Altars

I have read enough books that specify exactly how an altar should be set up…put the Goddess candle here, the chalice there…that I wonder how the authors miss the point.  An altar is a personal expression of the things that are most important to you at this moment, and placement of objects on the altar should be guided by your creativity and imagination.  If it energetically feels right, then it is.  Think outside the box!

An altar may be large or small – you are only limited by the space you have.  A side table, a windowsill, a mantle, a shelf on a bookcase or outside on the porch or in the garden – all work for an altar.  Before you begin, think about what you are trying to achieve by setting up an altar.  If you will be meditating at the altar, you will need to create it in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.  If you are going to leave candles burning on the altar, you will want to select a space away from pets and small children – as well as curtains and other flammable objects.  You may wish though to place a seasonal altar or one of remembrance in a prominent place in your home so that family and friends can see it often.  Be sure it blends well with the rest of the room…you want it to stand out in a good way!

Just about anything can be put on an altar…as long as it has meaning and is relevant to your goal.  Candles, statues, pictures, crystals, stones, artwork, incense, essential oils, small bowls or boxes, flowers or plants, shells, money, water and salt – all work beautifully.  You may also wish to keep paper and pen on the altar so that you can write things down after meditation for future reference.  But be sure to keep it simple…too many items and it will just look cluttered.  Watch the colors you use on your altar – as in chose colors that you like and are relevant to you.  If you are creating a spring altar, and you hate yellow, don’t use it!  Other pastel colors will work just fine.  Be sure to keep the altar clean and well tended.  An altar left to stagnate is of no use.

When you have achieved your goal, the season changes, or the altar just doesn’t “feel right” anymore, then it is time to make adjustments.    Be sure to remove everything off the altar, clean the surface as well as all the items you are removing…both physically and energetically, and begin anew.