How to set up an altar
Are you ready to set up your altar? Whether you follow all of the Netjeru, multiple, singular, or none this will work for you.
First, clear off a space for your altar to be set up. I would recommend burning a candle or incense whilst you are doing this- something that brings you happiness and helps you clear your mind. Lavender or eucalyptus would work. However, that step isn’t necessary because it’s recommended that you first use smoke cleansing to clear your palette before you start setting up. Lavender, pine, mint, eucalyptus, cedar, frankincense and myrrh all have cleansing properties to them. If you are unable to use smoke to help, wiping it down with natural oils would also work- pine sol would be great for this.
Next, set it up how you want. If you want to put down an altar cloth, go ahead and lay that down now. Candles or an incense holder would work on top of this surface too. You can add in a burning dish as well, to burn any offerings you may give or any messages to those who you want to give one too. Along with any offering plate or a libation vessel you wish to use.
If you’re following all of the gods or none of them but still want an altar- I would set up imagery of the core principle of the religion- in this case, as a kemetic pagan, I would set up something to honor *maat*. If you’re honoring just your ancestors, put up an image of them.
Lay on the items that you’ve given to whoever, as an offering, and place them around the altar as you wish. This may include imagery, crystals, stuffed animals, divination tools, jewelry, and any other non-perishable item.
For food offerings, I would, personally, leave it on an offering plate that I have dedicated solely to them; however, this isn’t feasible for everybody so it’s not mandatory. As a kemetic pagan, you may leave your food on your altar, say a prayer or say graditute to the Neter, and, depending on what type of food you’re offering, you may consume it immediately or leave it there over night.
After you have finished setting up your altar, approach it with the intent of it becoming a place of protection, of love, of a safe space. Approach your altar with respect, ask whomever you are speaking to, to guide you and protect you, to provide you with infinite wisdom and resources. Use your manners and say thank you after asking them to give you a space that is safe to approach for rituals, for offerings, for talking.