Merry met everyone,
I have a question that’s been bugging me. How would I respectfully dismantle an altar? I have an altar to Lady Hestia in my room at the moment, but I think it would be best if I take a step back for the moment and spend more time trying to figure out my beliefs and all that. I’ve also heard that it’s a bad idea to have an unused altar, because it’s basically a place for any passing energy to just kind of chill and live there, so I was wondering if anyone has any tips for how to take it apart without disrespecting Lady Hestia.
Thanks, Nico
P.S. Quick ramble: if it’s not clear I do have anxiety about this kind of thing, I was raised Lutheran (which is maybe one of the more ‘chill’ branches of Christianity, but I digress) so I’ve been taught to talk to deities with respect and formality and I can’t really get past that.
Merry Meet Nico,
I never really considered an altar as a space for a “living” being. I use my altar as my space for my intended instruments for that week or so, and then just change them as the feel changes. I change my cloth, earth, air, fire, and water symbols….keep my pentacle in the center and keep my wand….the rest I change as I see fit. I do not see it as a desecration, but just a change in my “witches night stand” so to speak. I hope this will help alleviate any issues you are having. So, all being said, I do not think there is any particular “way” to do it. Just, as usual, whatever feels best and correct with you. Lady Gene 
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Hey,
I would first start with thanking Lady Hestia. Then tell her your plans of how you need and how you plan to dismantle the alter. Thank her.
I hope this helps.
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I think one of the key things in dismantling an altar is to be respectful as you do it, and thanking your Deity as Crystal_Moonlight suggests is a good one. I am very much like Lady-Gene, in that I change my altar to suit my needs. I also pack my altar away when not in use.
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Red, once again, we are on the same page. I actually have a portable altar….pieces representing each of the 4 elements and an obsidian athame/wand….all tucked in an Altoids tin. Lady Gene
The following two photos are old photos of my altar. Nothing special and very basic. I add other things if and when I need them. The second photo is the fake book I keep them it all in, as I can’t help but have a sense of humor.
The feather was given to me by a crow that perched in a tree near where I was working at the time. I kept it to help connect me to The Morrígan who is one of my Deities.
