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.

Finally, a book that offers more than a "how-to-set-up-an-altar-and-good-luck" approach to one of the most important aspects to any Witch's sacred space: the altar! This book covers everything from the history of the altar to ideas for creating permanent outdoor sacred spaces. The various authors who contributed their knowledge come a range of different practices and beliefs, and although the book is mostly aimed toward Wiccans and Witches, anyone looking to create an altar in their home or outdoor space will find useful information. Included are instructions and suggestions for consecrating the altar, the object to be placed on the altar, and even ideas for altars that are dedicated to a single deity, honoring the dead, or communing with the fae. Far too many books only skim the surface of altars and their importance but not this one. The Witch's Altar will surely be a welcomed addition to any magical library.

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.

Since I still don't have my witch altar, this book was a great insight in what it altar means to a witch. I will take some tips from it when doing my own altar, hopefully in the near future.

I always love a book that helps me learn more about my craft and perfect my practices. This book was no exception, definitely one to buy and have on my shelf for reference.

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/book-review-the-witchs-altar-the-craft-lore-and-magick-of-sacred-space-by-laura-tempest-zackroff-and-jason-mankey/

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.

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.

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.

Live on blog: 11/7/2018

A close look at altars from mainly Wiccan perspective. Some other disciplines are covered too. Includes ideas for how to and explores a myriad of altar types and uses. I particularly liked the recipe inclusion. I found this book to be a interesting read and a not overly complex practical guide.

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

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.

A concise and well-written book that goes into excellent detail on altars in Witchcraft and Paganism. I enjoyed the informal, 'chatty' feel of the writing- it was more like having conversations with people with more experience in the Craft than I had. Both authors (and the guest authors describing altar-natives) were really good about emphasizing that each tradition has its' own ways, that what works for one person may not work for another, and providing as many ideas for readers to build on as they could. I especially appreciated the care that went into explaining the "why" behind certain things, and the emphasis the authors placed on understanding what lies behind a symbol or tradition instead of just accepting it as something that has 'always been done'. The emphasis on using what works for you and not worrying about what other people or covens do really hit home for me.

This is a great book for anyone interested in Witchcraft whys and Pagan practices. I definitely or people newly exploring setting up altars or who have been in the Craft for years. Approachable, well-written, interesting, and informative.

Informative book about the setting up of an alter. I liked that there was some background information and personal references.

The Witch's Altar is a nice primer on the practice of creating and maintaining an altar. It covers the key aspects of the altar and does not clutter the field with too many requirements or too much information. Instead I felt this book provided a very practical and sensible approach to helping a witch define and set up her altar.

I will add this book to our reading list for our traditional witchcraft courses. While some aspects are not aligned with our core tradition, most are very similar and helpful. The book is an easy and quick read and I think even new students can really benefit from the work done here by Jason Mankey and Laura Tempest Zakroff.

I enjoyed this book, similar setup to the broom book and likely others in this series by Llewellyn. So it is a nice book - not an end all be all book of altars. But can be a good start and quick information for those who want it for starting out or anothers perspective.

A well-written book to better understand how to develop one's personal altar. I often see questions on what people should put on their altar and I feel that this book will help guide individuals to better understand this topic. I liked that it was more than a standard version of Altar dressing but that it incorporated so many different versions of the religion. It gives a great understanding of why things should be considered for an individuals altar and a lot of the history, which I found fascinating.

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.

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.