I keep a living plant on my alter I named Vivian
And my father's ashes for contact with the other side
It's your alter,do what you wish,I have a gargoyle,a Griffin
Saints,Jesus,holy water,Etc..
Ah, I have an aloe plant that will be on mine, along with a stuffed bear my grandmother gave me. And my necklaces, a moon for Selena, And a wolf/lycan tooth for Selena. I have inherited every bit of knowledge from my ancestors, which the main thing is: Everything which effort is put into, puts your energies into it. Thus passing down powers from your ancestors. That's my belief.
Very true it's all about energy and connections
I have a 100 Year old demon cup that I got from a friend
I keep talismans,amulets and other good luck charms charging in it that I keep on hand to give to clients I'd needed
Incense and Candles as well,my tarot deck
Some sigils,it's pretty stocked
I'm having my landlord build a two level shelf
So I can fit lots more,also I have crosses,penticals
Rosary beads,skull heads,a Witch picture etc hanging on the walls behind it,my whole left side of my living room is an alter
The tarot table,the powers,the dolls and pins and mini coffend and boxes and jars and bottles,finger nails,urine tunes
Blood vials,mineis ready for way also my bible table
Where it's left open on certain psalms for a number of days.
That sounds pretty cool. I believe any magic user of any paths connection with their instruments is a vital part of anything. The energy flow about the room, the protection, ect. Is better when the user of any tool has an emotional connection with that object.
If you're concerned you could always buy or make a natural wood stain. I know of some folks who've made their own dyes from bark and leaves. The result is less striking than a commercial stain but you'd know it was all natural.
Well that would be nice and all but I want it a dark blue color. /: I don't know anything short of lapis(which is expensive) that dyes blue. That would be nice but I'm looking for a certain color.
You could make a natural paint and/or dye out of some plants if you can find them in your area.
Here are some pages that may be able to help you find a very good yet cost efficient dye.
http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ethnobotany/dyes.shtml
http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/natural-plant-dyes.htm
http://blogs.cornell.edu/garden/get-activities/signature-projects/dig-art/greener-arts/recipes-for-dyes-and-paints/
http://artful-kids.com/blog/2010/09/08/natural-paints/
