If you already embrace your witchy ways – and let’s face it, we’re all descended from the wise women of our ancestral lines, as the saying goes:
“We are the granddaughters of the witches they could not burn”
…then perhaps you already have an altar in your home? If not, then maybe you should consider building one.
Having an altar in your home is like having a spiritual battery charger
It’s a sacred energy vortex, a physical place of connection and centering which can serve as not only an anchor for your spiritual practice but somewhere to amplify it too. And like all things in life – the more energy you give it, the more powerful it becomes.
Many people create altars dedicated to something special – to angels, ancestors or love. Or seasonal altars aligned with the Celtic power days like solstices, equinoxes or the feast days of ancient Gods and Goddesses. The options are endless. And mildly addictive. Because once you begin to create these sacred spaces, and see the benefit they bring to your life, you’ll want to keep going!
If you’re already being seduced by the idea of creating an altar, it’s super-simple to make one.
How to Make Your Own Altar – a Simple Guide
First, you need somewhere to place your altar. This could be outside or indoors, perhaps on a shelf, windowsill, table or even an upturned box or a pile of books – be creative!
Think about what your altar is going to be for – will it be a focus for your daily spiritual practice? Somewhere to honor your ancestors or connect to Spirit Guides? Will it be an attractor for money? Or somewhere to honor nature and give Mother Earth some devotional energy?
Whilst you’re thinking about this, gather your objects. You’ve probably got many already – don’t rush out to the shops! Walk around your house, or go out in nature and see what reveals itself to you.
Here are some examples:
- Crystals
- Stones and pebbles
- Candles
- Incense burner
- Flowers & fruit
- Living plants
- Pinecones, nuts & Seeds
- Bones & feathers
- Figurines, statuettes or artworks
- Tapestries, weavings & fabric
- Jewelry
- Poetry, power-words or patterns (yantras)
Next, smudge the space where you’re going to build your altar to cleanse its energy, then begin to set down your objects. You could start with some beautiful fabric and then continue intuitively, placing your tools and objects where they feel good. If you’re using elemental symbols, you could place them at the four directions but their associations are different for different cultures, so try to sense into how your altar wants to be, rather than trying to get it “right”.
When you feel complete, light a candle on your altar and dedicate it with a short prayer.
Leave the candle burning for as long as you are present, and remember to tend to the altar regularly (weekly, at least) keeping it clean and tidy, especially refreshing the flowers and plants. Incorporate your altar into any ritual work you do, or simply use it as a sacred spot to honor your spiritual self.
Now check out the alters below for inspiration and some extra top tips to include!
