B.O.T.A. associate's initiation

[Frater H.S.S.]

Hello all! Love and light to you all. I recently became a B.O.T.A. member and I am looking forward to receiving the first lesson. Today I received in the mail their "Associate Builder's Initiation" ritual. I have a couple of questions I was hoping some of you could help me out with. I take my studies and the conduct of ritual very, very seriously - even something as simple and perfunctory as this ritual. All help will be very greatly appreciated!! [happyface]

1. The ritual mentions using a table or stand as an altar. I would like to have a dedicated altar...and I've read elsewhere that this is classically a "double cube"...but what color should it be painted? Does it even matter?

2a. The ritual calls for a white cloth to place on to the altar...does the type of fabric matter?

2b. should the cloth just cover the top of the altar or drape over?

3. the ritual calls for incense...any particular incense?

4. lastly...the ritual recommends, and I would like, a dedicated magickal space. Now, I have an unfinished, stand-up attic. If I were to perform the ritual there, and future rituals there...would I matter that I intend on finishing the attic at some point? Does doing carpentry work, sheetrock, - that type of stuff - somehow "muck" with whatever energies (for lack of a better term) accrue up there?

Thanks greatly for your help!

Frater H.S.S.

[Rin]

1. The ritual mentions using a table or stand as an altar. I would like to have a dedicated altar...and I've read elsewhere that this is classically a "double cube"...but what color should it be painted? Does it even matter?

I believe it's traditionally black and white, but don't quote me on that.

2a. The ritual calls for a white cloth to place on to the altar...does the type of fabric matter?

I'd go for something non-synthetic, if possible.

2b. should the cloth just cover the top of the altar or drape over?

Generally people go with a "draped over" look, but I can't see it mattering much as long as the entire top is covered (which would mean there'd be a slight draping effect anyway.

3. the ritual calls for incense...any particular incense?

If they wanted a specific incense to be used I imagine they would have said so. But personally I prefer resin incense which melts on charcoal to cheap stick incense. It's cleaner, cheaper and (imo) smells nicer.

4. lastly...the ritual recommends, and I would like, a dedicated magickal space. Now, I have an unfinished, stand-up attic. If I were to perform the ritual there, and future rituals there...would I matter that I intend on finishing the attic at some point? Does doing carpentry work, sheetrock, - that type of stuff - somehow "muck" with whatever energies (for lack of a better term) accrue up there?

It probably would to some extent. Why not finish the attic and then set it up as a ritual place? That way you have a clean area set up specifically to your design.