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