Little Altars EverywhereI am a woman who loves altars. Home altars. Temple or church altars. Any collection of sacred symbols or objects, lovingly arranged, that invite me to drop my angst and embrace greater peace.
In Spaces for Silence by Alen MacWeeney and Caro Ness, altars are referred to as "Gateways to the Divine." I appreciate this term because it describes perfectly what happens to us when our gaze lands upon an altar. A tunnel effect is created and we are energetically drawn forward. Soon we find ourselves carefully examining what is there: candle light, scent, symbols, and the images that grace the space.
The authors write, "When someone creates an altar, they are literally forging a relationship with the divine; they are giving the sacred a physical form and shape, sometimes using the most ordinary and commonplace of materials." This place can be permanent or portable; a place we go to or carry with us to create a sacred connection.
I have two permanent altars in my home—though I may change what is on them on a whim. One is the top surface of a low, file cabinet in my office near my desk. The other is an entire shelf on a fairly large bookshelf. When I travel, I take certain sacred objects with me and create a temporary altar in my room. In doing so, I can create a "Pocket of Peace" wherever I am.
An altar (or shrine) serves the purpose of cultivating mindful attention. It may energize the space in a way that feels good to us, but the primary purpose is to draw our attention back to "center." To remind us that we are here, now, in this place, and the Divine is, too. All is well. We can lay down our anxiety or worry and be peaceful and at ease knowing that our sacred connection is here—always. When we focus on the altar we may be reminded that divine assistance is available to us and to dear others at anytime. We do not journey through this life alone.
Creating a Home Altar
Begin by selecting a small space specifically for this purpose. It can be a dresser or nightstand, corner shelf or table in any room of the house. You may, however, want to select a unique location, one more quiet or isolated, which allows you to spend time alone with your creation. One woman I know did not have this option in her home so she created a "prayer cupboard." She could open and close the door to access it whenever she desired. My very first altar was a nightstand next to my bed.
Clear the space of all other objects and start fresh. You may want to cover it with a lovely cloth. Then choose objects that represent the Sacred to you. Art work, photographs, talismans, momentos, statuary, that speak to you of divine connection. Most altars also have a candle. Some have fresh flowers, a bowl of water, even fruit, if the altar is devoted to a certain deity, depending on your spiritual bent. Gather up and arrange them in the way that speaks to your heart. And feel free to change it whenever you wish. Keep it fresh and current, meaningful to where you are in your journey right now.
My "file cabinet altar" has these objects on it: a silk cloth cover, a candle, a mala bracelet (gifted to me by my step-daughter), a quote ("Give up everything but your loves"), a greeting card sent by a friend whose image portrays a goddessy-looking woman of peace ( a "real" jewel is on her forehead), a sticky note with names of people for whom I pray, a picture of my children, a rose quartz heart, a bamboo plant (representing longevity), and a version of the Metta (lovingkindness) prayer that is my primary form of meditation. The larger, shelf altar is a tribute to the Divine Feminine and holds much statuary, images of Mother Mary, Quan Yin, and more.
Once you have created your altar, dedicate it with a ritual blessing or prayer. Intend, that when you sit or stand before it you will re-enter your inner sanctuary where holiness and wholeness reside. You may want to experiment with certain body or hand positions of prayer. Create a short ritual to use when you are in this space. A bow, a "word of Namaste", for example. Doing so will help you access the oasis of calm that is ever-present within you. Trust that this sacred space you've created will reserve and hold a "Pocket of Peace" for you whenever you need it.
Janice Lynne Lundy is an inspirational speaker, interfaith spiritual director, and the author of Your Truest Self: Embracing the Woman You Are Meant to Be, available in bookstores nationwide and at amazon.com To learn more about Jan, visit her website, http://www.awakenedliving.com, subscribe to her free newsletter, and receive a new 90-page, inspirational e-book, The Awakened Woman's Guide to Life. Jan welcomes your comments and questions: jan@awakenedliving.com.
1 comment:
I love the way you put this into every woman's terminology. I have many little alters around my home as well and find great peace by simply walking by them and acknowledging the gratitude in my heart, even on those days when it seems difficult to muster gratitude. I try to keep a tea candle lit all day. Thank you for this gift and Pockets of Peace. Angela Madaras
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