How to Make an Altar or Sacred Space

To my greatest childhood embarrassment, I grew up with altars in my house. My father’s altar was grand, beautiful, and in the dining room where any of my childhood guests could see it. Among other sacred items, my father’s altars always contained a lit candle, holy incense, fresh water, and an open Bible on a white tablecloth. Now, when I move in somewhere or am staying in a hotel, my personal altar is one of the first things I set up. This reinforces my spiritual intentions to invite peace, beauty, and blessings into my life. An altar is simply a dedicated place charged with your most positive energy and highest intentions to be connected to the Divine. It may be tied to a specific religion or not. It could be on a table, on a shelf, or on the floor. Your altar could feature family talismans, precious stones, items of remembrance, or photographs. Mine currently includes wood from my ancestral home, family funereal cards, a crystal gifted by a friend, amethyst, and a small cross. At times I have included feathers, leaves, soil, or shells from my travels. There is no right or wrong way to make an altar. As a Catholic, for example, my mom may have different associations with an altar. Altars can have themes, like gratitude or family. Be creative and even playful. Maybe you include fresh flowers and chocolate. Dedicating a wall in your home to your familial ancestors might be your sacred altar space. This is a place for your spiritual practice, whatever that includes. Pray, meditate, chant, or just breathe. Keep the space physically clean. Clear the energy with white sage. Let your altar reflect the inner life that you are creating. –Excerpt from The Sacred Bombshell Handbook of Self-Love