How To Create a Sacred Space With an Altar

Here are some ways to create a sacred space with an altar. If you are looking to increase inner peace preparing a sacred space may be your answer. This is because altars have long been used within various religions as a space that connects us with the spiritual realm through worship, ritual, or prayer. So creating an altar can be a way to have a designated area devoted to your own spiritual development. It can also be where you perform your meditation practice. Or your altar simply can be a dedicated space to restore serenity.

Make your altar simple with select items.

How to Chose a Sacred Space

Next, let’s look at how to chose where to create a sacred space. It may seem like you don’t have the room in your home but it’s not about the size of the altar. If you do have the space, use a small table or side table as your altar. Then place it in a quiet area, away from high traffic walk throughs. But you don’t need a whole separate table to use as an altar. There are many places you can use to create a sacred space. Look to the space on a shelf, a coffee table, a fireplace mantel, a desk, a dresser, a windowsill, a plant pot, or an empty corner as potential altars. It’s the energy you create in the space that matters the most. So your sacred space can be simple or complex.

Choose the feng shui elements wood, fire, air, earth, metal, and water for your altar.

What to Put on Your Altar

Feng Shui Elements

There are many items you can include when you create a sacred space with an altar. To incorporate feng shui principals, include an item for the five elements; wood, metal, earth, air, fire, and water. Thus you can use candles for the fire element. A feather can represent the air element. Additionally, incense or sage can be burned to represent the element of fire and the smoke represents the air element. Next, for the water element, place a water fountain, or a picture of water. But to simplify it, just place a glass of water.

To include metals, use a metal incense holder, place coins or a bell on your altar. Next, place plants in order to bring in the wood element. Lastly, place a crystal or crystals in your space to include the earth element. Chose crystals that resonate with the intentions of your altar. If you are using your sacred space to increase emotional wellness, self-love, or spiritual strengthening, there are many crystals that can aide in that process. Overall, bringing in all the feng shui elements, brings balance to your space.

Creating sacred spaces with altars

Additional Items for Your Sacred Space

Additional items to include in your altar can include fresh flowers or herbs. This is because bringing the outdoors in help us better connect with the energy of the divine. Another item to include would be a journal, a bible, or another text that brings inspiration. Reading and journaling are great ways to induce a meditative state and decrease stress. Also, you may want to include items that simply bring you joy. For example, maybe you’re a lover of the beach or the ocean. Then you may enjoy placing shells or drift wood on your altar. Another item to consider is a symbol or statue of a deity or other spiritual entity that brings the energy you desire for your space. Lastly, chose colors that resonate with the energy of your space. You can learn more about the power of colors by researching color psychology to better chose the colors for your altar.

Overall, your altar is your sacred space. Place which ever items bring you joy and peace. You don’t necessarily need to have al the feng shui elements. Maybe just choose two or three that make you happy. Make your altar as simple, complex, or colorful as you chose. This is your space for healing and wellness. Make this space your own special sacred space.

Visit http://www.elementalglam.com for more information on creating wellness with home decorating.

Elemental Glam was created out of a desire to use design to escape stress in my life. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 + years in the field of social work/mental health.  Cumulative stress had taken a toll on my physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Additionally, I’m easily impacted energetically by my surrounding environment.  So it became important to me to create a home sanctuary that provided solace. Incorporating healing elements, such as crystals and aromatherapy, became a part of my journey towards soothing my soul. I created Elemental Glam in hopes of inspiring others to use wellness decor to live harmoniously within their hearts, minds, and homes!