My Altars...
First my dorm altar (If you want to call it that - It follows no guidelines but my own, but out of respect I try to do things in a shinto-esqe manner when giving respect to Inari.):
Due to height and space, offerings are usually in the dresser on a shelf under the altar.
My Shrine Fox:
I only have one shrine fox... I originally got it as a curiosity after having studied Japanese fox myths a little more and spotting a set of three shrine foxes) from a Hawaiian Antiques dealer while browsing on ebay one day. I tried to buy all three but I got into a bidding war with someone called 'genko_tails'... So in the end I ended up getting just the one. It took on spiritual importance after July 13th, 2005 (Sorry, I still don't feel like talking about it here).
My Impermanence Coin:
I actually got this at a little tourist trap called 'Christus Gardens' in Gatlinburg, Tennessee that my Grandmother wanted to visit while we were in the smokies a couple of years ago. I personally think that it is a wonderful reminder of impermanence...
Flaming Chalice:
My official religious affiliation is Unitarian Universalist and I'm quite happy at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus where I have served as an Usher from time to time. The Flaming Chalice is the main symbol of UUism so it is reflected here.
Bells:
The appearance of these "Bells" may lead to a false conclusion of how I use them... When struck together though they produce a very haunting long 'ding', perfect for some rituals and dance.
Ball and Juzu:
These are two of three items (the third being a pocket knife) I normally keep on myself. The Ball is mostly for when I'm bored or to roll in my hand if it tenses up as it does sometimes (along with other uses). The ball itself was once one of those flashy ball things but the top popped off when the coating wore off... Fixable with superglue but it is also re-openable if one cuts or dissolves the glue... Which means things can be kept in it...
The 'altar' at my parent's place is more symbolic and better looking (and in some ways superior - if I get a more permanent place I'll have to join them together):
Yes, that is the same Shrine Fox, I transport it in a special padded pouch used only for moving it, and re-enshrine it there during breaks.
The center of the altar is a ruined fortress which I never clean or dust... I think it is a very potent symbol of impermanence. On its right is a piece of igneous rock (pumice) representing that things can change quickly or on the left a sedimentary rock (sandstone) representing gradual change. I found both rocks while out walking.
The Eagle is there because I bowed down before an eagle in a dream, I'm not sure why but I felt that it needed to be represented there.
The feather there is an interesting (to me) raven feather that I found on one of my walks.
The box in the center was a gift from my Grandfather.