How to Create Sacred Altars

A sacred altar expresses your private religious or spiritual beliefs and gives you a place to focus your mental and physical being on the divine as you accept that reality. Make a sacred altar a site where you go for prayer and reflection. Surround your spiritual reflection space with items recalling your central beliefs and for which you hold deep respect, awe and reverence. Create a sacred area that resonates from your inner self with simplicity and beauty.

Instructions

1




Pray for guidance to make a fitting altar.

Pray and meditate before establishing your altar. Read from sacred literature, such as the Bible or another beloved text. Ask God or your idea of the divine to guide you as you create a space consecrated to the object of your faith.

2




Use cushions to sit before your altar.

Set a clean small table in a quiet room or corner of your home. Place a chair at a conventional table or arrange cushions in front of a low table like a coffee table no longer in use.

3




Angels offer a soothing presence.

Adorn the table with images of religious or spiritual figures. Place, for example, a crystal angel on the altar if you believe in the power of angels.

4




Accompany prayer with soft candlelight.

Set a candle on the table to light during your prayer and meditation periods. Place an incense holder and your favorite incense to add an aromatic focus to your altar. Place prayer beads on the table.

5

Consecrate your finished altar. Pray for the commitment to return to the altar daily to keep your faith focused and pure. Ask the divine to be present and to bless your efforts so you can spread those blessings to all you encounter.