I really appreciate your thoughts on reframing writing as relationship. I’m interested to try an alter! A couple questions that I hope aren’t too technical or missing the point- do you do the same cleansing/protection rituals when you’re making an alter that you mention in your book deal spell post? And for your alter tea lights, do you let them burn until they run down (and what if you can’t, due to small children etc)?
1. So setting up an altar and doing a spell are different things! *Absolutely* cleanse the space (physically and spiritually) before setting up the altar, and do so periodically, but I at least do not do "protection" rituals on my altars specifically.
2. With candles, practice at your own discretion. I blow candles out for fire safety all the time.
I might set this up as my self-published volume is in direct conversation with several of my ancestors and their experiences, along with being put out into the world as a playbook against gentrification
I have a bunch of pretty boxes and tins on top of my dad’s old briefcase which is on top of my fancy bookcase with the doors from IKEA. I have images of my book cover taped to the front and ai can see it as soon as I open my bedroom door. I might need to fill up some of those boxes
This was *so* helpful for me to read today. I struggle to find space in a household with a child and a spouse for things that won't be moved, touched, or otherwise 'messed with,' but I'm holding this idea of a box I can close when I'm not working...
I love this ‘book altar’ idea! Thank you. Also, I just finished reading Heretic last night. It is outstanding writing and a comfort I did not know I needed. Thank you. I recommended it to two friends who both now have a copy.
I love this so much Jeanna. And the reference to Matt Bell! The altar makes me think of what he calls the “art life,” or collection of things “sticking” to your WIP.
I really appreciate your thoughts on reframing writing as relationship. I’m interested to try an alter! A couple questions that I hope aren’t too technical or missing the point- do you do the same cleansing/protection rituals when you’re making an alter that you mention in your book deal spell post? And for your alter tea lights, do you let them burn until they run down (and what if you can’t, due to small children etc)?
Thanks for the post!
1. So setting up an altar and doing a spell are different things! *Absolutely* cleanse the space (physically and spiritually) before setting up the altar, and do so periodically, but I at least do not do "protection" rituals on my altars specifically.
2. With candles, practice at your own discretion. I blow candles out for fire safety all the time.
Thanks!
I might set this up as my self-published volume is in direct conversation with several of my ancestors and their experiences, along with being put out into the world as a playbook against gentrification
Oh I love that
I have a bunch of pretty boxes and tins on top of my dad’s old briefcase which is on top of my fancy bookcase with the doors from IKEA. I have images of my book cover taped to the front and ai can see it as soon as I open my bedroom door. I might need to fill up some of those boxes
This was *so* helpful for me to read today. I struggle to find space in a household with a child and a spouse for things that won't be moved, touched, or otherwise 'messed with,' but I'm holding this idea of a box I can close when I'm not working...
oh dorothy, i'm so glad!
I love this ‘book altar’ idea! Thank you. Also, I just finished reading Heretic last night. It is outstanding writing and a comfort I did not know I needed. Thank you. I recommended it to two friends who both now have a copy.
oh my goodness, thank you so much for reading! (paperback comes out this month!!!)
and i'm so happy the altar idea feels resonant!
I love this so much Jeanna. And the reference to Matt Bell! The altar makes me think of what he calls the “art life,” or collection of things “sticking” to your WIP.
absolutely!
I love this idea! Thanks for the inspiration. Right now I’m seeking an agent and feeling a little depressed.
Thank you for this amazing idea!
Ohhhh this is so fun and came at the perfect time. Thank you for sharing!
Yes!! I'm helping a friend self-publish her first book and am going to send her your article!
oh fabulous!
Thank you I loved this!! Witchy writer womxn unite!!