Little Altars Everywhere
Today we're lining up some furniture for our new half-time space here in Florida in preparation for moving on Monday. One of the things I am most looking forward to (once we are "in") is creating a new altar space for myself.
I'm big on altars. It is important for me to have a small space set aside wherever I am that serves as a "gateway to the Divine" —a visual reminder for me to pay attention and align myself with the Sacred. In fact, I've just penned a new Pocket of Peace which explains my fascination, a bit about the altars I've created, and how you can create one, too. I invite you to take a look there ~ then stop back here and share .... READ ON...
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I'm curious. What are your thoughts about home altars?
Do you have one and what purpose does it serve for you?
And, if I can figure out how to work my new camera, I'll take some pix of my altar once it's dedicated and post them here. How's that?
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21 comments:
I clicked and read the whole post. I really liked it and always wondered about this particular topic so thanks!
http://iridescentdark.wordpress.com/2009/01/18/effort-is-offering/
The above is a post about the making of my own altar from last year. My altar has changed a little now - it has my first and to date only ceramic vase, the goddess cards are gone and replaced with whatever tarot card I am focusing on at that time in my life. In the box I now have a large piece of labradorite, a seashell, a ruby and my little strength angel as bits and pieces for my Goddess. And an extra candle, lol. It continues to serve me as a reminder of everything I hold dear and close.
Take a look at the comment you left there, it's rather ironic ;D. Lovely post too Jan on a wonderful topic x
What a lovely idea. I've never had an altar or thought about creating one. Your article has piqued my interest, though. I have certain items, that mean a lot to me, scattered around my bedroom. As I write this I am thinking about where I can create an altar, a sacred place to give thanks and welcome the Divine.
I have two spaces in my house that are alters for me. I have a book shelf in my music room and a night stand by my bed. Both contain items that center me for that area, pictures and candles that bring me peace and remind me of entrustment. The spirit in me connects with the Spirit of the Divine when I'm still and quiet in my alter spaces.
SOL,
Glad the article was helpful. To me, altars are not about worship but about aligning ourselves (reminding ourselves) of our Sacred connection.
Haley,
I remember this post! Your article sounds as if it truly nurtures your spirit and all that you hold dear. I am sure it is quite lovely. May it continue to bring you joy.
Sharon,
It sounds as if you are a perfect candidate for a new little sacred space in your bedroom. It's amazing how when we bring these scattered items together, the room takes on a whole new ambience, too! Enjoy the process.
Julie,
Lovely descriptions of your spaces. I just spoke with someone the other day who has 3 such spaces in 3 different rooms, each for a different purpose. :-) I am glad to know that these spaces ease your days and bring you much happiness of the spirit.
Nice article over at MWF Jan.
I have altars at home. Might not be what is considered an altar. There's one in my kitchen, one in my studio and one in my bedroom.
Perhaps next week I shall post more them :)
I love your "Pockets of Peace" articles. I've had an altar to sit near for meditation for several years now and I love it. Just sitting down in front of it now calms me and settles my mind. It is actually a rubbermaid container with excess kitchen stuff that won't fit in my trailer-tiny cabinets. It is draped with a cloth a friend picked up in Jerusalem. There are framed pictures of Buddha, Dakini and Green Tara. There is also a copy of the Tao Te Ching and a small notebook in which I keep special meditations, prayers and teachings. There is a small candle burning and inspirational poems are tacked up on the wall all around. I love this space.
Beautiful post Jan. I do have an alter where I sit and meditate, with favorite crystals, a candle, an incense holder, so SoulCollage images and a card of encouraging words friends wrote about me at a yoga training several years ago. Having this sacred space set up is indeed a signal to sit and turn toward my heart and God within.
blessings,
Laura
Kel,
I am sure that you have many such special spaces around your home and retreat center. :-) I think we can also use the term altar more loosely to reflect sacred space...Enjoy yours!
Twila,
I sure love the sound of your altar and the energy it conveys. Perhaps someday you can post a photo on your blog! I'd like to see it. :-) The images exude the Feminine...Blessings!
Laura,
Oh, yours sounds divine too. I can imagine that the space does provide you with much needed affirmation (when you are feeling a bit low). And inspiration for your soulful work. Lovely..
Jan...
i also love creating space for altars... i love to create spaces all over for them, not just in one particular area... so while they may not be elaborate they are spaced throughout where i live so that every time i am in a room i am reminded of what it is i am trying to be about in my life... sometimes one of these sacred objects can simply serve to remind me to slow down, breath and re-center again... this week i've especially been feeling like i've misplaced myself somewhere in the chaos, and my little bottle of holy water from Lourdes on the shelf in my studio stands there to remind me to just come right back to myself again... because while i may become overwhelmed and get frenzied and lose track at times i am never as far away as i may think i am...
peaceful blessings for your new nest...
xo
Hi Jan!
I've had my altar since the 80's. It's on a small table next to my journaling chair. I have a lotus flower candle holder, a small Hotai (the laughing Buddha) small Tibetan prayer flags, a small basket with stones I've found that have special presence,and a small Kokopelli. I may change up the "accessories" from time to time with only the candle being the permanent thing.
I find it to be grounding, centering and indispensable! I'll be happy to float some crocuses in a bowl as soon as they come up!
I really enjoyed your post on creating an altar! I never thought to share mine - you bring out the best in all of us! :)
hugs
suZen
I have several spaces in my home that have special, meaningful and sacred things, placed there with care and whenever I look at that space I feel a little joy, a bit lighter.
xoxo
I love having an altar in my house. It must be joyful making one in your new digs.
I have to confess, when I started working on a new computer, I didn't import my blogs list. So it's been a while since I've visited anyone! I hope you're well!
After reading your article on altars, I came across two more mentions: In "Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play" by Kimberly Wilson and in today's entry in "Simple Abundance" by Sarah Ban Breathnach. I think someone is trying to tell me something!
"... re-enter your inner sanctuary where holiness and wholeness resides." As you also said, altars are not about worship but about aligning ourselves with our Sacred connection. I think we all need that alignment with the Divine. We get busy in the physical world and can often become too distracted to return to our Sacredness. I believe that God whispers and we can best hear the voice of the Divine when we slow down and make a conscious effort to listen. Altars give us those wonderful sacred spaces to realign and to re-member our Sacred connection to the Divine spark within.
That said, I think my altar needs some sprucing up. The items have been unchanged for several years and I'm feeling a need to refresh. Thanks so much, Jan!
Joanne,
We are indeed kindred. My two "formal" altars are just a small piece of the picture, as I have similar "sacred" objects all around my house. They are those who remind me who I am (the reality of my beingness) and why I am here. Like yours, they bring one back to center. The Lourdes water is certainly a powerful reminder of your "true identity" and Spirit connection. Your words are potent!
SuZen,
Love the sound of your altar. It sounds as if it definitely grounds you. I agree that sometimes changing up our sacred items refreshes our spiritual practices. Enjoy!
Annie,
May all your sacred spaces be blessed! Yes, isn't it marvelous how this process works and brings us back to our "truth." Just writing this I am reminded of my Catholic friends who grew up with a crucifix or image of Mary in each room. I see it now as a point of focus—deep reminding—of how ever-present the Sacred is in our everyday reality. Hmmmm.....
Rose,
Have fun tidying up and refreshing your altar. I can't wait to get some fresh flowers from the flower market here to add to mine.
Yes, I agree with you that altars may not be so much about actual worship as alignment. Well put!
Gayle,
Certainly it seems it could be time for you to create an altar for yourself. This will be a powerful process and one that can assist you in creating that home sanctuary you desire. In fact, by the look of your blog, it seems like you may have started one already. Enjoy this sacred journey...
I have an altar in my kitchen window, and it keeps me grounded every time I see it. There are things my son gave me, as a child and later, from his travels. And other treasures of the heart. (Jan, the last essay in my book lists all the items there, and why I keep them.)
Wishing you good things in Florida, my friend! Hope the move keeps going well for you.
Cindy,
I love the idea of a kitchen window altar! Especially with so sweet remembrances of your son.I imagine it would really ground you. Thanks for the reminder about this being in your book - which is always a wonderful real. I hope others will pick it up too! Hugs!
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