Hi all,

I've been reading the home altar entry on this website and I had a couple of additional questions as I haven't really found an in depth guide anywhere. Except the one for doing healing, which has specific requirements different to the home altar.

I'd be really happy if someone could give me some answers.

I understand that the items on the home altar have to be consecrated and there is a nice article about it on this website.

1.) When considering a knife/dagger/sword should one consider which material it's made of? Does it have to be metal or is wood just as good?

2.) When making a pentagram for personal protection (Like a pendant) or for home altar, how does one use 7 metals in creating it? Mercury obviously on the physical level is toxic to us, but it is one of the metals used. Also there is lead mentioned as one of the 7 metals, and lead is not healthy either. A link to a concise guide on crafting a pentagram pendant would be appreciated if available.

3.) When using the altar does one just prays at it, or are there other specific things to do?

Many thanks for taking the time.