For months, I knew I wanted to create an altar space in my home for meditation, journaling, and just having a few seconds to myself each day. I kept putting it off, thinking my daily meditation in bed was fine, I would never really use it, I needed something special to put it on… the list of excuses goes on and on. But as usually happens, there were too many signs from the universe to keep putting it off.
Still unsure where in my house would be best—and left undisturbed with an infant around—I chose a sunny spot in my closet with a window. A sill is the perfect spot for an altar because you don’t have to build anything, and the shelf will get natural light and energy from both the sun and moon. Now, there’s absolutely no right or wrong way to make an altar window or space. The key is just to let your intuition guide you in choosing what to include. Some great things to start with:
Crystals
No need to put up your whole collection (unless you feel called to). You should rotate the crystals you work with as you see fit. Maybe you need some throat chakra work and kyanite is calling your name, or you just received a new Selenite plate for charging your favorites that you can’t wait to meditate with.
Candle
Any candle works, but preferably it’s a candle you bought specifically for your altar. Not that the spirits won’t love the smell of your Bath & Body Works Juniper Breeze candle, but the intention rather than the scent is what matters most.
Tarot or Oracle cards
Keep your full deck nearby, but place any cards you’re specifically working with (whether it’s to call in manifestations, or as a visual during meditation) actually on the altar. Again, these will rotate as you feel their specific lesson comes to completion.
Art
Anything you are called to include is considered art. A feather you find on your morning walk, a stained glass piece from a local artist, or chakra wood carvings are all art that can and should be included in your space. These don’t necessarily have to be ON the altar, but can be used as decoration in the nook or space you’ve chosen as a way to make it your own. Rugs, tapestries or paintings are also great to create a vibe. I’ll soon be installing a set of colorful lamps I got on my travels in Turkey.
Journal & Pen
I have a special journal for writing Akashic transmissions and any meditation musings or downloads that come through. I like being able to look back on my journey, and purchasing a specific book to write it all in is a process I cherish.
Pillow
You don’t have to sit on a pillow while you’re giving gratitude at your alter, but I’ve found a comfy pillow is helpful during meditation. I even have a second pillow for my back if I’m going to be doing a longer session.
Singing Bowls/Mantra Music
Tiffany closes all of her sessions by ringing a Tibetan Singing Bowl, and I have one that I’d really love to learn how to use. I keep it near my altar as a reminder to just do it one day. This suggestion is really for any kind of sound bowl or device that will bring you further into meditation. I often put on various Mantras to relax and stop the head chatter. Or I’ll open or close my sacred time with sound as a way to ease back into my day.
Sage or Sustainable Palo Santo
I don’t smudge my space before every session—only when I feel called to clear stagnant energy—but I love the smell of both Sage and Palo Santo even when not lit. It’s important to get your Palo Santo from a sustainable source. Because it has grown in popularity, the wood is being over-harvested in some areas.
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