Espiritismo: Puerto Rican Mediumship & Magic

The altar may also contain bottles of Florida Water and other spiritual
colognes, known as alcoholados. These are used to perfume the altar as
well as the espiritista. Be careful when using Florida Water or any other
type of alcoholado, however, because they are highly flammable. Keep
them away from candles and fire, and make sure not to sprinkle them on
candles or near fire accidentally.
Divination tools like tarot cards, pendulums, and other aids in spirit
communication can also be kept on the altar. At first, however, most
recommend that novices not use such tools because they can become a
crutch and a distraction from the development of their faculties. Tools
should only add to your faculties, not replace them.
Once you have set up your altar, you should attend to it for at least
fifteen to twenty minutes a day for at least ninety days. During this time,
you begin to build your connection to God and the light. When you do this,
lightly focus on the fuente (see below) while you sit and relax as much as
possible.
Start by lighting a white candle on the table and reciting any of the
following prayers:
The Our Father
The Hail Mary
The Glory Be
The Opening Prayer
The Medium's Prayer
The Prayer to the Spirit Guides
The Prayer of the Shipwrecked
Once you have said the prayers, begin to focus lightly on the fuente.
Espiritistas and mediums keep anywhere from one to several altars
where they focus on their religious rituals. In the past, these were always
built on four-legged tables, but today they are also built on shelves and in
book cabinets. These altars can be set up anywhere in the house, but are
often placed in the corners of rooms or in closets. When possible, mediums
avoid placing altars in bedrooms because of the nudity and sexual activity
that take place there.
The word altar is often used to refer, not just to the table itself, but to
the whole room in which it is kept. Some brujos also refer to this as a