Heighten Your Spiritual Practice with a Home Altar

"Altar" can be a loaded word for many, but an altar is simply a place of prayer, ritual and meditation. It is an acknowledgement that a power greater than ourselves exists. It is a visual and symbolic way of connecting to the sacred.

The objects on your altar hold meaning and significance that focus your spiritual insight and guide you to go within. These objects help clarify your thoughts and intentions and hold higher spiritual energies or vibrations.Let’s heighten your spiritual practice by creating your own altar today:

1. Find a space in your home that you’ll be able to utilize for quiet times. A bedroom can work nicely so that you can have some privacy.
2. Use a small bench, stool or table for your altar. It should be a piece that you love and find beautiful
3. You can also drape a textile over the altar if you wish.
4. Gather objects that hold special meaning for you. You can incorporate images or statues of deities from a religious faith that you connect with. Consider some elements from nature, like crystals, stones, feathers or shells. You could also add a rosary or mala beads, a favorite book or other objects that hold special meaning and connect you with higher truths and love. Get creative and make it your own!
5. Hold each item close to your heart and set the intention for it to enhance your connection to the Divine. Arrange the objects as you are led, or arrange them based on traditions from feng shui, the medicine wheel or the elements (we will be exploring more on these topics on the Conscious Home blog).
6. Add fresh flowers or fruits as treats for your Higher Power.
7. Don’t clutter your altar; give items room to breathe. Keep it clean and tidy.
8. Candles and incense add a spirit of ceremony

You can start and end your day at your altar and return to it any other time you want to connect. Use this space in front of your altar for prayer, meditation, chanting, yoga and writing.Here are a few questions to help get your wheels turning as you design your altar:1. Where in your home can you create a special nook?2. What are your favorite flowers, fruits or green plants that you have easy access to?3. What are more of your favorites? Examples: Favorite candle, favorite incense, favorite oils, favorite crystal, etc.4. What special items from around your home could go on your altar?5.  What do you need to complete your altar? Make a shopping list.Photo Credit:  This gorgeous altar is from Marcia Maizel-Clarke's home. She is the founder of Dogeared Jewelry.  Photo by: Tessa Neustadt