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Book Review: What is an Altar? By Rowan Moss

What is an Altar? By Rowan Moss

 

 

What is an Altar? Is Book 4 in the Pagan Children Learning Series, by Rowan Moss. This book explains what an altar is, where you put it, and the different types (inside/outside, holidays, etc). After explaining that an altar is a sacred space, the author explains why it’s never okay to touch another person’s altar. A craft is included at the back of the book, which encourages children and their families to create an altar. This craft teaches children the items needed for the altar and the step by step directions to creating it. A glossary Is also included to explain words that children may not know.

 

I really enjoyed this book and the way that the illustrations explain what the author is saying. It’s easy to read and understand, which makes it a great book for younger children who may be just learning about it. An altar has so many uses, along with many different types. This book does a great job of explaining the different uses, whether its permanent/temporary, for a specific intent, an ancestral altar, or anything in between.

 

I shared What is an Altar? with my three-year-old son. While I have not explained much to him about Pagan ways, he thoroughly enjoyed this book. He enjoyed pointing out the different items in the illustrations. At the end of the book, we completed the craft. He loved choosing a spot for his altar, along with finding items to place on the altar. Most books he forgets about in a day or so, but What is an Altar? stuck with him. His new daily routine involves checking on his altar, placing or replacing items, along with saying a few thanks. While my son has his own altar, we also set up an outside altar that we leave offerings on. There is also a new family altar inside the home that he is helping decorate for the different holidays/occasions.

 

This book has been very helpful when it comes to introducing my son to Pagan beliefs. I highly recommend this book to anyone who might be having trouble explaining what an altar is to their children. It takes the guesswork out of what to say and explains it in a fun way.