Altar Tools Religious Goods Sacred Images Questions and Answers

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 9:06 am

Hello, sr41489 --

Hoodoo is a form of folk magic, not a religion, therefore although the place where we do our work may be called an "altar" by anthropologists, in real life, as practiced in black American culture, a table top, mantel piece, bureau drawer, chifferobe, night stand, window sill, vanity, book case, or carpenter's bench will be found sufficient.

Here is an altar in a bookcase, courtesy of Candelo Kimbisa of the Associaition of Independent Readers and Rootworkers (AIRR). It consists of altar work on four levels: Catholic Saints, Asian Deities, the 21 Divisions of Dominican Sanse, and Ancestors.

Please read this thread from the beginning for many pictures of how conjure workers set up their work on various places.

We do sell bandanna-sized altar cloths, but we are not in the furniture business.

Halwest · Unread post by **Halwest** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 2:27 pm

Hi Guys;:)

What tools is needed to make a Hoodoo altar? Im planning on buying from Lucky Mojo.

Thanks:)

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 2:50 pm

Halwest,

Hoodoo is a form of folk magic, not a religion, therefore there is no set list of tools used by every worker. You will want a fireproof surface and candle holders if you use candles. You will want sewing thread, cloth, and scissors if you make mojo bags. You will want containers for your herbs and roots. You will want statuary if you like to use it, but it is not needed.

Please read this thread from the beginning for many pictures of how conjure workers set up their work on various places.

Here is the set-up for a spell i worked on the floor. The flaming skull and Separation vigil light are to drive away an abusive husband; the black feather whisk is used in person to cleanse the client from residual connections to her ex.

Halwest · Unread post by **Halwest** » Sat Sep 13, 2014 12:59 am

Thanks:)

Jingo · Unread post by **Jingo** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 3:54 am

Hello again!

So, this is a pretty obvious question, but I legitimately want to know. I'm leaving town for a few weeks. I currently have a few candles set to return my ex, and a st martha altar.
How does one go about leaving them in a small apartment unattended for maximum 2 weeks?
I live in a small apartment by myself and nobody goes in to check on it unless I ask the neighbor or landlord to.
What should I do?
Should I leave my workings alone where they are or take them with me? I'm going to be staying at a friends house and he's a little creeped out by it all.

Thank you!

Unread post by **J-Mo** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 5:49 am

Hello Jingo,

If you are unable to take your work with you and don't want to leave candles lit on your altar while you are away you can have lights set for you at Missionary Independent Spiritual Church. http://missionaryindependent.org/candle-services.html You can have them set in "Runs" which means as one candle goes out they will set another for the same purpose to keep the work going.

best of luck

coastwitch · Unread post by **coastwitch** » Sat Sep 20, 2014 9:50 am

I have ordered from the shop several times -- sometimes I get Miracle Fish in my orders, sometimes I do not. There are always flyers and cards and other langniappes, like the Tibetan paper prayer flags. When Miracle Fish are not included, I feel sad. When they are included, I feel like a kid, all tingly with excitement.

I have given the Miracle Fish to my co-workers and to my friend's daughter, but here is my dilemma: My other friend has three children. LOL. So this is just a request for a way to order Miracle Fish as an actual product.

Would that be possible?

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 8:02 pm

Hello, coastwitch,

The next time you place an order, just ask them in the message area.

Take care and have fun with them (they do indeed bring back memories)!

charityrose13 · Unread post by **charityrose13** » Mon Jan 05, 2015 10:09 pm

First off, shout out to Devi Spring who has a fascinating article about how she prepared a Buddha statue (that article inspired this post). I was wondering, how you all prepare your representations of spirits that you place on your altars.

Do you just cleanse it and stick it on your altar?

Do have an elaborate week long ritual that call the spirits essence into it?

Also, if you can't keep the item on your altar all the time, how do you properly store it away?

I understand there isn't a "one size fits all" answer, I'm just nosey and like to snoop into other people's practices

.

Unread post by **MissMichaele** » Tue Jan 06, 2015 6:37 pm

I like to do things very simply and informally. I will place a photo or statue on my altar, offer a candle or lamp and possibly a glass of blue-tinted water. If I'm feeling extra respectful or ambitious, I will offer a little food and/or incense.

My altars are in the room where I spend most of my time, so it's easy to look over to see who wants my attention.

Miss Michaele

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Wed Jan 07, 2015 1:32 am

I am not into the whole cleanse-cleanse-cleanse thing.

I put the statuary on my altar and dust it when it gets dusty. My relationship with a spirit may be enhanced by a statue, but i do not perform rituals to call a spirit into a statue. Either it's there or it isn't/

My altars are cluttered with little papers, oddments, mementos, curios, and containers of "stuff."

That's just me.

Kornkeawui · Unread post by **Kornkeawui** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 12:04 am

To really understand , But knew it was a very formative.

roguedeer · Unread post by **roguedeer** » Fri Feb 27, 2015 1:26 pm

Hello,

I have a question about altar disposal and retirement. If I have been petitioning a particular saint or deity for a length of time (and giving offerings to her), but no longer feel the need to petition/work with this particular entity, what would be an inoffensive way to "retire" that portion of my altar? Additionally, what should I do with the offerings? Thanks in advance for reading.

Shery · Unread post by **Shery** » Fri Feb 27, 2015 4:50 pm

Hello my dear Hoodooers:
I have a question about my ancestors where I light candles, put glass of water and a kind of candy my mom loved, unfortunately I had a dream with her...where she tells me so clearly; "No More Candles Please", and I'm so

and confused, I don't know what it means, I really though I was doing something good for them, (Mom, dad and my brother).
Please if there's something that someone can contribute towards this, It'll be so much appreciated. Thank you again.

Shery

Unread post by **MissMichaele** » Fri Feb 27, 2015 7:57 pm

Next time you light her candle and pour her a glass of water, leave her a note asking if she would like something else instead.

Good luck,

Miss Michaele

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Fri Feb 27, 2015 9:32 pm

Hello, roguedeer,

It depends: did she grant your petitions?

Shery · Unread post by **Shery** » Sat Feb 28, 2015 10:05 am

Thanks Miss Michaele for your response, it means a lot to me, my mom and I were very close and when she went, I felt my soul went with her, I didn't want to live anymore. But God is so great that has help me to coupe with such pain.
I do put flowers (fresh from my garden) beside her picture, and candy; but the dream I had, was sooooo real, is like if is she was right there, and when she (mom)told me "no more candles" she looks sad. thank you again.

Shery · Unread post by **Shery** » Sat Feb 28, 2015 10:10 am

Thank you Miss Aida for your response, however, I've never asked her (my mom) for anything, I just love to honor her with flowers, candy, a glass of water, and the candles; but after that dream, I just don't know what else to do. Thank you again.

Shery

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Sun Mar 01, 2015 9:18 pm

Hi, Shery ,

I think you misunderstood. I was responding to someone else.

I got confused there for a minute! LOL

When she was alive, my Mother used to tell me that sometimes, Spirits don't like a lot of candles. She never told me why. But she did say be careful not to light them for one person all of the time. Now, I can't give you any rationale because she did not give me one. But, you may want to try this instead:

Continue your altar and just say: "This candle is being lit for any of my ancestors who need or want the light". Then, wait and see if your Mother comes back to you in another dream or if you get a sign.

Just a thought...

Take care

roguedeer · Unread post by **roguedeer** » Wed Mar 04, 2015 11:39 am

Miss Aida:

Yes, she granted my petitions.

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Wed Mar 04, 2015 9:35 pm

Hello, roguedeer,

I have personally found that if I 'retire" them and then need them later, they won't help me. But, that's just what has happened to me.

If this were me, I would give this Saint a small area that is all theirs. Maybe a small corner of a cabinet? And I would still give offerings once in awhile.

But, if you're set on doing this, here is a page on methods of disposal: www.luckymojo.com/layingtricks.html

Wishing you the best

take care

roguedeer · Unread post by **roguedeer** » Fri Mar 06, 2015 9:35 am

Thank you!

ellalorena · Unread post by **ellalorena** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 10:31 am

First of all hi to everyone here! I used to be ariela but my account became inactive.

Anyway, a candle (Sun candle) I had bought from LMCCo had fallen to the ground a few times and the glass cracked, and later disappeared from the space in which I had it. Usually, for months, things were peaceful where I live and no one touched my things on the table. Recently, though, some undesirable people briefly stayed there causing scads of problems and damage. I figure that, for certain, there is someone working against me and what I want, these people are troublemakers (fortunately they are gone, but so is my candle and other stuff of mine), and I read Miss Cat's article on Altar Messers.

Basically I would like advice on

1) how to protect myself from these people and what they may try to do to me, including what herbs or protection tools you recommend

2) how to find out more information on them (a reading, yes).

thanks for your help.

Thank you Sts. Jude, Expedite, Michael and Anthony. Thank you stars, spirits.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Thu Mar 19, 2015 11:54 am

Welcome back, ariela / ellalorena!

1) You will want to cleanse and remake your altar space.

• Take everything down and sweep with a new broom.
• Use appropriate cleaning materials on every part of the altar and what goes on it.
• Put the same energy into rebuilding it that you did into originally constructing it -- but this time, build in some protection.
• Use four silver dimes for protection. If your altar is rectangular, set the dimes, face-up under the four corners or four legs of the altar. If it is triangular, use three dimes. Pray Psalms 91 and 121 over them before setting the dimes in place.

2) You can get a reading at the Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers. Check here: http://readersandrootworkers.org

Good luck!

ellalorena · Unread post by **ellalorena** » Tue Mar 31, 2015 12:39 pm

hey thanks a lot.

Can I use regular dimes or do I have to order silver ones? I know LMCC sells them, how much are they each?

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Tue Mar 31, 2015 8:23 pm

Hello, ellalorena

Miss cat said Silver dimes. Find them here: www.luckymojo.com/silverdime.html

Take care

Unread post by **Rev Ernest** » Fri Apr 17, 2015 3:19 pm

Lucky Mojo is proud to announce the publication of a new book by Miss Phoenix LeFae,
In "Hoodoo Shrines and Altars," Miss Phoenix instructs the reader in the construction of suitable
Hoodoo Alars.

The book will debut at the 8th Annual Hoodoo Heritage Festival in Forestville, California,
May 16th-17th, 2015, and a copy will be included in the admission package for the event, because
Miss Phoenix will be teaching a workshop on how to do this work. We are taking pre-orders now.
"Hoodoo Shrines and Altars" ships on May 18, 2015. Pre-ordered copies will be signed
by the author.

BOO-FLS-HSAA
Hoodoo Shrines and Altars by Miss Phoenix LeFae
$12.00

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

avoiceanswered · Unread post by **avoiceanswered** » Sat Apr 18, 2015 1:56 am

I live in a basement room under the stairs of a plantation-style house. My one wall has a built-in cabinet shelf directly under the stairs, and I've been thinking of making it a study-personal power-attraction altar. My question is if it is that kind of altar right under the stairs is that like having people step all over me? Or is that like other spells where you have the control?

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Sat Apr 18, 2015 11:43 am

avoiceanswered,

You are overthinking this. When you read the book announced above, you will learn that hidden altars have a long, long histroy in Black American magic. If there were stupid rules about where they should be located, then enslaved people could not have perpetuated the custom of keeping altars. Archaeologists have found and uncovered altars that were literally hidden under floors in the days of slavery.

karma_13 · Unread post by **karma_13** » Thu Apr 23, 2015 9:47 am

Hello! I've read through all the threads and I'm still a little confused. Here's my situation...

I have to do my work discretely, which means in the basement, in a back corner of the storage room behind bins where my candles and whatnot won't be seen by my husband. It's kinda dark and cold back there and not the most spiritually welcoming place let's say...but it's the only spot I can go to to light my candles and pray...not to mention it's also safe cause it's concrete back there so there is little threat of fires happening with vigil candles going unattended. The problem is...my "dark" work is being done inches away from my "love" work. Is that bad? And sometimes they are going on simultaneously which makes me worried that I'm mixing up energies. What do you think?

I know dark work should be "down and dirty", which this space kinda is unless I get dirtier and do it next to the toilet...but I can't do my love work in my bedroom or anywhere aesthetically appealing without being caught...the love work does not include my husband!

I realize everyone's altars are different and that's their prerogative. This unfortunately is the best I can do, but I don't want to cross or trip up my work either! What do you think?

Thanks!!!

Unread post by **natstein** » Fri Apr 24, 2015 2:56 pm

Hello karma_13,

I would not be to worried over this. Some workers have "good" and "bad" candles and such going right next to each other on the same table top. Sometimes you have to use what space you have and that's what you got. If you really want to be certain I suggest getting a reading to see if it is causing anything negative but as long as you are not mixing up your own intentions when you are doing your work I think you will be fine.

Peace~

Nathen

Priya1220 · Unread post by **Priya1220** » Tue Apr 28, 2015 9:37 pm

St. Expedite, thank you so much for answering my prayer about my dog, and for making sure she is okay, and that nothing is wrong with her. I am so sorry that i didn't say my public thank you earlier today, so i apologize for being late! I hope you forgive me St. Expedite as I am deeply sorry! You are amazing, and I love you so much.

Kerroncreg · Unread post by **Kerroncreg** » Sun May 31, 2015 3:40 pm

Hi there. I am from the West Indies.
I have never had any encounter with spirit guide or spirit helpers, and I don't know my ancestors or my roots, but I would like to meet and work with my spirit guide. Is there anything I can do to gain communication with my spirit guide or know who my ancestors are?

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Sun May 31, 2015 8:58 pm

Hello, Kerroncreg,

I would first recommend that you set up an Ancestor altar. I have moved your post to the thread that deals with altars. Thee are a few types mentioned here. But you will find many posts about the Ancestor altar.

You can also find some information here: http://www.readersandrootworkers.org/wi ... nd_Prayers

And I would also recommend that you use the Psychic Vision Products and Spirit Guide products to help you.

www.luckymojo.com/spiritguide.html

www.luckymojo.com/psychicvision.html

You don't have to know who you ancestors are. Just address them as your ancestors. Give them offerings and talk to them as often as possible. Then, little by little, call on your Spirit guides, etc.

it's a process but a rewarding one

Good luck

Dave71us · Unread post by **Dave71us** » Sun Sep 20, 2015 5:28 pm

If I chose to burn a vigil,candle on my ancestor altar what color would work best?

Can anyone recommend any LM herbs or oils that I could use to dress the candle?

Thanks

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Sun Sep 20, 2015 11:59 pm

Hello, Dave71us ,

I prefer white on my altar.

My preferred product is: www.luckymojo.com/spiritguide.html

Wishing you the very best

Dave71us · Unread post by **Dave71us** » Mon Sep 21, 2015 5:16 pm

That's makes so much sense.
Thanks Miss Aida

HappinessRules · Unread post by **HappinessRules** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 5:02 am

Cleaning altar from scratch tell me what u need?
What has happened an egg I used for cleansing smashed all over my altar and I want to know what to use to clean it all up? I haven't put my hands on any of it so where do I start from cleaning items splattered with it to the actual altar?
This is hard to know where to start, also how would I dispose of all of this.

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 4:44 pm

Hello, HappinessRules ,

Just cleanse everything with Chinese wash: www.luckymojo.com/chinesewash.html

Here is a thread on methods od disposal: www.luckymojo.com/layingtricks.html

And don't worry about it. We all make mistakes and that's how we learn!

take care

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 10:06 pm

Chinese wash is a gentle soap-based product and is good for more types of surfaces. Go back to earlier pages in this thread and you will learn a lot about traditional spiritual cleansing methods for different types of altar surfaces.

Here, courtesy of Mama E. of the Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers, is an ancestral altar on a wall shelf:

HappinessRules · Unread post by **HappinessRules** » Sun Oct 18, 2015 1:23 am

Thanks Miss Aida, and Miss catherine yronwode

itgirl92 · Unread post by **itgirl92** » Wed Oct 28, 2015 2:08 pm

I know I've read a lot of things about altars and what people have on them, that within Hoodoo, there isn't necessarily one setup that is right.

But as I've just recently started, all I really have on my altar is a cloth and an incense burner - then candles as I may be working a spell. I don't have pictures of my ancestors or anything like that right now. Does the lack of some of this more personal stuff affect the power of my spells? As long as I can visualize and pray and make my intent known, does it matter?

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Wed Oct 28, 2015 9:33 pm

Hello, itgirl92 ,

Are you talking about an Ancestor altar or an altar for spells?

Although you can perform spells on an ancestor altar for their help, I usually just have a altar up to honor them. And a different one for spells.

To star an Ancestor altar, you can add things as you go along. You can start with just white flowers, a white candle, a glass of cold water. Then, gradually add more as time goes on and you have established a relationship with them. They don't have to be elaborate for the beginner. http://www.readersandrootworkers.org/wi ... nd_Prayers

An altar for spells doesn't really need anything formal. But, the more that you put into your altars for a spell, the better the success rate.

But a simple cloth will suffice along with your spell tools www.luckymojo.com/mojocattools.html

Take care and Have fun setting up your altars!

perezdavidangel · Unread post by **perezdavidangel** » Fri Oct 30, 2015 12:18 am

Hi everyone.

I've been needing help. I been holding back on performing any rootwork or spell because I'm not sure if the general process to perform one. I need some advice.

Do I just grab my candles and get to it or is there a process I can do to help my magick?

I know in Wicca they cast circles and other things as part of the spell but not sure on what exactly am I suppose to do as far as a hoodoo ritual is concerned.

Please help. I'm sorry if my English is off. It is not my first language.

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Fri Oct 30, 2015 7:45 am

Hello, perezdavidangel ,

I have merged your post over to the altar section. You may want to look at these pages to give you an idea of what an altar can be.

You could learn a lot from this page also: www.luckymojo.com/hoodoo.html

But, we don't have any fancy rituals or cast circles, etc.

Just place your tools (candles, etc) on a safe surface (altar), and start your spells. I always pray when I cast y spells.

But, all-in-all, you will have to research this thread and the page I gave to you. Then, you'll be fine

Good luck!

Can2017 · Unread post by **Can2017** » Sun Jan 03, 2016 8:26 pm

Hello everyone,

I'd like to know what to do with favourite foods and drinks that we place on altars for an ancestor or a saint.

1) A fresh banana for instance. Do we discard of it (in compost) and replace every day?

2) Also, how long should a drink (water or otherwise) and a herb be kept on the altar before replacing?

Thank you so much.
malamo

Unread post by **Miss Athena** » Mon Jan 04, 2016 12:18 pm

Hi malamo,

You want fresh food and drinks for your altar, so replace them before they start to go bad. Personally, I replace mine daily or at the very least, every other day.

Good luck.

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Mon Jan 04, 2016 11:57 pm

malamo,

1) The way i work, as long as the offering of food is still fresh, i let it dry in place and then take it outside into nature and break it up for the animals to eat. If it is the kind that rots, it goes out faster. If it has a long shelf-life, like a hard candy, it can stay a while longer.

2) Herbs and roots i will keep in place as long as they are fragrant. When they go stale, out they go. Water i would replace daily. Use it to water plants, unless it has had salt added, in which case it should go to the street, as salty water kills plants.

Here, courtesy of the Association of Independent Readers and Rootworkers, is a simple seasonal altar with offerings of flowers, food, and drink:

Good luck!

Can2017 · Unread post by **Can2017** » Tue Jan 05, 2016 3:41 pm

Thank you both very much for taking the time. This is very helpful.
My best regards,
malamo

LavidiaWhiteside · Unread post by **LavidiaWhiteside** » Wed Jan 13, 2016 5:17 pm

I've never given offerings to my spirit guides before. How does this work? If I were offering, say, corn to my spirit guide, can I used dried corn or should it be fully cooked and prepared (or does it matter)? Should I dispose of the offerings in some way, or is it okay just to throw everything away?

I apologize if this question is more appropriate elsewhere.

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Wed Jan 13, 2016 8:55 pm

Hello, LavidiaWhiteside,

I have moved your post to the appropriate subforum and thread.

Please, in the future, use the search engine to find where to post your queries. In the upper right hand corner, there is a white search box in the dark green area. Just type your key words and you'll be given options of where to post your query.

There are many good pages here for you to read. But let me ask you this: How would you like it if I gave you uncooked food? I don't think you would like it. Therefore, your Spirit guides wouldn't either. Unless you're working with an Orisha (and that was NOT your question), then please offer the same as you would eat yourself.

I like to offer the food up to animals. So, take it outside once the Spirits get the essence of the food (personally, I only keep food on my altar for 24 hours)

Here's a book on altars that you might be interested in:

www.luckymojo.com/hoodooshrinesandaltars.html

Take care

LavidiaWhiteside · Unread post by **LavidiaWhiteside** » Thu Jan 14, 2016 11:48 am

Ugh, I screwed up again. Please forgive me for all my newbie mistakes--I'll get it right next time.
Ha, I see your point! Thank you for the book recommendation. I have a lot of reading to do.

goldentouch97 · Unread post by **goldentouch97** » Sun May 01, 2016 8:25 am

Wich deities or saint is most appropriate for a money altar,i have an altar for my money stay with me who starting to work very well and i wanna going soon more deeper in hoodoo practice and gonna need to choose a saint or deities on my altar.

Unread post by **natstein** » Sun May 01, 2016 10:51 am

Hello goldentouch97,

First I want to mention that going deeper into hoodoo practice does not really necessitate choosing a spirit or saint to assist you.

Plenty of folks have strong and deep practices never having spoken to a saint in their life. That said you certainly can work with particular beings if you feel drawn to them.

I have heard that St. Expedite is popular for wealth and money and is also not particularly difficult to work with. Some folks feel that the Hindu God Ganesh or the Lucky Buddha helps them gain financial wealth as well.

Who ever you approach to work with on your money alter just remember that it is a relationship that you are developing.

Peace~

Nathen

Unread post by **catherineyronwode** » Sun May 01, 2016 11:03 am

Hi, goldentouch97,

Natstein was right on point. Hoodoo is mostly practiced by Protestant African Americans. The deity they venerate is called God, The Lord, or Jehovah.

The word "saints" is used in Protestant denominations to refer either to deceased members of the church who are assumed to be in Heaven (most common usage among Baptists) or living members of the church (most common among Holiness and Pentecostal denominations).

Catholic African Americans do venerate saints who are deceased people canonized by the Catholic heirarchy; among those who help with money would be any patron saint of one's own occupation, such as Saint Peter for fishermen or Saint Luke for doctors. Saint Expedite is called upon for any sort of emergency, when one needs help in a hurry.

A list of Patron Saints of the Catholic Church is here:

http://luckymojo.com/patronsaints.html

Some practitioners of hoodoo are eclectic enough to work with Hindu or Chinese dieties; this is not common, but it is found often enough that we consider it within the bounds of hoodoo.

Please familiarize yourself with the way in which religion does intersect with hoodoo by reading this essay i wrote to help my students and shop customers:

http://www.luckymojo.com/hoodooandreligion.html

Also, to learn more about all types of altars used in hoodoo, including ancestor altars, working candle altars, and travelling altars, please purchase and read this fine book published by Missionary Independent Spiritual Church:

BOO-FLS-HSAA
Hoodoo Shrines and Altars by Miss Phoenix LeFae
$12.00

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

goldentouch97 · Unread post by **goldentouch97** » Sun May 01, 2016 12:36 pm

Thanks a lots for your precious help,i gonna definetly order this book.

Lady Coyote · Unread post by **Lady Coyote** » Sat May 28, 2016 9:15 am

I have a quick question about Ancestor Alters: Can you include a person who isn't related to you by blood? My grandfather passed a few years ago; we were very close, and he is the only grandfather I have ever known, but he is not my biological grandfather. Does that matter?

Also (and I know that this is probably a crazy question), I have an unintentional "alter" to pets who have passed away -- their ashes, pictures, paw prints, hair, figures or fetishes that remind me of them. I have never used this alter in any kind of spell work, but part of my spiritual practice includes my Siksika heritage and beliefs, and that involves use of animal medicine. So, my question is: has anyone invoked the aid of the spirits of past pets? For example, there is a dog on my alter who once protected our house from robbery by attacking the invader -- could her spirit be worked with in a spell for protecting the home and those inside? And, if so, should I move the items honoring my pets to my Ancestor Alter (since we have always considered them members of the family), or continue to honor them on their own seperate alter, and start cleansing that and prepping it for work?

I understand that the question is probably farfetchedfarfetched and crazy! However, I am constanrly trying to interweave the practice of my African American maternal side (rootwork and conjure) and my Native American paternal side (traditional Siksika spirit and medicine work) into a personal path that honors both parts of my heritage. This seemed like maybe a good way to build a little bridge between the two.

Thanks for the help!

Unread post by **Miss Aida** » Sat May 28, 2016 7:20 pm

Hello, Lady Coyote ,

It's up to you. All up to you. But,

I have my deceased pets on my ancestor altar (and not a different altar) because, in my eyes, they were my children. I also have people who were close to my family (and were like family to me).It's about the soul, in my opinion, and not the blood.

So, no, not a silly question

Take care

Lady Coyote · Unread post by **Lady Coyote** » Sat May 28, 2016 7:50 pm

Thank you, Miss Aida!

mizznana002 · Unread post by **mizznana002** » Fri Jun 03, 2016 1:43 pm

Good evening everyone,

I have a situation that i need some advice on.

I've been wanting to make an ancestor altar for four of my deceased family members (great grandmother, her two daughters, and my cousin from my fathers side) but something in me isn't urging me to create one, and the thought of creating one and worshiping my ancestors is constantly in mind.

should i be concerned with the fact that i don't have the urge to?

i've had a few people tell me (and have also seen a few people on youtube stress it) that its very important to worship our ancestors before any dieties, spirit, saint etc.

is that true and important as well?

My family is from Puerto Rico and my mom grandfather and grandmother have practiced brujeria (witchcraft) a lot more when they we're younger than now with the exception of my mother and I, and my grandmother has an altar for my great grandmother but she tells me its not important.

Also should i make separate alters for each family member who has passed?