Altars-fancy or simple...That is the question

A proper altar can be as simple or grand as you want to make it.  Choose where your altar is going to be. Is it going to be hidden and kept private? Is it going to be a grand piece of your decor?  It can be as small and simple as an area on the top of a dresser or it can be on it's own furniture. Start with the basics-candles, flowers, drink offering. Have your appropriate color represented. You can start out with it simple like this-or you can begin with a bang-with altar decorations. You can always start simple and gradually add to it. The altar always wants to reflect the spirit or deity that it represents-you want them to feel comfortable with the altar and be happy to help you. It should be created out of love and respect. Altars in general will continue to grow-especially in the case of Voodoo altars. Because offerings and gifts are given to the Lwa on a continual basis, the altar and altar area is always growing. So even if you start off small, plan on it expanding over time. If amount of space is an issue, always remember you can be creative with shelving and such. Not only will it add to the available space that you can use but will also add to the "look".