How To Make Your Own Spiritual Altar
A spiritual altar can be an excellent place to get away from all the chaos lately. And if you’re cooped up with kids during the quarantine, then I’m sure there’ll be a lot of chaos.
Many people already have somewhat of a spiritual altar, they’re just unaware that it has a special name.
But, you might be wondering: What is a spiritual altar?
Basically, it’s a sacred space where you can leave all of your favorite items that hold some kind of special significance to you. Everybody’s spiritual altar table will hold different things, and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.
Why Should I Make A Spiritual Altar?
There are many benefits to creating a spiritual altar. It’s the physical expression of commitment - a place where you’re empowered to be yourself and express yourself fully.
It brings spiritual practice to everyday life, something that most people wish they did, but tend to put off.
Most importantly though, it’s a source of positive energy that can spread through your home like wildfire. It brightens up an area that you spend a lot of time in. That has a ripple effect that you will notice almost instantly.
Each and every spiritual altar is entirely personal. They can be large or small, temporary or permanent, littered with photos and memorabilia or stylish and simplistic. It’s all your choice.
So have a think. What meaning will this altar take on for you? Will it be linked to a specific intention? Why do you want this little special space?
Some people associate their altars with a theme: relaxation, love, remembrance, inspiration, healing, or faith. There are many more possibilities. Do any of these strike you?
It might simply be for peace and quiet, and that’s absolutely fine too.
What Should I Put In My Spiritual Altar?
So you’ve decided why you want this sacred area, now what do you want in it?
Again, this decision is entirely personal, but here’s a list of common spiritual altar items that may inspire you. Select several that stand out to you.
- Crystals
- Candles, incense sticks, or other smudging materials
- Herbs
- Sand
- Salt
- Statuettes
- A rustic journal
- Your favorite book
- Photographs of loved ones and/or fond memories
- A religious idol
- Fresh flowers
- An inspirational quote
- Elements of nature
- An old childhood belonging
- Essential oils
- Shells
- Tarot cards
- Anything else you want!
This list is by no means exhaustive. In fact, you can place just about anything you want there. There is no right or wrong. It’s your space after all.
Where Should My Spiritual Altar Be?
There are no written rules about where to make your spiritual altar, but there are some criteria that you may want to check off.
Is it quiet? Is it private and unlikely to be disturbed? Does the energy feel good?
These are just a few of the questions you might want to ask yourself before settling on a place. However, always remember that your spiritual altar doesn’t have to be set in stone. You can move it wherever and whenever you like!
Ideally, it’s a place where you can be alone, among good energy, and center yourself. It’s a place you can go to take a break from ordinary reality. A place where your spiritual connection is stronger.
The size of the altar is only as important as you make it. You can have a large one over an entire desk, or you can have a small altar inside a drawer. Whatever works for you is fine.
You can build a spiritual altar even if you don’t have a lot of space in your home. They take up as much room as you decide.
It can be a place to reflect among your spiritual altar items. Meditation, yoga, and self-reflection are all integral to maintaining that connection between mind, body, and soul.
If you want to perform rituals or cast spells, then your spiritual altar is the perfect place to do so, too.
How To Build A Spiritual Altar
Creating a spiritual altar is the easy part. You simply turn your intention into a reality.
Before you begin, light some sage or palo santo in the area that will become your altar. This will cleanse the area of its energy and leave it free for you to shape it to your will.
Organize your items in a way that feels good to you. Does it feel better symmetrical or asymmetrical? Does your practice benefit from a central point of focus? Maybe a clear quartz or selenite tower? Whatever you do, make sure both sides are harmonious with each other.
Depending on what you’ll use it for, a spiritual altar is also a fantastic place to have a crystal healing grid. You can arrange several crystals in a sacred geometric formation, or scatter them in whichever way feels good to you.
If you’re worried that your crystals might move around, then you can keep them steady by placing them in a dish with sand.
The important thing is that whatever is in your altar brings you joy and peace.
Once you’ve gathered all your personal altar ideas and settled on your specific type, light a few candles to celebrate. You should be able to fully relax here as it acts as a safe space for your energy. If ever you’re feeling low, you can return here and reconnect with your mission.
If you invite somebody to your spiritual altar, or if somebody comes across it by themselves, be sure to cleanse it with incense again afterwards.
The crucial point to remember after all of this is that it’s your personal space. Nobody has any say over how it looks but you.
It’s worth considering to have a protection stone or two to ward off negative energy and keep the rest of your altar defended.
Almost all black stones have strong protective qualities. Black obsidian and black tourmaline in particular specialize in this.
Other stones can be used for other reasons, as you see fit.
Once your spiritual altar is organized, cleansed, and ready to go, then make sure you don’t forget about it. Visit daily and make use of it. Be sure to clean it if it gets dusty or if cobwebs start to form.
This is your space and yours only.
Share your spiritual altar tips in the comments! We’d love to hear your stories.