Creating your own personal altar - Your sacred place with your favorite things

Most of us are familiar with altars - tables or areas containing items of worship or spirituality. When you see one you know that this is a special place, a shrine, a sacred space. Have you thought of creating your own personal altar? No matter what your faith or belief system is, you can create your own altar quite easily.

The first thing you will need to do is decide what your altar is for. Some people create altars as a way to remind themselves of what they’re thankful for. Others use altars as a place to keep things that make them feel connected to God or the universe. Some even place items like crystals on their altar as a reminder of healing or blessings they or someone close to them needs. Whatever your intention is, finding a theme for your altar takes a little time to come up with, so give yourself a little time to think about it.

Once you have decided on a theme, it’s time to decide where you want to have your altar. You can put it in your bedroom, living room, anywhere that you might be able to see it daily and, perhaps, spend a little time quietly in front of it, admiring it, meditating, or praying.

Putting your altar together: Start by clearing a space. You may want to put a pretty cloth or scarf down on a shelf or top of the dresser that you choose for your altar. Next, place objects that reflect your feelings and intentions on to the cloth. It could be photos of your loved ones, statues, perhaps a poem or some writing with your wishes on it, crystals, flowers, candles, incense, anything that when you look at it, reminds you of your goals, what you are thankful for and to whom or what you are thankful. You can change them around, add to the items, and make your altar as busy or simple as you like.

Once your altar has been created, now what? Try to find a little time everyday to stop, light a candle or the incense, and stand or sit quietly in front of your altar. You might use this time to pray, meditate, or simply sit quietly and enjoy your simple, quiet, sacred space. Again, no matter what your faith is, a personal altar is simply a way to remind yourself of the divine, focus your mind, and take a moment or two for gratitude.