I thought this might be of interest for anyone considering an altar. Guidelines for Setting up a Daoist Altar. I think this is pretty interesting and I may follow it, being an unabashed henotheist. I believe that the eastern religions overlap very much. For me, aspects of Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism mesh very nicely.
I currently only have a small table with small pictures of The Three Pure Ones,
a small candle in a red cup (I don't believe it was coincidence I chose red), and a tiny brass incense holder. I may do the offerings, or not; the altar may simply be an honorary and respectful nod. Oh yes, I will have a picture of Guan Yu, because I let my small tea light candles burn down.
Guan Yu protects against negative energies, especially if a candle burns out, so the canon goes.
I currently only have a small table with small pictures of The Three Pure Ones,
a small candle in a red cup (I don't believe it was coincidence I chose red), and a tiny brass incense holder. I may do the offerings, or not; the altar may simply be an honorary and respectful nod. Oh yes, I will have a picture of Guan Yu, because I let my small tea light candles burn down.
Guan Yu protects against negative energies, especially if a candle burns out, so the canon goes.