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The Witch's Altar: The Craft, Lore & Magick of Sacred Space
From prehistoric times to the modern day, the altar has been a pivotal tool for ritual and magick. The Witch's Altar is an in-depth exploration of altars for covens and solo practitioners. From building and maintaining your altar to exploring the use of mobile and hidden altars, this book offers advice, techniques, and fun for Witches of all ages and skill levels. Learn about the altar's role in history and mythology. Personalize your altar with candles, crystals, sacred tools, magickal objects, statues, pentacles, and symbols. Explore how different altar locations may affect your practice, and discover new ideas for elemental, seasonal, and outdoor altars, as well as altars for the dead. The Witch's Altar also includes fascinating contributions from leading writers, including Jenya T. Beachy, Lilith Dorsey, Lon Milo DuQuette, Angus McMahan, Louis Martinié, Lupa, Gwion Raven, Natalie Zaman, Andrieh Vitimus, and many more. Filled with spells, recipes, and tips, this book provides everything you need to help you create the altar of your magickal dreams.
312 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2018
57 people are currently reading
721 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 5, 2018
I follow Jason Mankey's blog and was curious about this book. I read other in this series and they were all very good, this one's no exception.
I loved the different point of views and I learned a lot from this book.
Very interesting and highly recommended!
Many thanks to Llewellyn and Netgalley for this ARC
I loved the different point of views and I learned a lot from this book.
Very interesting and highly recommended!
Many thanks to Llewellyn and Netgalley for this ARC
January 13, 2019
An insightful and informative book on everything to do with altars. I thought the book was both well sourced and put together. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 10, 2023
I have been dreaming of becoming a witch since I was a child, even before the Harry Potter-craze hit and made it a popular wish. The altar was, however, not something that was on my mind until much later, as I began to explore the craft more. Mankey and Zakroff's book therefore came at a perfect time for me to dig into this aspect a little more.
One of the things I both enjoyed about this book and was occasionally surprised by were the sections from other authors. It is great to get insight from a wide variety of practitioners and people, but I wasn't always expecting them, or technically knew who it was that was writing now. As someone who doesn't ascribe to Wiccan practices specifically, I nonetheless felt like I got a lot out of this book, from the general basics of an altar to recipes for Altar cakes and more. I also liked the tips about digital and traveling altars, since not every living space might be accommodating to altars.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely keep an eye out for future writing from both authors.
One of the things I both enjoyed about this book and was occasionally surprised by were the sections from other authors. It is great to get insight from a wide variety of practitioners and people, but I wasn't always expecting them, or technically knew who it was that was writing now. As someone who doesn't ascribe to Wiccan practices specifically, I nonetheless felt like I got a lot out of this book, from the general basics of an altar to recipes for Altar cakes and more. I also liked the tips about digital and traveling altars, since not every living space might be accommodating to altars.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely keep an eye out for future writing from both authors.
May 7, 2023
My coven read this book together and we enjoyed the fact that it was written by two authors who had different points of view. There were some great ideas and we had great discussion!
May 29, 2019
Very informative! Especially elements such as consecrating and charging a pentacle for your altar, recipes for Altar cakes, and suggested seasonal altar. Some parts of this book felt kind of like filler info and I didn't care for the format of adding sections written by other authors in the chapters without first introducing them at the start of the section, but that is probably just me being nitpicky.
November 22, 2018
This is a solid introduction on creating and using an altar. As the title suggests, the book is geared towards witches and Wiccans, but others could probably get a lot out of it (I did!). The authors usually chose to write individually, rather than with a shared authorial voice, and the chapters definitely show their different perspectives. And as with other books in this series, there are short contributions from other writers. The book starts with a general discussion of altars, and their history. It then moves into the creation of altars, how to use them, and a discussion of different types (daily, seasonal, devotional, etc.). There's also a chapter on the creation and use of pentacles.
Reading this book gave me some helpful ideas for using my altar. Some were basic and practical, from putting water in a sealed bottle to minimize spills (somehow that hadn't occurred to me) to reminding me that I could compost spent offerings. Others were more inspirational: I'm pondering a few new ideas on how to actually use my altar. I'd read two of Mankey's earlier books; this is the first by Zakroff I've read, but both write in an engaging style, and I enjoyed reading the book, even the parts I can't see myself ever using. (Hey, this is the most information in one place I've ever seen on pentacles!) Recommended for readers interested in working with Pagan altars.
Reading this book gave me some helpful ideas for using my altar. Some were basic and practical, from putting water in a sealed bottle to minimize spills (somehow that hadn't occurred to me) to reminding me that I could compost spent offerings. Others were more inspirational: I'm pondering a few new ideas on how to actually use my altar. I'd read two of Mankey's earlier books; this is the first by Zakroff I've read, but both write in an engaging style, and I enjoyed reading the book, even the parts I can't see myself ever using. (Hey, this is the most information in one place I've ever seen on pentacles!) Recommended for readers interested in working with Pagan altars.
July 14, 2018
So many people have questions about altars. What should I have, where should it be p!aced and why do I need one anyway? All these questions and more are answered in this book. It is obvious that the authors collaborated with each other and that their styles are a little different. That's a good thing as you get even more ideas on how to set up an altar. It discusses diverse types of altars such those in the ancient times, New Orleans Voodoo altars and their own personal ones. There is an altar dedication and blessing ritual as well as altar and moonrise recipes to use in rituals or for yourself. I thought the travelling alters and the virtual and digital alters were very creative. Loved the dashboard altar. I do plan to do a little work on mine, but what I learned is that if it feels right, then go ahead and fix yours any way you want to. I received this book from Net Galley and Llewellyn Publishing for an honest review and no compensation otherwise.
March 9, 2021
A decent beginner book with some good ideas and occasional glimpses into several branches of witchcraft. However, nearly all the rituals are heavily Gardnerian - predictably so, maybe, given that one of the authors is proclaimed as such. But there were no other options given for most of the rituals, and as I am not Wiccan, it was informative but ultimately not helpful to me personally. I would have liked to hear more from Tempest’s point of view as a traditional witch.
A last minor annoyance I can’t get past: neither the altar cakes nor the moon cakes recipes mention how many cakes are made, nor how long to bake them. I’m all for experimentation, but that information should be given in a basic baking recipe.
A last minor annoyance I can’t get past: neither the altar cakes nor the moon cakes recipes mention how many cakes are made, nor how long to bake them. I’m all for experimentation, but that information should be given in a basic baking recipe.
July 15, 2021
As someone with many altars strewn about my home, I was happy to have the opportunity to read this book.
Whether for a beginner or someone with many year’s experience with Wicca/Witchcraft/Paganism, this book will help you in setting up, designing and maintaining your altars.
Just perusing the Table of Contents makes you aware that the two authors know exactly what they are talking about, as they have many years of wisdom and knowledge both individually and collectively.
It is a very reader-friendly book, conversational and easy-to-read with much information packed between its covers.
The book starts by relating different kinds of altars, i.e. shrines, temples, sanctuaries, etc., with descriptions for each.
The history of altars is here beginning with those first caves and stones, what they contain(ed) and how altars became one of the magical tools most relied upon.
All of the details are present from what an altar is, what it is for and how to build one. Since there are various reasons to build one, the authors discuss the specifics, such as what activity you will be using it for, such as devotion, ritual, spell-work. This includes tips on deciding where to build it, keeping in mind what you are looking to do.
Specific altars are always reviewed, such as, daily and seasonal altars, as well as outdoor altars and devotional altar dedicated to specific diety(ies).
One of the things I liked most about this book was how each author readily shared personal experiences with the reader.
Of specific interest was the section regarding altars for the dead and ancestral altars, something I have not read much about in other books. The information was fascinating and propelled me to make my own ancestral altar.
For those of you who travel, locally and abroad, there is a section on travel altars, whether to set up at a hotel, or to have with you on a daily basis in your own personal vehicle. This includes digital altars, a concept I would never have even considered.
Some of the topics had me thinking “oh, yes, I had not thought of that”, such as dealing with our animal companions climbing all over our altars, other people who feel the need to touch, and how to dispose of altar items that are no longer needed/wanted.
This highly informative book is also interspersed with recipes both magickal and mundane, include spellwork, prayers, chants, blessings.
At the end of each chapter is a section called “Altar-natives”, which features witchy friends of the authors adding their wisdom; in fact, giving us ideas from numerous people. A nice touch.
Allowing for the disclaimer that I personally know Tempest, I would like to say that I highly recommend this book – friendly, informative, enjoyable.
http://paganpages.org/content/2018/12...
Whether for a beginner or someone with many year’s experience with Wicca/Witchcraft/Paganism, this book will help you in setting up, designing and maintaining your altars.
Just perusing the Table of Contents makes you aware that the two authors know exactly what they are talking about, as they have many years of wisdom and knowledge both individually and collectively.
It is a very reader-friendly book, conversational and easy-to-read with much information packed between its covers.
The book starts by relating different kinds of altars, i.e. shrines, temples, sanctuaries, etc., with descriptions for each.
The history of altars is here beginning with those first caves and stones, what they contain(ed) and how altars became one of the magical tools most relied upon.
All of the details are present from what an altar is, what it is for and how to build one. Since there are various reasons to build one, the authors discuss the specifics, such as what activity you will be using it for, such as devotion, ritual, spell-work. This includes tips on deciding where to build it, keeping in mind what you are looking to do.
Specific altars are always reviewed, such as, daily and seasonal altars, as well as outdoor altars and devotional altar dedicated to specific diety(ies).
One of the things I liked most about this book was how each author readily shared personal experiences with the reader.
Of specific interest was the section regarding altars for the dead and ancestral altars, something I have not read much about in other books. The information was fascinating and propelled me to make my own ancestral altar.
For those of you who travel, locally and abroad, there is a section on travel altars, whether to set up at a hotel, or to have with you on a daily basis in your own personal vehicle. This includes digital altars, a concept I would never have even considered.
Some of the topics had me thinking “oh, yes, I had not thought of that”, such as dealing with our animal companions climbing all over our altars, other people who feel the need to touch, and how to dispose of altar items that are no longer needed/wanted.
This highly informative book is also interspersed with recipes both magickal and mundane, include spellwork, prayers, chants, blessings.
At the end of each chapter is a section called “Altar-natives”, which features witchy friends of the authors adding their wisdom; in fact, giving us ideas from numerous people. A nice touch.
Allowing for the disclaimer that I personally know Tempest, I would like to say that I highly recommend this book – friendly, informative, enjoyable.
http://paganpages.org/content/2018/12...
November 3, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. for free in exchange for an honest review.
I find the idea of creating sacred space intriguing. Almost everyone I know, regardless of their faith, has some sort of space that holds objects that are sacred to them. How we set that space up and acknowledge it makes for fascinating reading.
The intent behind the Witch's Altar is to help a person set up an altar as a sacred space. Because there are so many ways that people follow a magical path, much of the book is apropos for people of any faith.
As I read The Witch's Altar, I found myself thinking much more actively about how I set my spaces up, when and why I change decor, and what I want to surround myself with.
I liked the format of the book a lot - there were just enough guest contributors to round out the book and show the reader how much freedom there is in creating a sacred space for yourself - however you define it. I also liked how respectful the overall tone of the book was - I would be comfortable recommending it to people of any faith, whether they were interested in magic or not.
I will definitely be incorporating several of the ideas in the book into my own life.
I find the idea of creating sacred space intriguing. Almost everyone I know, regardless of their faith, has some sort of space that holds objects that are sacred to them. How we set that space up and acknowledge it makes for fascinating reading.
The intent behind the Witch's Altar is to help a person set up an altar as a sacred space. Because there are so many ways that people follow a magical path, much of the book is apropos for people of any faith.
As I read The Witch's Altar, I found myself thinking much more actively about how I set my spaces up, when and why I change decor, and what I want to surround myself with.
I liked the format of the book a lot - there were just enough guest contributors to round out the book and show the reader how much freedom there is in creating a sacred space for yourself - however you define it. I also liked how respectful the overall tone of the book was - I would be comfortable recommending it to people of any faith, whether they were interested in magic or not.
I will definitely be incorporating several of the ideas in the book into my own life.
October 31, 2018
4.5 Stars
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
So let's say you're getting into witchcraft and how have no idea how to set up an Altar, well, this book is for you! Not only does it go over altars but it also gives a little bit more in depth about altars. Some of the altars in here I'd never even heard of! Like Digital ones, a dashboard alter. Very creative and fitting for those that are more modern in their craft.
The writing is direct and easy to understand, the authors never once talk down to the reader but always like they just talking to you. I love when authors do that, makes the book read so much better.
If you are looking for a new type of alter, this is also a good book, they talk about Voodoo alters and even their own, which I thought was a great personal touch. So really, this book has just about everything you need to know about alters, even a blessing ritual. I love that these two very different voices were able to make sure a great book, I can't wait to add this to my bookshelf for reference.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
So let's say you're getting into witchcraft and how have no idea how to set up an Altar, well, this book is for you! Not only does it go over altars but it also gives a little bit more in depth about altars. Some of the altars in here I'd never even heard of! Like Digital ones, a dashboard alter. Very creative and fitting for those that are more modern in their craft.
The writing is direct and easy to understand, the authors never once talk down to the reader but always like they just talking to you. I love when authors do that, makes the book read so much better.
If you are looking for a new type of alter, this is also a good book, they talk about Voodoo alters and even their own, which I thought was a great personal touch. So really, this book has just about everything you need to know about alters, even a blessing ritual. I love that these two very different voices were able to make sure a great book, I can't wait to add this to my bookshelf for reference.
July 8, 2022
The Witch’s Altar Witch’s Tools Series book 7 by Jason Mankey and Laura Tempest Zakroff
9780738757964
288 Pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications, Llewellyn Worldwide
Release Date: November 8, 2018
Nonfiction (Adult), Religion, Spirituality, Altars, Magic, Sacred Space
The book is divided into the following sections.
1. What is an Altar?
2. The Altar in History and Other Traditions
3. The Pentacle
4. Building An Altar
5. Daily & Seasonal Altars
6. Devotional Altars in Action
7. Outdoor Altars
8. Altars for the Dead
9. Altars on the Go
10. Troubleshooting an Altar
Back when I started down the Pagan path, I read a book that told me my altar had to be made of wood and not having any metal in it. This book is so much more user friendly. I like the fact the authors do not have a rigid set of thoughts on what or what doesn’t make an altar. The section on the history of altars was very informative. I enjoyed reading the altar-natives from other people discussing their altars. This is a wonderful book for anyone considering or maintaining an altar.
9780738757964
288 Pages
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications, Llewellyn Worldwide
Release Date: November 8, 2018
Nonfiction (Adult), Religion, Spirituality, Altars, Magic, Sacred Space
The book is divided into the following sections.
1. What is an Altar?
2. The Altar in History and Other Traditions
3. The Pentacle
4. Building An Altar
5. Daily & Seasonal Altars
6. Devotional Altars in Action
7. Outdoor Altars
8. Altars for the Dead
9. Altars on the Go
10. Troubleshooting an Altar
Back when I started down the Pagan path, I read a book that told me my altar had to be made of wood and not having any metal in it. This book is so much more user friendly. I like the fact the authors do not have a rigid set of thoughts on what or what doesn’t make an altar. The section on the history of altars was very informative. I enjoyed reading the altar-natives from other people discussing their altars. This is a wonderful book for anyone considering or maintaining an altar.
August 29, 2023
This was such a great book to read. Zakroff and Mankey are both very talented authors who give you two very different POVs throughout this book. Both of their incites to the Witch’s Altar are interesting and informative. Throughout this book, you also get clips from other writers called Altar-natives. The Witch’s Altar is one of our most sacred tools, but often one that gets little to no mention. Mankey and Zakroff go into full detail about what an altar is, what it is for, who needs one, and how to use it.
As a long-time practicing witch, most of this book was not new to me, but the way it was presented was fresh and interesting to read. This book and I suspect this series of books is a must-read for newbies and those looking for good 101s. This book is clearly written and gives you all you need to be able to start and maintain an altar in any situation.
Definitely a must-read!
As a long-time practicing witch, most of this book was not new to me, but the way it was presented was fresh and interesting to read. This book and I suspect this series of books is a must-read for newbies and those looking for good 101s. This book is clearly written and gives you all you need to be able to start and maintain an altar in any situation.
Definitely a must-read!
November 9, 2018
This book contains a nice mix of beginner information as well as fresh ideas for more experienced practitioners. I especially enjoyed the conversational tone of the book and the different perspectives brought by the two authors. Including the sidebars from various others on the construction and use of their altars also added more depth.
Although I've kept altars in the house for years, I particularly enjoyed the chapter on creating outdoor altars. That's something I've always wanted to do but have never gotten around to. I'm inspired to create some sacred space on my property after reading this book.
Although I've kept altars in the house for years, I particularly enjoyed the chapter on creating outdoor altars. That's something I've always wanted to do but have never gotten around to. I'm inspired to create some sacred space on my property after reading this book.
July 15, 2018
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. I requested a copy of this book to continue my magickal studies. I did not know some of this information. I got a better understand the setup and care for a personal altar. Reading this made me feel informed and not like I have been talked down to like some of the other work on similar subjects. I enjoyed reading and made me feel good that I came away with something I can use in my personal life.
July 15, 2018
I received this copy from NetGalley and Llewellyn for review. I enjoyed the multi-author viewpoints and I think this book has something to offer to people at all levels of experience. I think if the illustrations had been included in this copy I would have enjoyed this even more. My favorite section was the altar dedication.
July 25, 2018
This book gave me an enlightening time to say the least. It’s curious that I didn’t see any other book on the subject until now, making this a significant addition to any witch’s bookshelf. The authors did a wonderful job with this book. The style's simple and direct. I really liked how they handed the subject and made it more cohesive with a clean and neat structure.
September 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! Inspiring!
Being a practicing witch of over 30yrs, there are still things to learn of course.
Well researched, w/ pieces by several guest authors / practitioners for a well rounded viewpoint.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by Jason Mankey & Laura Tempest Zakroff.
Being a practicing witch of over 30yrs, there are still things to learn of course.
Well researched, w/ pieces by several guest authors / practitioners for a well rounded viewpoint.
I'm looking forward to reading more books by Jason Mankey & Laura Tempest Zakroff.
November 14, 2021
Despite being written from multiple points of view (and perhaps because of this), this book provides clear guidance for figuring out how an altar (or several) can fit into your daily life and practice. Tons of examples and suggestions expand this from a prescriptive method to a broad resource that many paths could connect to.
April 30, 2024
Very interesting read. While there wasn't much I felt was applicable to my own personal practice, I still really enjoyed reading about all of the different ways others use altars and different types of altars. I really appreciated that it was not only written by two different authors (who have different paths) but also included "altar-natives" perspectives from other witches as well.
August 28, 2024
More of a casual how-to guide that can be summed up as "do what works best for you" than any kind of real insight into the history, lore, or reasoning behind altars in witchcraft or any other religion. It is a very easy read and not unenjoyable, so it's worth perusing if you have a light curiosity on the topic.
August 12, 2020
Really enjoyed the different perspectives in this book and even though it went over some of the basics it was a good refresh and very easy read.
I did copy out some notes which means that it has had an important impact and something I will refer back to in the future
I did copy out some notes which means that it has had an important impact and something I will refer back to in the future
January 10, 2021
Friendly entry for the beginner and some nice nuggets for the more advanced. I really enjoyed the section on the history of altars (which has inspired more research!) and the personal stories and practices of the authors.
June 14, 2021
Of the books in the series I've read (athame, cauldron, book of shadows) this is the best one thus far. The writing is clear, and I particularly enjoyed the part about the pentacle, as well as the dual perspective.
May 27, 2022
Ce livre est très complet sur les autels.
On y voit les bases d'un autel, mais aussi l'histoire des autels (av. JC, dans les religions, et tout les types d'autels).
On apprend pleins de choses très intéressantes.
Une bonne lecture très riche !
On y voit les bases d'un autel, mais aussi l'histoire des autels (av. JC, dans les religions, et tout les types d'autels).
On apprend pleins de choses très intéressantes.
Une bonne lecture très riche !
June 2, 2019
Very well written and the authors are easy to read. Packed with information and yet it feels like you’re sitting talking to them in your kitchen.
June 27, 2020
Jason is a fraud who supports abusive cults.
July 31, 2020
Great book for both beginners and experienced witches. Going back to basics, remembering why we do what we do can refresh your whole practice. Would absolutely recommend.
June 25, 2021
The information in this book was absolutely phenomenal!
December 28, 2021
Love. Will purchase.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews