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Build a Spirit Altar
Creating and using altars are not only used for religious
ritual, strictly confined to Eastern religions, or polytheistic worship. In
fact, an altar can be these things, but in reality, an altar is defined by its
creator. A personal spirit altar can be a practical reminder the important
elements of the spiritual journey on an everyday basis, a simple collection
of items that makes the creator feel good, or a peaceful area to reflect and
rejuvenate.
The depth of meaning of an altar is not established by some unknown mystical force.
It can be as light or as serious as the creator wishes. The creation and use of a
personal spirit altar is not necessarily sacrilegious or iconological worship.
While some may use the altar for worship it is perfectly acceptable to place
certain statues or representations of deities or other items to serve as a reminder
of some important attributes that the creator wishes to emulate or to invoke particular
energies into the creator's life and space.
There are many reasons to create a personal spirit altar. Among them
are:
- A peaceful spot designated for prayer, meditation, or contemplative
thought;
- A way to direct positive energies into a living space;
- A memorial for a loved one;
- A way to honor the physical elements
(air, water, fire, earth, ether);
- A spot to inspire and celebrate
creative expressions;
- A reminder of personal worth on a journey toward
self-acceptance;
- A reminder to express daily gratitude or for manifestation.
Home altars are common in many cultures worldwide, both modern and
ancient. There is no right or wrong way to create an altar and one
may take ideas from cultures and times other than the creators, or
the creator may choose to choose and arrange items that simply appeal
to the individual. The key is to be conscious about what goes on the
altar and its arrangement. As long as the items hold significant meaning,
even if that meaning is as simple as the beauty or sensuality of the
objects.
If you decide to create your personal spirit altar consider
your reason for the altar. What is it for, and what does it represent
to you? Then choose items that you associate with the significance
of the altar. All items do not need to be added at once. It is perfectly
acceptable to add items gradually as you discover them, and to change
the altar as you see fit. Be sure to visit your altar each day, even
for a few moments, and give some focus to its meaning and purpose.
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