Creating sacred space and setting up an Altar
“May your heart be an altar.” –- Rumi
Altars have a bit of a reputation !!!
They are not just for witchy stuff , by definition an altar is any structure on which spiritual/religious offerings, prayers, or simply a place that rituals are made.
The root of the word altar means “high place” which reflects how symbolically sacred and important it is in spiritual practice.
“Space holds energy., space is energy “
Think about a room or a place you’ve been where you’ve immediately felt heavy or unbalanced when you’ve entered it. Sacred space is a space where we can feel supported, safe, happy and free to be ourselves.
Having a home altar is one way in which you can connect to yourself , the sacred and your spirituality on a daily basis. It can be used to practise earth magic, for meditation or a simply a place to spend some quiet time
Altars can be as small as a matchbox or it can fill up an entire room. Your altar can be whatever you want to be. There’s no right or wrong way to create your sacred space.
FINDING YOUR SACRED SPACE
The most important thing is to have your altar in a place where it won’t be disturbed.
This is personal and private so if possible kept away from other family members and somewhere that won’t get disturbed by your fur family.
It should be a space that feels like it is truly yours, where you can express yourself and your spirituality freely, without judgement. If you find that it’s something others may not understand you can even create one in
a drawer or in a jar!
When choosing your space, keep in mind what you’d like to do and how you’d like to use this space.
Is it a place for meditation with room for a comfy chair to sit and read ?
A spot in the garden you love ?
It could be a shelf, a draw, a cupboard, an whole bookshelf or even an entire room.
Would you like to use this area to set intentions, create manifestations, crystal grids or perform earth magic ceremonies?
Perhaps you have had a Chinese astrological reading and know your flying stars and auspicious directions? When choosing your special space - you need to be energetically and auspiciously supported.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
If this is a working space , by that I mean to create ceremonies, spells, crystal grids and or healing work you may want to align the altar with the appropriate compass points or even according Feng shui principles. An altar can be as complex in its planning or as simple as you like .
Placing the elements and symbols in each direction, choosing crystals that relate to each compass point.
No matter what, it should reflect YOuR taste and be full of items which are meaningful to you .
Maybe your a minimalist and like clean lines?
Perhaps your a clutter bug like me and like to go a little nuts with lots of stuff. Just create an area which makes you happy and aligns to your purpose.
STEPS TO CREATING YOUR ALTAR
- Setting intentions
Your intentions should align to your space.
What do you want to do here ?
What is your purpose?
I have individual altars designed for specific purposes throughout my home. A love altar in a wooden bowl full of rose quartz with fresh flowers in the bedroom. In the wealth/fame/ fortune sector I have the god Ganesh ( remover of obstacles) an offering plates and affirmations . The kitchen I have a whole cabinet for health healing and wellness. As well as my private working space for creating earth magic- witchy herby space where I create crystal grids for people in need. When I travel I have a small tin full of meaning objects for protection etc.
It’s not necessary but the most auspicious directions allows you to sit facing East or North for spiritual practices.
Sometimes our intentions change and so too do our altars and where we situate them- don’t be afraid to move it, redesign it and rebuild . Life changes , our intentions and our energetic requirements do to
3. Cleansing your space
Once you’ve chosen your space, energetically clearing the altar is exceptionally important.
Start with a physical clean, vacuum, wipe the surfaces, throw open the windows to some fresh air and DECLUTTER. Clutter is stagnant energy and you sure as hey don’t want to be energetically drained by it. Negative energy pulls down your vibe - no good can come from working in an energetically stuck and yeuk space.
CLIcK a HERE to purchase smudge sticks
Then the smudge, you use Any of these methods
-
the traditional white sage bundle ( not incense at this time please )
-
a charcoal block with resins and herbs
-
palo santo to cleanse and revitalise,
-
burn or spritz essential oils such asJuniper and clary sage
-
Sound - using a singing bowl , bells, chanting
4. Altar Maintenance
Using any sacred space keeps your space activated and energised but it’s also important to remember to keep it clean and tidy.
Just like our crystal grids we need to activate it to keep it energised and harmonious.
Regularly cleanse and recharge your crystals and items of worship.
Dispose of dead flowers, fruit/offerings and dying plants.
Offerings for the gods that are from nature ideally should be returned to nature. Rather than put in the garbage
A Regular wipe down, vacuum and burning incense or palo santo will help keep it tidy and energised. It’s not essential but If possible I use a dedicated special cloth for my altar’s for cleaning. Remember to wipe up your incense ash and any candle drips.
Once a month I like to do a full proper cleanse with white sage and will top up inbetween with white sage incense
- but you can do this as you feel the need.
Avoid placing everyday items such as your mobile phone or cup of coffee on your altar - this is disrespectful to the divine. Speaking of disrespect - never place sacred objects or deities on the floor !!
A clean fresh sacred space encourages good energy!
ALTAR IDEAS
Invite the 5 elements. For example, you may wish to include:
Water = fresh or holy water contained in a vessel, or a small water fountain
Earth = plants, flowers, gemstones, crystals, mala beads
Fire = candles, ghee/oil lamps
Air = burning incense, sage, palo santo
Ether/Space = burn camphor, the invisible scent of flowers, chant Om, singing bowl
sacred space click here
Perhaps the Chinese Feng shui elements or wiccan even religious symbology and elements are more your bag?
If you are astrologically minded you can even set you altar up during the appropriate moon phase.
Altar items you may wish to add:
Click here to see some fabulous sacred space items i have available on pagan and wiccan subjects
Now it’s time to get started on creating your own personal altar and sacred space! What will you include on your altar? If you feel comfortable Please feel free to share you space with us all on Instagram and or Facebook.
Crystal blessings
Leonie
https://fairyleoniescrystals.com/search?q=Crystal+grid
