Spiritual Altars
I was re-reading “Invoking Your Celestial Guardians“, by Solara Antara Amaa-Ra, and was struck by the simplicity and importance or the short chapter on “Altars“.
Having moved house several times in the last few years, unfortunately many of my non-essentials have found themselves in storage.
Most of my spiritual statues, trinkets and pictures have been boxed and jammed in the corner of my Dad’s garage.
But the chapter included below made me think on how I practice spirituality – and inspired me to change.
(Yes, I’ve been digging through boxes looking for lost connections.)
Using a Spiritual Altar
Altars can form an integral part in spiritual practice.
They do not have to be big and fancy; they can be so subtle that even the people you live with can be unaware of their existence.
The purpose of an altar is an area of focus. Here is a small area within your home which serves as your outward spiritual focus. It reminds us that there is far more to life than the everyday striving for survival and success. It is a place where the small objects that are sacred and meaningful to us can be gathered together and treated with respect.
Altars can be placed anywhere, on top of a dresser, a window sill or small table. Simply create an empty space and slowly, carefully, place upon it the items which are special to you. Maybe a crystal, a cloth of inspiring color, flowers, a white candle, or whatever feels appropriate.
Now you have created your own personal sacred space. When you light your candle and gaze upon your altar, it will help you to remember who you are and why we are here. Altars serve us as a great source of strength and focus for the Light.”
Invoking Your Celestial Guardians was first published in 1986 by Star-Borne Unlimited. I found it for a few dollars in a second hand bookshop and it’s a book I cherish and highly recommend.
Do you have a dedicated spiritual altar in your home - either on purpose or by accident (a collection of important things)?
You are welcome to share below how an altar fits into your spiritual practice.
External Information…
Further reading on Pagan Altars
Further reading on Altars for Women
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Hi there Nigel, So good to hear from you again! Thanks so much for the article on Spiritual Alters, I have been doing the same, also moving a lot and packing all my spiritual bits and pieces away. But now I have been finding all my goodies as I am unpacking, what a lovely surprise, and rebuilding my Alters. You are just such a breath of fresh air, always at exactly the right time when I need it. It is so amazing how new items come towards me every now and again. Had a lot of white feathers in and around my home. I myself have a passion for the ocean and live on the beach front, and collect shells regularly, as iv’e been doing shell craft for many years, and have always found collectors items which go on the Alter. Lots of love and light to you, Belita
Hi Belita, I love unpacking a box full of forgotten treasures. I was drawn to them strongly enough at one stage to purchase them – or receive them as a gift … (And I know storage items and clutter aren’t great in the eyes of Feng-Shui energeticists (I think I just made that word up)) But a box of forgotten goodies can trump Christmas morning! (Sorry Santa) Nigel.
Hi Nigel – I too have lately been thinking of where to make a sacred spot for my special things. Upon reading your article on spiritual alters I realized that I already have one. It’s in the living room on top of a bookshelf – my Buddha, a string of malas I got as a gift, my wooden frog statue that I treasure, crystals, etc. I thought that an alter should be in a private, quiet space. But I do look at this collection on the bookshelf often and think of the special meaning of those items. Thanks for sharing your story.
Barbara
Hi Barbara, that’s exactly why I wrote the article… I have several friends with amazingly grand alters in their homes, and when I read they can take whatever form is most practical for you I had to share
In love and light, Nigel.
Helo dear,
Most of the Indian families have an altar in their houses.
I also have an altar and I pray for guidance by the Goddess Kali. I have pictures of Indian gods and goddesses,wooden pyramid ,crystals, shells and many holy things related to our beliefs.it is a place of strength and tranquility for me.
Lata
Hi, am RC, by faith. I want to know how can I make a wall mounted Alter in my house, as this would be my first own made alter with my own hard earned money. I am from India, Mumbai. Even though have seen a lot, I still need some different ideas from different ppl around the world.