Lararium Questions

Salve! So with my own current living situation I have similar limitations. It means I have to use props essentially, so these are some of the solutions I’ve used:

For the sacred fire, until I was able to get a candle, I used a scarf I had that happened to look very flame-like. I think electric candles are okay, plus there’s always things like this: https://www.wayfair.com/The-Party-Aisle%E2%84%A2–Flame-Fire-Light-Effect-Lamp-X114638735-L1004-K~W003527624.html?refid=MX78821290042649-W003527624&device=c&ptid=4582420880528327&targetid=pla-4582420880528327&channel=BingPLA&network=o&msclkid=881f6550d5871df128013a19e97eeda0&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=WF.P.US.G.Lighting%20(SCA)&utm_term=4582420880528327&utm_content=49_1004_1~%5BGLOBAL%5D%20Seasonal%20Decor%20-%20Holiday%20Lighting

For incense, one quick way to do this without using actual incense is to take some cinnamon and put it in a dry skillet until it starts to smoke a little. But if the issue is smoke alarms then maybe not.

A better alternative would be a spice box: In Judaism, on Saturday night we close out Shabbat through a service which is sensory-based and includes passing around a box of spices called b’samim. You can use regular spices or potpouri and put them in a container with holes.

Another option would be to get an object that resembles incense or looks like a flame or something, and then put a small amount of essential oil on it. If deodorant is too much, though, then maybe this wouldn’t work.

It sucks sometimes when we can’t use the real deal, because the real thing brings you into the ritual in a different way, but with a little arts and crafts, it can always work out 😀 For instance, I can’t afford to buy a lot of food-based ritual elements, so I use paper votives that I made instead. I don’t know how big your apartment is, but if you’re allowed to have plants, you could always put a few out on a small table. If not, fake ones are nice and you can always decorate them too. A poster or painting of a garden could also work.

Also, charity/thrift stores are a GREAT place to start.

Vale and good luck!

“In simple offerings most the Gods delight: For though before them hecatombs are placed, Yet frankincense is burnt the last of all. An indication this that all the rest, Preceding, was a vain expense, bestowed Through ostentation, for the sake of men; But a small offering gratifies the Gods.”

– Antiphanes 388-311 BC

I have no doubt the Romans felt the same. Any offering given with thoughtfulness and care, no matter how simple, is worth countless more than the expensive offering given without care.