An altar, in the simplest sense, is any elevated place or structure where religious rites are performed or on which sacrifices are offered to gods, ancestors, etc. Nearly every spiritual belief system encompasses the use of an altar, with conservative religions reserving its use exclusively for a building deemed as holy. An altar then is a place of sanctification where one can focus their intent either generally or specifically in order to prepare and tender offerings, honor the sacred, or manifest result.
Pagan tradition, aligning itself with the fundamental belief that everything is holy and that the home is the temple, generally incorporates and encourages the use and creation of altars in least some fashion in the home. Reasons and uses are as varied and personal as each individual, and not necessarily limited to any particular dogma or belief, and with the increasing popularity of spirituality as a broad and connective experience rather than confined to a particular path, altars have found their way into the semi-mainstream.
An altar is an intimate expression of your spirit, and as such should be treated as a sacred space. Beyond that, it is limited only by the perception and creativity of your faith.
The Basics
Depending on your belief system, you may choose to deliberately position your altar North or East as is customary, or you might consider Feng Shui in your decision for placement. A money altar to draw health to financial issues in that sense would be placed in a different location than one for love. Because spirituality is inherently subjective and intuitive, it's quite appropriate to simply let your intuition guide you towards the best choice for you. Beginning principles and questions to ask yourself include:
- What is the purpose of the Altar?
- What do I wish it to represent?
- Is privacy an issue?
Altar Ideas
Many people have an altar in each room of their home, each with its own specific function. In this way, one can be continually reminded of the presence of the spiritual in life, and its importance in even the most mundane circumstances. Your mileage may vary, but ideas for altars can include:
Healing Altars - An altar where white candles are burned, and pictures of those who need healing are displayed.
Feminine Altars - A representation of the feminine which serves as a reminder that divinity is not limited to a patriarchal construct
Love Altars - A living space where the focus on unconditional love and connection serves to align your intent with Divine purpose, and where issues and relationships are tendered over as reminder of their importance in our lives.
Death and Remembrance Altars - Where those souls and relationships that have passed from our lives are kept within the sacred context of we who are still fulfilling our corporeality. Never forgotten, honored and always a part of our lives, these altars can serve as unique healing tools all their own by providing a specific space of remembrance within the home
Constructing the Altar
Altars can be modest and simple creations, and do not necessarily have to announce to the world that they are an altar. Small shelves on a wall, adorned with a few meaningful items, a picture and a candle can be incorporated into nearly every decorative theme. What matters most here is the designation consciously that herein lies your spiritual intent.
Anything can serve as the base for the altar itself as long as it has the capacity to hold a few items of intention. You may even find you have already sub-consciously created altars - placing pictures of loved ones on a table with a candle nearby is in and of itself a testimony and sacred area of love all its own.
Things to Include
Altars are a very personal affair, where learning to trust the instinctual leanings of your spirit proves to be more successful than anything an article or book on them could ever provide. Scores of websites and information exist on varying traditions for those seeking a more specific alignment, but some ideas to inspire you might include:
- Found Items - Feathers, Stones
- Charms
- Figurines
- Salt
- Water
- Flowers
- Candles
- Incense
- Crystals/Gems
Blessing Rituals
When your altar is complete, cleansing and consecration can serve as a useful discipline to set apart (which is, after all, what the word 'Holy' means). Cleansing the space can be as simple as lighting a candle and through the imaginative process, burning away the old as preparation for the new. Declaring your intent can be in the form of a prayer or simply a whispered utterance to the Cosmos. Performing this exercise dedicates it as a thing separate from mere decoration, and cements the intended purpose spiritually, which is what the purpose of any ritual serves.
What matters most is that it most matters to you.
Maintenance and Care
The most important thing to consider is that when you create an altar, as a sacred space care should be taken soas not to allow it to become neglected. Whether you utilize your altar for spiritual workings or simply as spiritual reminder, treat it with the same respect that you would any sacred and holy thing, Never allow it to become dusty or used as a catchall for clutter, both corporeal and otherwise. Clearing and/or cleansing rituals do not have to be elaborate, an occasional dusting and burning a stick of incense or a candle regularly can keep the energy balanced and alive, and give you a source of inspiration and power that will serve as connection and grounding, whatever its chose intent.
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