Sometimes we are out just living our lives, running errands, or even at work and BAM! Something calls you, or the space you’re in is screaming at you to listen. “But all my tools and altars are at home!” you may say. They are now, but after reading this tutorial you won’t have that issue any more. Pocket altars to save the day!
For little to no money, with just items around the house, you can build a very simple yet effective altar that literally fits in your pocket. There have been countless times out and about where I felt a need to just sit and meditate. Listen to whatever is trying to reach out. Or maybe I’ve found a place that is really beautiful and serene and deserves a thank you. Or maybe the place your at is perfect to zone out and do some divination. Before having a pocket altar, sometimes I would be like “Alright, I’ll just sit here and chill.” And there’s nothing wrong with that. But as magical practitioners, we understand that there’s more that can be done to amplify the effects of our intent than just sitting there.
An altar creates a sacred space. Just you and whatever is out there, at all levels, physically and metaphysically. So even if you’re at a park, you can take out your pocket altar, set it up it under a minute and create that space right then and there. Fuck it to whoever looks at you funny. It’s their loss that they don’t understand. So what do you need for this pocket altar?
Items:
The items above are what I use, but this is totally a personal thing. In general though, you want a candle and some kind of incense. That's why I use Palo Santo. I can cut it down to smaller pieces, stick it in the ground, and it works wonders cleansing out an area and as an offering to spirits. Even cut-down pieces of stick incense could work.
Like in the picture above, the tin I use has a lid that I use to hold images of whatever deity I am working with at the moment. The lid can then be stood up with the bottom part of the tin or with a rock, etc.
Point is, that you can create a portable altar with very little effort. And it’s something that can be used so easily that it makes sense for everyone to have one. I also know of people who can’t necessarily have altars set up at home, so something small, discrete and portable like this is their main altar.
This should go without saying, but if you’re lighting a candle and/or incense somewhere with flammable bits around you, like a park or forest, please be aware of your environment and be careful with flames.
For little to no money, with just items around the house, you can build a very simple yet effective altar that literally fits in your pocket. There have been countless times out and about where I felt a need to just sit and meditate. Listen to whatever is trying to reach out. Or maybe I’ve found a place that is really beautiful and serene and deserves a thank you. Or maybe the place your at is perfect to zone out and do some divination. Before having a pocket altar, sometimes I would be like “Alright, I’ll just sit here and chill.” And there’s nothing wrong with that. But as magical practitioners, we understand that there’s more that can be done to amplify the effects of our intent than just sitting there.
An altar creates a sacred space. Just you and whatever is out there, at all levels, physically and metaphysically. So even if you’re at a park, you can take out your pocket altar, set it up it under a minute and create that space right then and there. Fuck it to whoever looks at you funny. It’s their loss that they don’t understand. So what do you need for this pocket altar?
Items:
- Small container. Altoids tin, matchbox, anything that can store stuff and fits in your pocket or purse. Even a small fabric bag would work.
- Tealight candle
- Herb blend of your choice (for dressing the candle, offerings, or even incense if you can fit a charcoal briquette in the container)
- Roll-on bottle with homemade cleansing wash. (Florida water + Frankincense Oleoresin + Beachwater + Cleansing Herb Tea)
- Small piece of Palo Santo.
- Lighter
- Optional imagery of god, goddess, spirit you work with.
The items above are what I use, but this is totally a personal thing. In general though, you want a candle and some kind of incense. That's why I use Palo Santo. I can cut it down to smaller pieces, stick it in the ground, and it works wonders cleansing out an area and as an offering to spirits. Even cut-down pieces of stick incense could work.
Like in the picture above, the tin I use has a lid that I use to hold images of whatever deity I am working with at the moment. The lid can then be stood up with the bottom part of the tin or with a rock, etc.
Point is, that you can create a portable altar with very little effort. And it’s something that can be used so easily that it makes sense for everyone to have one. I also know of people who can’t necessarily have altars set up at home, so something small, discrete and portable like this is their main altar.
This should go without saying, but if you’re lighting a candle and/or incense somewhere with flammable bits around you, like a park or forest, please be aware of your environment and be careful with flames.
