How to Create an Altar

Invite the Sacred to Honor the Earth

image credit: author — nature mandala ceremony

Doing rituals and ceremonies is a wonderful way to invite the sacred into our lives. Rituals are specific tasks within the ceremony that are done in specific sequences, such as lighting the candle at the start.

Altars are an important part of the ceremony. They are a space that allows us to focus our intentions and gives a place for spirits and presences to “land.” Altars can be elaborate or as simple as a candle.

Here are some uses for altars:

• Personal altars can help you manifest something in your life and are kept in a more private space such as your bedroom or office. I have one in both of these rooms.
• Group altars allow others to contribute their offerings and intentions. I created one in the center of my home. Family members pass it and are blessed, several times each day. I often find objects they have placed there.
• Outdoor altars honor nature spirits and the land.
• You can create a temporary altar (for a ceremony) or a permanent one.
• Altars can help you establish and cultivate your connection with the spirit

Below are some guidelines for creating an altar if you are new to this practice, however, they should be uniquely your own.

Constructing an Altar

When creating an altar, use your intuition on what to do in connection with nature spirits. Here are some ideas:

• Align with four directions or five elements
• Circle to represent the Divine Feminine
• Circle within the square — In Chinese tradition, this represents Heaven on earth.

Tips for Placement of an Altar for an Earth Healing and Gratitude Ceremony

• It is preferable to create an altar outdoors for nature healing, but can be done inside, if necessary.
• I use dowsing to help me locate places of power (I call these “power spots”) on the land. I then suggest the altar placement in that area, but it is also wonderful for my clients to suggest a place, as well. I lead people into a mini meditation and love when they can feel their land and sense where the ceremony should take place. Wherever they feel the energy is pulling them, or a favorite place in their yard. So, tune in and see where the land is calling you.
• Ideally, this is a location that you can keep as a “permanent” altar, a place to do regular offerings to the land. I suggest monthly offerings along with the phases of the moon, or at the quarter (solstice and equinox seasons) and four cross-quarter points of the year (such as Beltain and Samhain).

image credit: author — nature altar

What to Incorporate into the Altar

Symbols are the language of the spirit realm. Therefore, the items on your altar are symbolic and speak to the spirit. There are some basic components of an altar, however, use your intuition on what you want to incorporate. Make it authentically you!

Here are some suggestions. Indoor versus outdoor altars will be very different, as well:

• Foundation — I like to use a cloth or piece of fabric as a base for the altar. It gives the space definition and boundaries.
• Fire —Candles are used in traditions around the world to signify both the spark of the Divine, as well as a way to signal the beginning and end of the ceremony. Keep in mind, that fire is not always appropriate in outdoor spaces. A single candle can be the altar in its entirety.
• Symbols representing the natural world — I love to walk in nature and gather objects with the intention of the ceremony. Items such as leaves, flowers, nuts, pinecones, feathers, shells, and rocks, are a great addition to any altar, especially one outside.
• Offerings — Offerings are items that we will use in the ceremony to honor spirit. Incense, alcohol, fruit, grains, nuts, a crystal, and any of the natural items collected above are good items for an offering. At Buddhist altars, you may notice the presence of candy! Sure, why not?
• Deities — This is a very personal item, depending on our spiritual traditions and beliefs.
• Personal symbols and items —We can add photos, jewelry, a lucky charm, etc. I have a friend who places her sunglasses and lipstick on the altar whenever she participates in a group ceremony. It’s hysterical, but they are treasured items that are always with her!
• Usually, if we want to create a permanent altar outdoors, the items that stay permanently are natural ones, such as stones, feathers, etc.

Connection

During ceremonies, we are connecting with the Source, Divine, and Spirit. We connect with our spiritual guides, our ancestors, and nature spirits.

If we are sensitive and in a still heart space, we may feel that connection. It may come as a tingling sensation in the air, a buzzing sound, or perhaps we may hear voices or see images. We are all different and perceive the unseen realm in various ways. No one way is right.

If we do not feel anything during the ceremony, we should realize that it does not diminish the connection or impact of the ceremony. The Divine responds and is there when we reach out in this way.

Now What?

Just like constructing an altar can be simple or elaborate, the ceremony we do at that altar can also be simple or elaborate.

Simply, we can approach the altar with mindfulness and respect. We can open a ceremony by lighting a candle and saying a prayer. We can ask for support with a question in our life, or with a situation, or anything we desire. We can then give our gratitude for the support and connection and give our offering as a sign of our thanks. Finally, we can close the ceremony by blowing out the candle.

As with anything sacred, it is what we hold in our hearts that is important to the power of the consciousness and sacredness of the ceremony.

Now that you see how beautiful and simple ceremonies can be, will you do one soon?