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Magick on the Go! How to Make Your Own Portable Altar/Ancestral Shrine by Silver RavenWolf

Updated: Jul 18

Reduced Pattern can be found at the end of this article.
Reduced Pattern can be found at the end of this article.

 

While working on an ancestral honor postcard article, I also developed an easy-to-carry cloth altar shrine. When closed, it looks like a soft, compact wallet, but when you open it, the magick unfolds and brings immediate serenity. This small yet powerful symbol of your spiritual nature, crafted by your own hands, allows you to honor and remember your loved ones no matter where you are -- at home, on the road, visiting a friend, or at your next coven meeting or prayer circle. It also functions as a useful altar no matter where you are! 

 


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My compact, soft design allows you to access meaningful symbols, charms, or photographs of loved ones or deity. Whether you are experiencing stressful moments at work, while on the road, or in daily life, opening your pocket shrine can provide immediate comfort and serenity. The action of unfolding the shrine encourages you to pause, honor your feelings, and nurture your spiritual connection. This small yet powerful altar not only keeps the memories of your loved ones close but also serves as a focal point for meditation and intention-setting, making it an invaluable tool for personal growth and emotional wellness.

 

Not long after I finished my project, I found myself holding my beloved pet as he crossed the rainbow road. There really wasn't time to do a great deal of magick, so I laid out my little shrine in a place where no one would notice and arranged offerings on it for the spirits so that the animal would have a fear-free, peaceful crossing. You never know when and how you might use your beautiful creation - whether in service or simply as an honored focus.

 

Before we go further, do you have to sew? No. If you aren't into needle and thread projects, you can actually use Heat n' Seal or fabric glue. If you make your shrine out of felt, I've found that a glue gun works best if you use two thin pieces. If you use thick felt, one piece is really all you need, which means no stitching or gluing sides together! I created two versions of my pocket shrine - one with five folds and a larger one with six folds. My measurements have fluctuated as I embraced experimentation in the creative process.  For those interested, my original design was the Five-fold size measuring 15.25 inches long when open by 9.25 inches wide at open arms.  The original Six-fold finished measurement is: 18.5 inches long when open by 9.25 inches wide at open arms.  When I took my patterns to an office supply shop, they enlarged both sizes slightly.  These patterns are available in my Whispermagick Shop. 

 

 Supplies To Consider

 

Fabric, particularly that made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, burlap, and silk, is a dynamic entity of its own accord. Each thread weaves its creation story, holding the memory of its birth.  When you wear or fashion items from that fabric, you are embracing its history.  Fabric responds to the slightest breeze, flowing gracefully or chunkily, blocking the body's motions or allowing the limbs to move with grace.  It breathes and interacts physically and energetically with our earthly environment and our bodies.  Have you ever had a shirt "catch" on something?  Fabric is not just an accessory or a covering; it embodies a living essence that interacts with you as well as the world around it.  When a piece of fabric resonates with you, it could be its color, texture...or its history of coming alive that speaks to your soul.  As a spiritual exercise, consider where your natural fiber cloth may have been harvested, cleaned, dyed, and woven.  For this project, I used…

 

100% Cotton Cloth: Choose a fabric that resonates with your heart and brings you joy. After some experimentation, I liked a patterned fabric for the outside and a plain one for the inside, which allowed me more design choices with my stitched projects. You can also cut your shrine from faux leather or felt. The material you choose will dictate whether you need to stitch or glue the body of the shrine, or simply use one piece of thick felt and forgo stitching.

 


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Choose What Closure You Wish To Use for Your Shrine -- In my first few shrines, I used a button and secured it with a stitched-in tab closure. You can just as easily use snaps, super simple iron-on or stitch-on hook and loops, or even an elastic band. I chose a wrap tie for several others, and I even stitched in a tab on one of them so that I could hang my shrine on a ritual belt with a keychain ring.  Pick your closure before constructing your project to ensure easy placement.  For this article, I decided on a hook and loop closure as one of the examples, and then realized that it was difficult to affix because I had already constructed the piece and added the acetate pocket – something I had to work around without scratching it.  I’ll not do that again!

Insructions for Making Easy Wrap Tie
Insructions for Making Easy Wrap Tie

 

Embellishments: I mention these choices early on this supply list because what you pick often sets the theme of the piece and governs what supplies you may or may not need. I choose only one or two in the beginning, which gives direction for later creativity. Objects such as pendants, crystals, buttons, beads, baked clay pieces, tiny jars, herb packets, etc., can be used. It doesn't matter if they make your shrine bundle bulky -- there is enough leeway built into the design to accommodate most of your choices. You can select charms that symbolize your loved ones, reflecting their unique stories and passions, or pieces that you feel provide solace and protection. For some of the permanent inside embellishments, I use my Cricut Maker machine and glitter iron-on vinyl (gotta have the glitter).



Helm of Awe Embellishment is from my own files.
Helm of Awe Embellishment is from my own files.

These sparkly elements add a delightful touch, allowing your creativity to shine. I also fancy-cut motifs out of fabric, such as skeletons, flowers, moths, animals, etc., and use Heat n' Seal to apply them to the inside panel of the shrine.

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Scissors and Rotary Cutter—For shaping fabric and vinyl as needed. I am super picky about sharp scissors and having the right ones for the job. I used to nearly vomit when my kids tried to use my good scissors to cut crayons, wire, or that plastic toy! With four children, you can't keep replacing those expensive scissors every week! For this project, I used several different scissors because I like precise cuts in the corners. This is especially important if you are using felt. Fiskars Micro-Tip Spring Scissors, Fiskars Fiskars Premier No. 5 Micro-Tip Orange-Handled Fabric Scissors - Double Loop Handle, and Fiskars Easy Action Fabric Scissors, Stainless Steel Blades. I also used a rotary cutter to size the acetate.

 

Iron: This is essential for the pressing and heat-sealing process if you are stitching or applying the Heat n' Seal products. My all-time favorite is the Olieos!

 

Needle and Thread:   I use needles of different sizes and various threads, from standard sewing thread to Perle Cotton, for embroidery stitches or anchoring heavy charms.

 

Heat n' Fuse Products: Double-sided fusible products are good for sealing those fancy-cut pieces to the inside panel.  Something like Stitch-Witchery can be used to seal small herbal packets or cloth charms, keeping those plant pieces, tiny gems, and powders safely tucked within.

 

Acetate:  I use acetate to make a clear pocket, which allows you to add a protected photo to your shrine. You can easily create a second cloth pocket (or none at all) instead.

 

Magickal Sigil—I cut a 2-inch circle from a circle of paper or parchment to create a magickal sigil/seal that I will insert between the two pieces of cloth. No one will ever see it. I call it my "come alive" sigil, and I have a design that works well for me that I draw on paper using a permanent marker. On the back of the sigil, you can write the names of a specific loved one or keep the energy flow open and connect with the universe so that you can use your shrine for a variety of purposes. When finished, I bless and empower my sigil, then dot it with my Ancestral Magickal Oil, or you can rub it with crushed herbs that have associations with the deceased, love in general, or spirituality. Slip this paper inbetween the two panels of your shrine before you stitch it shut.

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Easy Assembly Instructions

 

This project goes together super fast.  What takes the time is the decorative process because you’ve got so many great ideas you just don’t know where to put them all!

 

Cut Your Fabric—You can choose your own design or use the pattern I have available in my WhisperMagick store. My pattern measures. As mentioned earlier, I used two different fabrics, one for the front and one for the inside. Again, if you are using high-quality, heavy felt, you can actually get away with cutting only one piece, which makes this a great project for a coven meeting or magickal afternoon with the kids.

 

Choose Pocket Type and Placement – No pockets?  Pockets?  One?  Two?  Cloth? Felt?  Acetate?  I add my cloth pocket(s) before I stitch the project together.  So simple – I just fold a piece of cloth in half wrong sides together, stitch bottom closed, turn tube right sides out.  Press.  Baste or use Glue Stick (no kidding, quilter’s best friend) to temporarily hold pocket in place.  Top stitch bottom onto one piece of shrine, then stitch shrine front and back right sides together.  Conversely, if I use felt or acetate, I stitch the shrine together first and add those later.  You can top stitch (recommended for acetate) or handstitching with Perle embroidery thread for the felt.

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Stitch the Front and Back Shrine Pieces Together—If you are using two pieces, place them right sides together and stitch the whole way around, leaving a 2-inch opening at the bottom. If you are adding a button closure with a tab or a tab to affix finished piece to a key ring or ritual belt, be sure to put the tab inside before stitching around. Before turning, remember to trim corners and cut small slits to stitching line on all four flap connections so that the piece will lie flat. Be careful not to cut stitching. This is where those micro scissors come in handy.

 

Repeat Note: To make the fabric pocket look neater, I sandwiched the pressed pocket in between the front and back before sewing all the way around the shrine, trimming off excess before turning. You can make your pocket as deep or shallow as you like.

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Arrange Your Design

Turn your shrine inside right, insert your magickal sigil, and stitch (or glue) the open end closed.  If you are using a snap closure, consider how it will affect your design.  Do you need to add it now, or wait until you have affixed some or all of your embellishments?  After making several of these fun altars I finally settled on the easy tie closure that can be added at the conclusion of your project. And, I know it sounds unusual, but you could also hold your shrine closed with a hair tie or scrunchie and skip adding the closure altogether.

 


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Next, add the acetate for the pocket by stitching slowly around three sides of the plastic. I use an edge stitch. Lay out your decorations on the fabric. Take your time to create a design that speaks to your heart and celebrates your beliefs. Measure carefully to ensure the embellishments do not interfere with folding the material. Let the project set for 24 hours before completion. The spirits often have ideas about additional items to add.  

 

Fixing Boo-Boo’s

 

Pockets:  When creating this pattern I ran into a snag or two.  First, I discovered that I only included a single pocket on one of my projects and the intention for this particular piece needed two.  Not to worry.  I simply cut a second pocket out of felt and stitched it on the finished shrine.  I could have hand-stitched with perle thread for a more tactile look; but, I was in a hurry so I used the machine.  You could do this for all your pockets, rather than using the in-seam one that I first showed you.

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Acetate:  My second consternation was the acetate.  I stitched on the center piece and discovered my seam was slightly crooked.  You can’t take the acetate off and re-stitch it because once you’ve punched through that plastic it is done.  I either had to re-measure, cut a new piece and try stitching again, OR I could cover the crooked stitch with a neat embellishment.  The embellishment won.

 

The third problem I encountered also involved the acetate.  I used standard cello tape to hold the acetate in place while I stitched it.  Moments later, when I tried to remove the cello tape, it left glue on my acetate piece which was a nightmare to remove without scratching the cello.  My solution was to use Cricut’s Heat Resistant tape - a type of cello that stands up to high heat and leaves no residue.  Although I wasn’t dealing with heat here, the easy removal aspect of the product was super helpful. 

 

Bless and Empower Your Finished Piece

Use perfumes, incense, herbal smoke, Florida Water, or holy water to bless and empower your finished project. Be sure to set out an offering of clear water and a blessed white candle by your work. When the candle burns to completion, your ancestral pocket shrine is now complete!

 

Pocket Shrine Ritual for Reflection and Connection to Your Ancestors

 

Supplies Needed for a Simple Ritual

 

Finished Pocket Shrine

Small candle and incense (optional)

Paper and pen for making a petition

Your Journal (if you choose to record your experiences).

 

Ritual Steps

Find a calm and comfortable area to sit with your pocket shrine. If you wish, light a candle and incense to create a serene atmosphere.

 

Take 3 to 5 deep, cleansing breaths, inhaling slowly and exhaling fully. Close your eyes and visualize roots extending from your feet into the earth, grounding you to Earth, Mother. Take another deep breath, lift your head to the heavens, close your eyes, and connect to your ancestors and loved ones through your heart chakra. Continue with the ritual when you feel at peace.


Gently open your finished pocket shrine. Take a moment to appreciate the symbols, charms, and photographs you have included. If you feel something is missing, don't worry. What is needed will come to you eventually.  

 

Place your hands on the open shrine. Touch one item at a time, focusing on the memories and feelings it brings you or activating them to help you in this moment. When I used my shrine for the pet passing, I touched the pentacle, the crystal, and the vial of herbs. I placed a dog bone in the center of my shrine and called upon Anubis for a peaceful passing. I call on Anubis for all dogs and Bast for cats. I use a catnip mouse for felines. Whatever you offer to the Gods, be sure to place the object outside on the ground when the ceremony is over. What is given to the Gods stays with the Gods. They determine what happens to your offering next.

 

Articulate an intention related to your connection with your loved ones or your personal growth. Speak this intention aloud, or if you feel comfortable, whisper it to your shrine. If you wish to ask an ancestor a question, write their name on a small slip of paper, your question, or petition for assistance underneath the name, and place the paper in a pocket of the shrine. You can also write a few general words of gratitude, a poem, or even a letter to your loved one.  

 

Gently close your pocket shrine, sealing in the energy and intention you just set by drawing an equal-armed cross in the air over the closed bundle. Pat the folded material three times. Thank the spirits of your loved ones for their presence and support.

 

Take a moment to sit quietly, allowing the feelings and insights to settle within you. When you’re ready, extinguish the candle (if used) and store your pocket shrine in a special place, knowing it is a source of comfort and connection whenever you need it. This ritual can be adapted for use at any time, especially during moments of stress or loss or when seeking inspiration and guidance. Feel free to journal your experience while it is fresh in your mind.

 

Creating your ancestral pocket shrine/travel altar is a marvelous spiritual activity, particularly for family or covenmates. With a few materials and your creative ingenuity, you can craft a beautiful and functional ritual object suitable for personal use or gift giving!  


I will be stitching these unique shrines from now through Samhain. If you would like to purchase a finished piece, check back once a week to see what I have available.

 

 

General Supplies I used to Make My Altar/Shrines


Here are the links to the products I used for this project.  I am not sponsored; however, I am an Amazon affiliate and do receive benefits from purchases made from these links.


Cricut Maker Machine – marvelous for your own designs and it also has an extensive library – This is an investment, I freely admit!  However, if you are a crafter?  You will find it invaluable.  I’ve made house signs for autumn, Yule cards, bookmarks, decorated delightful canvas bags and pouches, drinking cups and even spiced up my peg doll creations.  Stickers, flags, tee-shirts – possibilities are almost endless.

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I hope you enjoyed reading this article and choose to make your own pocket shrine! May your days be bright, your nights filled with magick, and your mind forever reach for the enchantments you so richly deserve!

In Service

Silver RavenWolf

 
 
 

1 Comment


Melodie G.
Melodie G.
a day ago

This is too cute! I love this!

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