Altars have been created to
worship God/Goddess in all religions. They are designed in many ways, but they
all have an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. You can create your own
personal altar to create a sacred place. It can be indoors or outdoors. Any location
that makes you feel special, peaceful, or appreciative is the perfect spot for
an altar. We create altars to represent parts of us and to bless the
relationships we have with other people, nature, and Divine Spirit which lead
us to wholeness.
To help create your altar,
think of the following questions to find the intention or theme of your altar.
•What am I thankful for?
•What gives me peace?
•What healing or blessing do I need?
•What inspires me?
•What is magical in my life?
•What makes me feel special?
•What in my life excites me and makes me feel alive? Jot down your answers and
begin to sense what your altar will represent to you.
What do you place on your
altar?
Anything you please! It may
reflect your religious beliefs or choose objects that revolve around a theme
such as peace or love. Altar objects are sacred because you consider them
special such as family pictures or keepsakes. Be creative. Write a poem or
letter to someone you love. You may want to honour your past, present, or
future by writing on a paper write intentions, goals and dreams. Decorate a box
and use it as a prayer box or affirmation box. Don't forget special occasions -
birthdays, anniversaries, travel, mourning.
Here are some suggestions to
represent the elements to increase our appreciation and our connection to
nature: •Air: fans, flags, banners, feathers
•Water: fountains, bowls of water,
seashells, or essential oils in water •Earth: gems, stones, crystals, potting
soil, plants, flowers •Fire: candles, incense, pictures of flames, pictures of
Sun
What to do at your altar?
Your altar evokes a certain state of mind whenever you look at it. You may
create your own rituals by lighting a candle and saying a prayer. Honour your
wholeness and connection with those you love. Your altar creates a wonderful
sacred space to meditate. Play some soft music, chant or sing, or enjoy a quiet
time while meditating by your altar. Meditation assists us to move into our
inner sacred space to connect with our Divine Spirit. In the stillness of
meditation, you can pray, ask for guidance, visualize how you would like your
life to be, and feel a Divine presence loving and embracing you. In this sacred
space you can “listen” and give thanks for your blessings and discover your
life purpose.
Your altar will change and evolve as
you transform and expand your spiritual awareness. It will bring you joy and
peace and provide a sacred place where you can express your deepest thoughts
and dreams. Enjoy creating your altars and a peaceful sacred space.
Jane Rosalea Booth, BA, CSW,
Minister of Spiritual Peacemaking Author, In Silence, Discovering Self through
Meditation http://www.in-silence.net
Pray for guidance to make a fitting altar.
Pray and meditate before establishing your altar. Read from sacred literature, such as the Bible or another beloved text. Ask God or your idea of the divine to guide you as you create a space consecrated to the object of your faith.
Use cushions to sit before your altar.
Set a clean small table in a quiet room or corner of your home. Place a chair at a conventional table or arrange cushions in front of a low table like a coffee table no longer in use.
