Engaging in daily spiritual rituals can be a helpful way to maintain a positive disposition and feel connected to a force more powerful than yourself. Naturally, it isn’t always easy to remember to follow daily practices. One helpful option to consider is creating a home altar. Home altars are a common fixture for people who identify as pagans or Wiccans, though anyone can reap the benefits of including this simple feature in their spaces. Review these steps and learn how easy it is to create your own altar at home.
Find the Right Space
The first step to making an altar in your living space is figuring out where you are going to place it. There are many points to consider while making this decision. For one, you should think about what part of your home makes you feel the most calm and centered. This means avoiding areas with a lot of noise or foot traffic. You may also find it helpful to point the altar in a particular direction. For example, some people find that an altar that faces east absorbs the energy of the sun as it rises each day.
Select the Perfect Surface
After you have decided where you are going to place the altar, it is time to consider the structure itself. An altar does not need to be a large or elaborate piece of furniture. In fact, you can easily use any available surface in your home to serve the purpose. Some people will use small tables, while others will take advantage of bookshelves or decorative pieces of furniture like clothing trunks. The altar itself will not be as important as the items you decide to place on it later.
Decide What You’d Like on the Altar
Perhaps the most exciting step in creating an altar is deciding what you are going to place on it. There is no right or wrong answer here. Basically, you want to include items that connect you to your spiritual side. If you are part of a specific religion, then you might feel compelled to include symbols associated with your belief system or images of the deities you pray to. You can also use items like stones, plants, coins, candles, books, and more. What you place on your altar should make you feel a sense of peace and joy.
Keep Your Home Altar Clean
An important point to keep in mind when it comes to your altar is maintenance. You should routinely clean your altar to keep it clear of dust and dirt. What’s more, you may wish to update what you include on your altar every now and then. Some people will use the changing of the seasons as an excuse to update what they place on their altars. Finding items that reflect the current season can help you feel more connected to the natural world and bring about a sense of excitement about utilizing your altar.
Establish Daily Practices
Finally, you must take time to establish a daily routine that will help you use your altar to the fullest. Consider what you would like to get out of your experience with your altar. Are you looking for a place where you can be alone after a long and stressful day? If so, try to sit down at your altar as soon as you walk into your home after work. Do you want to create an altar so you remember to connect with a higher power? To achieve this, set aside time each day to pray at your altar.
Make an Altar on Your Own Terms
Creating an altar in your home is a simple and effective way to feel more connected to your spiritual side. Think about whether or not you feel spiritually fulfilled and see if creating this structure in your space could be a helpful decision.