The Altar Within: A Radical Devotional Guide to Liberate the Divine Self

by Juliet Diaz

In her third and most important work, Juliet Diaz, the bestselling author of Witchery, offers an approach to Magic, spirituality, and healing like no other and takes readers through the deep work of decolonizing their spirituality.

The Altar A Radical Devotional to Liberate the Divine Self is a work of spiritual revolution for all peoples, offering them practices and rituals in the arts of self-worship, self-discovery, and self-activism. The Altar Within is like no other approach to Spirituality, breaking through the vicious cycles of harmful and toxic spiritual practices and beliefs. Diaz speaks for those victimized and enslaved by colonization and offers a new take on personal development based in the resounding plea of our ancestors to live our Divined lives, the ones they could not have for themselves.

In the book, Diaz leads the reader through an exploration



Pushing back on #lightandlove and #goodvibesonly, Diaz dismantles the wellness industry, releasing readers from the practice of spiritual bypassing into a far more powerful experience of self, healing, hope, and Spirit. This book is for anyone, including those who can't afford to buy all the tools, pay for the expensive memberships, people who have real-life issues, illnesses, and hardships. Through The Altar Within , Diaz brings the Magic to real life, acknowledging our humanness by connecting with our Spirit.

The Altar Within will help readers create success in every area of their lives—from wealth, health, relationships, and personal development, to the nourishment of their relationship with the Divine self. As Diaz explains, when we can finally decolonize our spiritual beliefs, Divinity can be a super force in our lives, making us whole, stronger, wiser, and setting us on a path of transcendent activism. #magicalaf

Bonus Your copy of The Altar Within comes with a very special gift for readers. Look inside for a QR-Code that leads you to a magical space full of bonus content created just for the book. You can expect mini-courses, video tutorials, downloadable worksheets, journaling prompts, meditations, workbooks, and more!

Genres: Witchcraft, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Occult, Self Help, Paganism, Magic

264 pages, Hardcover

Published February 22, 2022

About the author

WRITER, AUTHOR, & LITERARY ACTIVIST

Juliet Diaz is a neurodivergent Indigenous Taíno and first-generation Cuban American, as well as an award-winning, internationally bestselling author, and activist.

Her writing is rooted in liberatory and decolonial themes, empowering others to reclaim their voices, align with their truth, and embrace their innate magic and humanity.

As the co-founder of the Literary Craft Society, she leads a revolutionary writing community dedicated to fostering change, healing, and liberation through the transformative power of words.

Her works, including Witchery: Embrace the Witch Within, Plant Witchery, The Altar Within, The Seasons of the Witch Oracle Deck series, and The Earthcraft Oracle Deck, have inspired thousands across the world to create meaningful change within themselves and their communities.

Join my newsletter community: https://iamjulietdiaz.substack.com

Website: www.iamjulietdiaz.com

Reviews

[Elle Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed this but if I hear the word bestie one more time I might die. 😅

[Tart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this one. I adore Diaz's other books and the Season of the Witch Oracle decks she does, but there were parts of this one that rubbed me the wrong way.

A lot of the book felt like it was female focused (which isn't a bad thing) but without acknowledging that there may be non-female people reading it. The womb spell, and some of the sacred womb comments felt like they veered closer to the TERFy lands. Especially as there was acknowledgement that the spell/exercise shouldn't be done while sick, or potentially at all if you are immunocompromised, but no alternative exercise or modification if you don't have a womb.

There was also some ingrained ableism issues in the section about community. The book mentions that it was written during COVID lockdowns, but at the same time basically said that internet and social media communities weren't REAL community and that true community is in person, but for some of us who are disabled, in person community may not be an option. Some of us also may not have family or in person friends to support us, and online community can be just as fulfilling and helpful and supportive. Disability Twitter and Instagram are a wealth of knowledge and tips, and are often fantastic resources on activism for a group that is often overlooked in other advocacy spaces.

The gratuitous use of bestie and hashtags didn't bother me, but YMMV.

[Mar at BOOKIVERSE · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAAAAND FIIIIIVE STARS GOOOO TOOOOOO.... THIS BEAUTY!

MANY PEOPLE SHOULD TO READ THIS BOOK!

Nah. Scratch that. EVERYONE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.

Don't let the facts that Juliet is a Bruja (which means "Witch" in Spanish) and uses the word "Diosa" (which means "Goddess") often, mislead you about the REAL content and audience of this book.

Yes, this is a book about spirituality. Yes, there are a few (very few) references to witchcraft here. Yes, it seems to be written for women.

BUT, what this book is really about is HUMANITY AND EMPOWERMENT (there is plenty of social commentary here!).

So, it is really about ALL OF US and for ALL OF US.

It is about all the internal and external forces that affect spirituality, specially for BIPOC. This includes all of us as members of the global human family, and how we all have the responsibility of supporting each other's spiritual paths.

Juliet is not trying to teach any particular religious/spiritual/self-care practices, but the opposite.
Her goal is to empower the reader to find their own spiritual paths and practices with no conflict with their religious beliefs.

I think you would enjoy this book as much as I did if...

1- You are a human being (any!) who's exploring spirituality and learning about its role in selfcare and self-improvement.

2- You are a human being (any!) who is feeling lost in a "social media sea of spiritual influences" that just seem to take advantage of people instead of helping them ($1,000 plus a day "spiritual retreats" that culturally appropriate practices and only the most privileged can afford, I AM LOOKING AT YOU) and seeking empowerment to take your spiritual/self-care practices under your OWN control.

3- You are a human being (any!) who wants to learn more about the social injustices BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) face everyday (cultural appropriation, colonialism, etc.), especially related to spiritual practices.

4- You are a BIPOC! Then I especially recommend this book!

I absolutely ADORED the audiobook, which sounds like a podcast. Juliet narrates it herself and she is just so funny, down to earth, friendly and compassionate!

Afghgfhgfh... I'm SO happy I ran into this ARC in NetGalley!

I had never heard of Juliet before and I think she is really a gifted author and inspirational speaker.

I will be following her closely and I hope to get the physical book one day because I really want to try all the wonderful self-improvement exercises!

[Lindsey Albright · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was permitted access to the audiobook by its publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very interesting book. I really felt like I got to know the author and her spiritual journey through her words. She has clearly worked through a lot of what she talks about and she gives the advice that we are ever growing and changing, which I love. She seems honest.

I am not a poc, so a lot of the devotionals weren't really directed at me. That is fine and I knew that was going to be part of the experience when I was going into this book. There is a lot of talk about decolonization and it includes some very important messages.

It is definitely important for white people to understand the issues, challenges, goals, and successes of the bipoc community. I am very glad I heard about some of it in this book and as I keep what I heard in my consciousness, I am hoping it will help me be a better global citizen going forward.

What I was missing in this book was more concrete direction or examples of devotional and practice suggestions. There is quite a lot of time spent on hashing out and rehashing out a wide variety of problems, issues, and injustices, which are incredibly important, but part of my desire to read this book was to get a new perspective on spiritual practices. I was searching for practices that are outside my wheelhouse because I would like more understanding in how other people's spiritual practices work. I was just hoping for more examples and more guidance, even if it happened to be guidance I couldn't personally use, because what I ultimately wanted was that spiritual connection.

I want to see others grow and thrive as much as I want to grow and thrive so I found the vague and sometimes sparing suggestions a bit frustrating. There were times when it felt like the author was talking in circles and while I firmly believe that it was necessary for her to write and hash out, it did also compound my frustration with not finding enough of what I thought the book was going to provide.

This is an excellent social commentary book. The raw writing style, filled with hashtags, is fun and it is clearly meant to make the work seem more available to a wide range of youthful people. This is also excellent for general advice, as in it a good starting point for kicking off your journey into spiritualism.

It's not what I thought I was getting into from a spiritual perspective and maybe that is my fault. I saw the author's credentials and the description and I assumed that it was going to be a deep dive spiritually and not just socially. That's on me, I think. I did still redact stars because I am just wanting more in a bad way and I'm disappointed, even if it is my fault.

I did, however, highly recommend this book to a friend. I felt like she would connect with it more than I did and that she would find it beneficial to her spiritual journey. While this feels like a mid-tier book for me and my journey, it is certainly more beneficial to others and it deserves love and recognition for that.

This book has a lot of important information and anecdotes, especially about the social community within spiritualism. It is worth the read. Also, the author seems like she is an amazing person and I fully support that she has her voice in the world. I think we need it as people, even if this book wasn't fully for me.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

TLDR : this book is about radical inclusivity only in so far as the reader is female, able bodied, and either BIPOC, or willing to be beaten to death with buzzwords and hashtags.

I was - dismayed - by this book, to put it mildly.

Unless you live under a rock, you’re aware that the US is going through an, ahem, uncomfortable reckoning. This book would like to beat you over the head with that knowledge. Which would be fine, if 1.) It had been bought for that purpose; or 2.) it presented literally any new information, or critiques, or perspectives. Which it does not do. At all.

This books stated purpose is to be about honoring what inherently makes us “divine” by “decolonizing spirituality” - which the author helpfully defines for us as dispensing with “Love and Light” or “Good vibes only” spirituality. Basically, uncomfortable feelings are normal and just as spiritually valid as “good” feelings. Diaz informs the reader that the only thing you need to be truly in touch with yourself is yourself - and then proceeds to list about 15 things you can buy to put on your altar. But then tells us that we don’t have to, but it helps to make altars, but we don’t have to, after all we’re the altar. We just needed to be reminded - by buying her book. This is the tone of the entire book - interspersed with an obnoxious number of #hashtags, “honies”, and “besties”.

Diaz also seems to not understand the concept of inclusivity - nor does she have a coherent philosophy. She seems to understand that some individuals who read her book may not identify as female, but uses female pronouns almost exclusively, which, as a member of the queer community, is pretty off-putting. She condemns transphobia, but at no point offers alternative rituals for people without uteruses, or for folks who might find such gendered rituals dysphoric. She also demeans online communities, but for many people, especially rural queer folks, online communities are a cornerstone. This isn’t even getting to the inherent ableism interspersed throughout.

Its worth noting that there are several mentions of near death experiences, physical and sexual abuse, that are brought up ENTIRELY unprompted - without any warning. If this were a memoir, where this kind of personal anecdote would make sense, it would be forgivable - HOWEVER - this is ostensibly a self-help book. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that someone looking for guidance through their trauma, may want a content warning before they read an angry, graphic retelling of a tragic incident in the authors life.

The occult and new age spiritualism have had, and continue to have, a troubled relationship with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC groups. So, to the author’s credit, I think this is a ham-fisted attempt to wrench it away from those insidious corners of the craft. But at the end of the day, this book is exactly what it claims to not be - a book about feel good spiritualism, that asks nothing of its reader except the purchase price.

[Rowan's Bookshelf (Carleigh) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is incredibly impeded by the fact that this woman talks how old people think young people talk. Constant hashtags. CONSTANT. And calling the reading bestie, honie, my BFF, it's annoying and turns condescending at times. It is a shame, because the book does offer some great techniques for connecting with ones "inner" self and practicing self love and activism in your community. It's not anything really radical, you could probably find most of these exercises and prompts online fairly easily. With the writing style, and the fact that the author only uses the feminine to refer to EVERYTHING is a huge disappointment

[Heaether · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some truly lovely advice in this book and I appreciate the authors heartfelt voice on the subject and her honesty with her own healing journey. There is definitely some gems for many to find in this book. The only reason it didn’t hit 4 stars is because while she touched on some very powerful things many of these thoughts were not explored further. I had a lot of “yes! but why and how?” moments. But seriously a very beautiful book about self love.

[Dancing Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some good pieces of advice in it, but the constant reference to #'s drove me nuts.

[Molly Wallace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite repetitive in a way that didn’t build upon itself. I was hoping to learn some new ways of approaching self care as an act of liberation but found the content redundant. If you are super unfamiliar with content like this I could see it being an interesting read but if you have some knowledge in anti-capitalist spirituality, self care as liberation, and decolonizing spiritual places I feel like it’s old news?? … I do like how inclusive she was with all religions. Period! But she also used the word “hashtag” and “bestie” every other sentence and it was so cringe lol.

[Megan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing!

I loved reading this devotional from Juliet and look forward to putting her tips, tricks, and suggestions into place in my own life.

Highly recommend this one if you are looking to re-connect with yourself, and/or to find new potent ways to connect with the Divinity inside of you.

[Fawna]

I loved the message, positivity, and grounded approach to this book. There were parts that seemed a bit repetitive, and I'll be honest, if I never have to hear Diaz say "bestie" or "hashtag" again, I'll be OK. This book was written like a collection of inspirational IG posts, so I will happily follow her on IG, but I don't know if I'll read another of her books.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I adapted to the author’s tone/style, I found this book engaging and interesting as well as sometimes laugh out loud funny/relatable. I felt like some of the excessive quantities of “Bestie” and #spiritualAF verbiage to feel forced/contrived, but after a while I got used to it and enjoyed the book with its practical, simple life lessons for living your life as sacred now.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s so much to say about this book. I know I can’t do it the justice it deserves in my review but I’m going to try. First off, please keep an open mind. At the first mention of white supremacy and other things, don’t stop reading or listening. It raised my hackles at first and I kept thinking this author is so racist! Yes, it can go both ways. But as I was listening to the audiobook, I realized, she isn’t talking about white people in general. She’s talking about the ones who think they are above others. She brought up a good point about the fitness classes and yoga and what have you being pricey and geared towards privileged white people in the community. That not everyone can afford it but everyone could benefit from it. That’s so right! I’m white and I could never afford it. It would’ve helped bring me out of my funk and also educated me about fitness back in the day when I needed it the most. How can people who really need help ever change or get educated if they are always left out? It’s all a money racket or privilege thing most times. Nothing about helping others. I understand people need to make money. Nothing in life is free. But there needs to be some balance. Help underprivileged, even if it’s teaching one to be able to start another class in their community or something. I don’t know the answer. And I know people don’t trust one another. But there’s good and bad in both rich and poor people. The author has raised some good points and wasn’t afraid to speak up on it. I know it made people get butt hurt but it is something needing addressed.

This isn’t a book that’s about spirituality as far as a church book. It’s not even really a witchcraft book like it’s listed under on amazon. It’s more the spiritual body that resides in all of us. The personal experience. And I admit, being raised in the Bible Belt I was hesitant after all the years growing up being taught how taboo some stuff is. I do believe in God and know he’s real but there’s also a higher being of self. It doesn’t mean I’m worshipping other gods. Our spiritual self is connected to God. I can’t explain it. But we should respect others beliefs. I didn’t realize how the author’s country had had so much trauma, people coming in trying to take their beliefs from them. I’m ignorant of a lot of other cultures and community. This helped educate me and make me ask myself what can I do to help.

There’s so much in here. It’s a book of heavy topics but also a book to help you benefit from it. You learn to understand yourself better. I’ve always been taught the it’s selfish to love yourself. Now I see that you can’t love others like you should until you are able to love yourself. Giving yourself self love helps to reset your exhaustion spiritually, physically and mentally. There’s also great devotional stuff to practice each day at the end of the book. I recommend the audiobook and the physical book. I will be buying the physical book as it is something to not only read but also study. And there’s the devotionals to do in back. It’s really kind of the author to write this and help others, no matter what color we are. She is giving a part of herself and a gift that will help you through a lifetime. That’s true love.

The narration for the audio was amazing. I think I read where it’s the author who narrates? Well, she needs to do this as a living. I loved her voice and she really brings the words alive.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to listen to this.

[Jessica Perez-Beardsley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm currently reading the book and already my blood is boiling from the message I'm getting from it.

The author comes off as angry, aggressive, and downright racist towards white people. Why is nobody talking about that? Is it because you can't possibly be racist towards a white person? Racism only applies to white people? That's what I'm getting here.

Her claim that love and light and good vibe ways of thinking is "whitewashed" just really pisses me off. I get that there's toxic positivity. What does that have to do with ones race? Absolutely nothing yet, she somehow manages to throw race in there! I understand her frustrations with cultural appropriations and s--- like that but, COME ON. Sounds like she's just reaching for straws and WANTS to be angry for no damn reason.

Another thing? Not all spiritual people are women. Not all people who buy this book are women. This book is aimed at, I will say, women only. She claims to be such an activist on inclusivity yet manages to miss that important factor.

And the Hashtags....and overall immature language...I mean, do you want people to take you seriously? It's like reading sh-- on social media. Dude, you're 40 and a grown ass woman. Why are you calling everyone BFF, Bestie, Honie, etc.?

I can't with this book. But I will..because I already bought it and can't return it.

_____________________________________________________
I'm done with the book and this is what I have to say.

This book is trash. Straight up. She claims on her IG that this book is antiracism....WHAT? Uh yeah, that's a LIE. This woman blames white people for everything! For her problems, for her feelings, for the problems in her community...it's absolutely ridiculous. It's a joke. Anti-racist...yeah...right...take some accountability already for YOUR life. The bratty attitude got old REAL quick throughout the text.

Besides the hatred and intolerance for white people, the book wasn't any good. It was all over the place. She was right to feel at times like she shouldn't be writing it. It's garbage.

She preyed on peoples emotions in a very divisional time here in the U.S. That's why her book has such high reviews, plain and simple. People can't get over their white guilt and found this completely acceptable. As a POC, I'm here to say that it's not. It's not acceptable, at all. I can't believe her biggest supporters are white people (her words not mine). How they can get behind this book is just mind boggling.

I will be burning this book. It's full of hatred and not at all the kind of energy I want in my life or on my bookshelf. She wore her mental illness on her sleeve with this book and it was ugly AF. #unfollow

[Sheri Maxwell · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sadly, it just wasn’t for me. I couldn’t overlook all of the hashtags and AFs thrown in there. Each one annoyed me more and more. I’ll stick to her Oracle decks, those are fantastic!

[Nina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Juliet’s other published works so was very excited to dig into this. However, I was immediately put off by the diction and couldn’t make it past the third chapter. She uses words like “bestie” and “honie” to refer to the reader and writes using hashtags at the end of statements that are completely distracting from her important messages. Her goal to empower the reader is unfortunately diluted by the overuse of modern social media phrases when I was hoping for something a little more grounded and informational like what I’ve seen in her other books.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part way through the book, I’m enjoying it. And challenged: which is great.
It makes me so happy to hold it after reading how the book came to be published. Its such a gift to read voices previously pushed aside from discussing divinity. I mean how many books on the topic don’t come from unacknowledged generational wealth? This book proudly comes from somewhere else.
If you’re pale skinned and haven’t reckoned with it, this book won’t be a reassuring pat on the head for you. There are other books (many many many of them) that you can access to guide yourself to a place where you will be able to listen to melanated women honestly sharing truths. For people who are already working on it, this book is a lively consideration of land-body-mind-divine-ancestors together and goes to the confronting and raw opposites of new age transcendence. There’s so many more rich aspects to divinity than merely being always comfortable. This book prompts all the kinds of practices that push past just thinking about a kind of vaporisation where things are perfect. If you’re brave and open to real work it’s here. Here is where you can honour indigenous voices. On your bookshelf and in your own heart.
Fellow white peoples: listen, respect.

[Kit Ledvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m definitely not up to date on the spiritual development/growth industry so I’m not sure I understood that aspect of this book (crystals, manifestation, etc). I requested this guide from NetGalley because I know the author is published through Row House, a publishing entity that specifically is working to be an antiracist alternative to the traditional big names. Going into this as a spirituality novice, I personally enjoyed Juliet Diaz’s candor and relaxed and informal tone. In the early audio edition I’m reviewing there were even “mistakes” that I found endearing considering the content. I thought Diaz did a wonderful job explaining the importance of authenticity and caring for oneself and I will definitely put into practice many of her rituals (with my own spin of course). I especially love the community care aspect of this book. Though not something I’d normally choose to listen to, I’m glad I did.

Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ALC.

Recommended for: anyone already invested in spiritually and self help or looking for self

Content Warnings: trauma, Near death experience, spirit/spiritually, drug use

[Nixxel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's okay, not the buzz I expected from all the talk about it, the language is unrefined and in general quite immature which can be overlooked but it had such emphasise on ancestor work with little cultural contextwhich is a shame because you can tell the author has such passion and has gone through alot but the delivery is lacking. But the theme of the book is an interesting topic without being too wordy but not as much actual information than I'd like, reads like a biography which can be lot of people's style but not mine unfortunately.
The information in the book was often repeated, not expanded upon and nothing really that new, lacks detail and refinement which is a shame.
Sentences dragged on and didn't feel like the book went anywhere but span like a biography worth tidbits of information.
May be inciting for new practitioners but hard to draw anything useful as am intermediate and higher. Which would be fine but the language, wording and organisation of the book is not beginner friendly and doesn't direct you much to other books but their own.
Comes across, ironically, as preachy and like Instagram aesthetic practise.

[Bradetta Vines · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about Mindfulness, not being judgmental, and that taking care of yourself is CRUCIAL for spiritual growth. She provides some great exercises on this concept and many others that deepen your spiritual practice. Some of this information is out there, but it comes from her point of view, she allows herself to be vulnerable, exposed, and share how she grew through the pain and joy of healing.
I have the hard copy AND the audiobook. I LOVE listening to her read her own work. The Divine Self, Self-worship, self-compassion, build a healthy relationship with yourself. This book - is about PERSONAL spiritual growth and it is amazing!
I find Diaz inspiring.
If you don't like colloquial writing, yeah. You will have an issue with "Bestie" etc. ( I wrote this before I say the other review here - that also loved the book but not "Bestie lol) I personally love it. It helped me connect on a personal level, not just academic. There is SO LITTLE stuff about race in this book. Unless you count the fact that she talks from a Latinx perspective... because she is.
If you read this book and think this is alienating to white people, or judgmental, I Implore you - I BEG you to ask yourself: Why am I feeling attacked? Then ask yourself the question Ibram X. Kendi asks us as white people: Why can't you identify with the White Abolitionist? and then - if you are in the US - remember that 40% of white Americans think racism does not exist. I need to get this out of the way. If you are white and the most touted reviews make you shy away - please don't.
The Introduction - less than a paragraph about Decolonizing. The "Decolonizing" Spirituality - is all about self-care. Colonization affects all of us. It drives us to go go go, don't think about ourselves think about the boss, the paycheck, no matter what race you are!!!! All Juliet Diaz does - is acknowledge the fact that it exists. She discusses (barely) HOW it affects HER, and how it can seep into everyone's subconscious making us feel like there is no way to get off the hamster wheel. That our spirituality can be influenced by media, racism, and capitalism. There is no anti-whiteness in this book. Only Anti-racism. And Racism affects all of us - including White People.

[Rin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I will certainly be adding a number of these devotionals into my daily practice. There are a lot of different elements that made this a book like no other, mainly its focus on finding your authentic and divine self. I felt like I was sitting down for a long chat with an old friend, in part because some of the vocabulary came off informal which ultimately helped the content along for me. The narration was good though not without a few mistakes; it still had me feeling like a conversation with a friend around valuing your most authentic self, not without a few laughs and tears. Though there may have been one too many “bestie” references haha. This book really shines in the prompts department, I can see taking a few months or more to work through all of journaling prompts and other exercises mentioned. As someone who’s struggled with journaling on a regular basis I see this text as an excellent place to start for a daily prompt list, especially for the rediscovery of your innermost self. I also have so much praise for the EFT section; this is something I’ve practiced before but found the explanation here to be the prefect reintroduction! There is just enough information for someone brand new to EFT to successfully implement it in to their skill set for battling anxiety / stress.

[Heathen Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet Diaz Juliet’s words, prose, and prompts within The Altar Within: A Radical Devotional Guide to Liberate the Divine Self have guided me to a space within myself that I had only dreamed of. The path that opened up because I allowed myself to be vulnerable within these pages, is one that I could not have reached without Juliet Diaz and the Altar Within. The deepest reflection of self occurred and I am still, 2 years later integrating and pouring over notes that I had made upon my first pass within the Altar Within. This book has become a touchstone and a beacon of focus for when I need to come home to myself, and also when I need to check myself - it is a remembrance. I was always a “wear my heart on my sleeve” kind of person. But the way my heart cracked wide open, painfully in a lot of moments of self reflection within these pages, is something I will always be grateful for, even if I was cringing and wincing at first.

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Juliet’s third book and is the creator of The Season of the Witch Oracle. She wrote this book after a near death experience. This book focuses on self-worship, self – discovery and self-activism. This book does give concrete excuses to get this done, through meditation, journaling and ritual. Some themes that are covered are bypassing spiritual bypassing, decolonizing spirituality, self forgives and self-activism through community care. This book comes as an e-book or audio and is almost the same price. The physical book only comes in hard cover so it's a little bit more. Also there is a QR code that gives you access to some bonus material. I will be doing a deep into this book over the next three months. I will leave you with a quote from the author.

“No one else is responsible for you but you. Self-activism isn't about control or domination. It is about a deep understanding of the divine transcend systemic oppression while learning how to break through your own resistance to celebrate the sweetest most knowing part of your spirit because the most powerful form of activism in the world is celebration, especially celebration of self.”

@iamjulietdiaz
#thealtarwithin

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads)]

DNF 33% (pg 57)

While I really enjoyed Diaz’s book Witchery, this book was written in a completely different tone that didn’t work for me. Diaz constantly refers to the reader as “bestie”, “honie” and “bff”, which got old very quickly. I don’t like this in real life, and it was even more off putting in book format. Diaz also uses hashtags all the time in this book, which was very unnecessary. This isn’t a social media post so the hashtags just felt ridiculous at times. Also, if you are going to use hashtags make them more accessible by capitalizing each word.

Overall, it was just very hard for me to take this book seriously with this type of writing. I just keep putting this book down and don’t really want to finish it, which is how I know it's time to call it quits. I was very hopeful I would like this one, but sadly, this one isn’t for me.

Trigger warnings: Diaz discussed her experiences with homelessness and sexual assault. Discussions of white supremacy, racism, and colonialism.

You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.

[Runa Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come back to your divine self...what an invitation Ms. Diaz gives us in this educational, devotional, and inspirational book. There is no mystery of hiding behind the curtain of mysticism, Diaz provides straight soup for personal soul-healing. All the avenues explored by the author provided in this gorgeous tome. I also paired this purchase with the audio book and "reread" the book by listening to the riveting stories of this journey back to self Diaz has created. Pairing the audio book allowed for opportunity to go deeper in your understanding of the lessons provided in The Altar Within. I found myself often responding with, "Oh, right, let's do that exercise again, I need that grounding/intention setting/healing." And you find yourself diving back into the book with your journal right next to it. Diaz is a voice to be elevated, because her truth is all about living your best life, which also elevates your kindred and community while beating back the oppressive systems of capitalism, patriarchy, and the hateful systems that wide-spread racism, capitalism, patriarchy, and colonialism have created. It's easy to get behind that, Bestie.

[Dannie Lynn Fountain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Buckle up, friends. The entirety of my review can be summed up in a single quote from this book on page 207 (nearly at the end): "you cannot virtually re-create real authentic physical community." Not only is this a WHOLLY flawed premise (hello, COVID-19 anyone? Did you miss the past 3+ years of wholly virtual life?) but it's also ableist AF.

The entire premise of this book is decolonizing spirituality. And yet so much of this book is reduced to ableist takes that just don't work. Diaz seems ENTIRELY clueless to the true definition of inclusion and falls into the same trap that Corporate America is currently stuck in - everybody is WILD about diversity but nobody cares about disability/accessibility.

There were so many nuggets and single sentences in this book that had so much potential, but the surrounding sentences were dehumanizing to those of us with disabilities in a way that made this book hard to finish (it should have been a DNF for me).

And this is all before we get to the overuse of "bestie," "honie," and other overly friendly names for the reader when she clearly doesn't care about [all] of her readers' humanity.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet Diaz' newest offering is all heart. The Altar Within is all about recognizing and coming home to your own self and claiming your power and healing yourself because the world probably isn't going to heal you. "Probably" because the world causes more harm to some of us than others. I'm white, so I'm subject to less harm than someone who's not. Juliet is not anti-white--she's just honest about the systems that we're all part of that benefit some at the cost of others. You need to know this, acknowledge it, and work against it if you want to liberate and heal yourself.

The rituals and practices are accessible and don't require a list of specialty items. The first time I flipped through the pages, I found a practice that called to me and that I've adapted and use regularly. It hit me hard and the reason for the practice was so relatable. So much of the book is, even though Juliet and I have different backgrounds and experiences. I recommend her book to anyone interested in spirituality, healing, and community.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is powerful. You do have to set aside all preconceived notions of who you are in the world. This book, for me, has been about stepping outside all you think you know about your place in the world and others place. It’s is deeply decolonizing.

It made me realize that colonization didn’t just happen to BBIPOC, but it happened to Europeans before we even knew it thru the spread of religion. This is going to ruffle a lot of feathers when you realize that yourself. And some of you are going to get mad at that. But it’s true. If you don’t believe me, go watch some shows on the archeology of Europe and the British Isles before Christianity swept in. Look kind of like what people are attracted to in Indigenous practices of today?? Yep. Make you mad when you realize this? Work thru it with this book. If we all really want to affect change in ourselves, in our communities, and in our countries, then we need this book

[Jo Scoble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautiful and multilayered.
Juliet Diaz has created yet another gorgeous publication and perhaps the most important one in our time.
This is a book with a story, with vulnerability and honesty and no BS at all. This is straight-up truth telling!
Full of insightful information and step-by-step easy practices that don’t require much or anything to do except a wilful intention.
Above all this book is a manifesto too, a call-to-action to the power within each of us, the power to make change to an oppressive and hurtful western society. This book gives hope in such a helpful, gentle, honest and practical way.
Straight from the heart.
I listened to it, read by Juliet, on Audible, over a couple of days. I’ve now bought myself the book to read through and practice at my leisure. And another book as a gift.
Thank you, Juliet, for being vulnerable with the world and loving in the way you do, this investment you gave is so inspiring.

[Ang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliet Diaz shared something so simple for those who are struggling with believing they should be here. It took me to a broader perspective to my lived experience and that of even those who exist and have existed before us. I didn't see this as a self-help book because we write the conditions to our healing. I respect that there was no filter and that also the audio book was read by the author herself. 💚 I have enjoyed the journey so far in building community and having this book to pass down in my own family. The book itself is divine to hold and the pages I find ok to read along with the audiobook. I appreciate the care and time this took to share and I am here to support anyone in this review who may be struggling with knowing their worth in this time.