Reader Question: How to Practice With Limited Space
Monday June 23, 2008
Reader Shayna writes in and says that this summer, she'll be in a dormitory situation on a college campus, and she's wondering how to celebrate rituals discreetly and in a small space. As much as we'd all love to have a great big Giant Ritual Room in our homes, sometimes it's just not practical -- especially if you're in a situation where you've got a roommate. Depending on how Pagan-friendly your roomie is, you may have to make some accomodations, but you can still make things work. Here are some suggestions on how to Celebrate a Ritual with Limited Space
Got other suggestions for Shayna on how to work with this dilemma? Chime in over in the Comments section, and tell us what you think!
Got other suggestions for Shayna on how to work with this dilemma? Chime in over in the Comments section, and tell us what you think!
Comments
I was in a similiar situation when my husband and myself had to stay with my mother (a devout Catholic) while our house was being built. I certainly couldn’t use the living room for rituals. The room we stayed in wasn’t very large, so I downsized to only the essential supplies and used a small tote that slid under the bed to keep everything in. I also used a breakfast tray with folding legs for an altar, so I could fold it up and slide it under the bed also. I cast a circle only large enough for me to kneel in and I kept all my rituals a little shorter than usual. I still felt complete, even with these changes. I hope this helps!!
Peace! I, too, live in a limited space (I rent a room from friends). I suggest meditating on the smallness of your space and listen for suggestions from the deities and spirits that you honor.
I am able to leave a shrine/altar set up on top of a bookcase. I use items that are not all that uncommon. I use a place mat, candles in glasses, stick incense, a vase with fresh flowers, a statue that’s a copy of an art objects. Anyone who looks at my space would see an interesting collection of things. Goddess and God images on postcards or tarot cards take up little space. A small plate and juice glass or demitasse cup can work as a plate and cup. I found a beautiful letter opener that I use as a athame and a small branch as a wand. You know our ancestors often had to use everyday objects to hide their faith we can draw on their inspiration to do the same.
Blessed Be
thank you for this article! i believe i’ll find it helpful.
I read this entry and the replies with great interest because this is a situation I’ll be facing once I move out on my own later this summer. It’s nice to know that people are still thoughtful in this world.
Blessed Be!
I spent many years at boarding school and uni trying to practice discreetly in a tiny space.
My advice would be to designate a drawer as your ‘pagan space’ where you can keep everything safely tucked away. Stick to the minimum when it comes to ritual tools and bear in mind that most dorms etc have smoke detectors - mean no candles or incense.
Most major Sabbats I celebrated outside, just sitting in a park, or sometimes with friends. Alternatively, just keep your circle small and cosy!
Also, consider writing rituals down instead of saying them out loud (especially in shared space), then you can still celebrate, but without disturbing your roommates, or calling attention to yourself.
Thanks for all the great suggestions!
Thanks also for this great advice, I live with my parents, with only a bedroom to practice in at night - parents not too fond of Paganism, they think as your born in a Christian family, that you can’t be anything else!
Greenman, I love your ideas for things that aren’t obvious, an ordinary glass and plate, the postcards, and no one will guess! Well maybe someone who does likewise!
Thanks for sharing!
I guess having some age and milage you figure out how to go lightly through this life. ROTFL an ENTIRE ROOM for ‘practice’?? That just blows my mind, how bloated!!
No thing is needed to ‘practice’ because EVERYTHING is within the circle already! If you need a few things as points of focus? They can be so innocuous that no one would even notice! Simple symbols- air, fire, water, earth, spirit. All that stuff stuffed in that room don’t do nothing but weigh you down and clog you up. Born naked, die naked and there aren’t any U-hauls behind those hearses. There just might be a lesson within that about how we ‘practice’ at life??? You think?
Now is all you got. So, how is your now?
I am so glad to see such positive responses. I too feel you need to have your own space, no matter the size. I am an old soul who has an entire room dedicated to the Goddess/God, but I have heard of people using the old fashioned hanging tables (crocheted hanger w/ round glass table.) Yes, I am old! When you reach your destination, you will know exactly what it will take for you to honor your deities. It is very refreshing to know we have a whole new generation of wicca to carry on. Good luck