Ideas for creating alters and sacred spaces
By Coralie Raia Darsey-Malloy
Altars have been created to worship God/Goddess create an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. David and I have alters and sacred spaces throughout our home and outdoor areas. Each one represents different intentions or representations of our connection to The Divines. In our experience each alter raises the resonance and assist us in maintain a reverent and respectful spiritual connection. They are a mirror and symbolic reminder and blessing to the relationships we enjoy with others, people, nature, and Divine Spirit, which leads us to wholeness and enlightenment.
After deciding to add an alter, it may be helpful to consider the placing and reason for its creation. Consider where the placement and what it represents. Do you have specific desires or intentions surrounding it? Does the focus involve a desire to connect with specific Divines? Is it a request for peace, healing, prosperity? Is the alter for you or a loved one? What items will you add to mirror the intent to you? Some find it useful to write considerations down and source the items before creating the alter while others add to it later. Whatever process brings peace and purpose is the main consideration.
Some add spiritual signs and symbols to objects to augment the focus and energy of their alters.
Choices may reflect religious beliefs or the objects may reflect particular themes such as peace or love. Altar objects are sacred representations of one’s inner landscape. Decorating a box for prayers and/or affirmations is another option. Choose items that express feelings of joy, peace, grief, gratitude or anything else. Representations of the elements augment a connection to nature. For 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.
One of many Alters in our home. This triad honours our connection to Goddess Lakshmi, Tara and Quan Yin (from Left to right. We add gifts that represent their attitubutes to show our appreciation for the blessings each one brings to life.
In our experience, each altar evokes a certain state of mind whenever we look at it. We use ritual and ceremony and light candles, express gratitude and ask for spiritual clarity in our prayers and during meditation. The alters assist us in honouring our wholeness, heighten awareness and our Divinity. Each altar facilitates energy to realms beyond the material. We use chimes, bells, music, chant, sing, drum or simply some soft music enjoy a quiet, reflective time by the alters.
Creating alters inspires us to be responsible for the energy we bring to wherever we are.
Meditation assists us to move into our inner sacred space to connect with our Divine Spirit. Within the stillness of meditation, we pray, ask for guidance, visualize how we would like your life to be and in this place there is an embracing feel of Divine within. The quietude facilitates the ability to listen and hear the still small voice within. The experience of spiritual connection fosters the ability to be grateful for each blessing.
Altar change and evolve as we transform and expand spiritual awareness. In our experience each one augments our alignment to specific Dieties and are symbolic reminders to remain humble and grateful. They keep us mindful and add to the energetic resonance in our home. Alters create a peaceful unity and flow within our spiritual emergence. We do not believe it is necessary to go to churches when one brings the sacred feel of alters, candles, insence and reverence to one’s home.
If you are interested in this topic and to see other alters check out the Pinterest Board on Alters at CD Creative Ventures:
Using cleansing prayers prior to meditation while creating alters clears the space and opens the channel for high frequency energy.
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