - HP and AIRR member - MISC pastor - forum admin
teacher - author - LMCCo owner - HP and AIRR member - MISC pastor - forum admin
- blackcateyes
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Thanks...I do work it and own it...you better work...work .it now..do your thing..with dat hoodoo..work...cover girl...Joseph Magnuson wrote: BlackCatEyes: That doesn't sound "ghetto" to me. Not sure which "ghetto" you are referring to. The real concern is if you have results while using it!? If you do (have great results) than it is perfect and nothing else. If all you have is a milk crate on the floor for an altar, then work the HECK out of that milk crate on the floor! Know what I'm sayin'?
Good luck to you!
-Joseph M
Just a spoon full of honey makes the medicine go down....;)
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
I have an Uncrossing jinx removing candle going on my headboard but I want to light a Come to Me candle. Is it o.k. to light the Come to Me candle on my headboard as well if I add distance between the tw0 -- or no? 
I love you Jesus!
Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
First, be sure that the candles are safe on your headboard. Make sure they have enough room and that they can't fall.
There's certainly no problem with having two candles burning for two separate intentions. Some people only have one altar to do their work on, it might be a formal altar table or it could be something simple like a dresser. As long as you've prepared and prayed over your work appropriately, you can have many different lights going. At the top of the MISC page, it shows their prosperity altar where they have different prosperity type candles burning for different petitions.
Miss cat describes a great way of working with just two altars here. As she explains, you can have one altar for increasing work and one for decreasing. Also notice how she recommends to cleanse between very different types of work. Don't leave your goofer dust where you're doing love work! Lol!
There's certainly no problem with having two candles burning for two separate intentions. Some people only have one altar to do their work on, it might be a formal altar table or it could be something simple like a dresser. As long as you've prepared and prayed over your work appropriately, you can have many different lights going. At the top of the MISC page, it shows their prosperity altar where they have different prosperity type candles burning for different petitions.
Miss cat describes a great way of working with just two altars here. As she explains, you can have one altar for increasing work and one for decreasing. Also notice how she recommends to cleanse between very different types of work. Don't leave your goofer dust where you're doing love work! Lol!
- Jaime Banks
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Re: Altars: Questions and Answers
Hello Everyone [Shout out to Ms. Cat for directing me to the right source]
I have an issue that needs to be clarified and tooken care of. I have a mother I live with for now, and unfortunately, she is a snoop. And we all know "Mother's know best; and a mother knows when something is up". Well being the fact that I live with her and I am constantly busy, she looks through my room, clean's it, open window blinds, and so forth, now I would like for her to be LESS suspicious of my work, because she saw my candles, my honey jar, and my dressing oils and powders [and thought the herbs we're drugs...dunno why] and I just would like to HIDE AWAY and PROTECT my work and my spiritual sanctuary away from her curious eyes and thoughts.....any takers? I "dislike" nosey people. I won't say hate. lol
I have an issue that needs to be clarified and tooken care of. I have a mother I live with for now, and unfortunately, she is a snoop. And we all know "Mother's know best; and a mother knows when something is up". Well being the fact that I live with her and I am constantly busy, she looks through my room, clean's it, open window blinds, and so forth, now I would like for her to be LESS suspicious of my work, because she saw my candles, my honey jar, and my dressing oils and powders [and thought the herbs we're drugs...dunno why] and I just would like to HIDE AWAY and PROTECT my work and my spiritual sanctuary away from her curious eyes and thoughts.....any takers? I "dislike" nosey people. I won't say hate. lol
Thank You SO Much St.Jude
Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course Graduate #2043G
Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence Course Graduate #2043G



