A Little Book of Altar Magic

by D.J. Conway

The purpose of any altar, says D. J. Conway, is to symbolize what we want to attract into our lives. In A Little Book of Altar Magic, she shows how, without knowing they are doing so, people are constantly building altars around them, and she encourages readers to make altars consciously, using them to create a sacred space in the home. The very act of creating an altar teaches the builder to listen to the subconscious and become receptive to the sacred in life, Conway suggests. She explains the process in simple terms: planning the project, acknowledging the emotions behind the decision, and doing the actual building. The book guides the reader to what items to look for in furnishing an altar, giving information gleaned from historical and modern approaches on the use of colors, the elements, objects, and symbols.

Genres: Magic, Nonfiction, Occult, Witchcraft

115 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2000

About the author

A native of the Pacific Northwest, author D.J. Conway has studied the occult fields for over 35 years. Her quest for knowledge has covered every aspect of Paganism and Wicca to New Age and Eastern philosophies; plus history, the magical arts, philosophy, customs, mythologies and folklore. In 1998, she was voted Best Wiccan and New Age author by Silver Chalice, a Pagan magazine.

She lives a rather quiet life, with most of her time spent researching and writing.

Reviews

[Theophanea · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. If you're looking for a quick info dump about all the general things you can put on an altar, this is good for that. Not for much else though. It wasn't pleasing to read, was a little dry, and was too broad and open.

The altar ideas included "examples of deities" and really, it felt like it was inviting someone to just use whichever deity they wanted... which you shouldn't do.

I wouldn't put this book on a "to buy" list and suggest anyone wanting to read it to just stick to a kindle version, honestly.

[Annemarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book, explaining the history of altars and how people unconsciously make altars. After that, this felt more like a list of meanings and associations rather than a book to read. It's more a reference book than an actual book.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful little book with information for your altar. Ranging from meanings of crystals and animals.

[Cathy Addley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few different ideas all relating to altars

[Colleen Criswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information in this book.