Altars are a link between the physical and the spiritual. They are personal manifestations of spirit. It is a place of prayer, worship, reflection and meditation.

An altar is a reflection of what you hold sacred. What you love, include, and you will be blessed with the loving reflection.

Altars give you an opportunity to look at yourself and rejoice in your uniqueness.

There are so many expressions of altars. One can be a bible, vial of oil, photo and a candle. Another can be a table draped in fabric, a Buddha, seven bowls filled with water as a reminder of Buddha's teachings.

Altars are expressions of personal beliefs. An example is an altar created for the divine feminine. It includes candles, incense, bowl of sand From Hawaii, filled with dimes found one at a time. She calls them her ten cent miracles. Flowers, rocks, feathers can be found now and again on this altar. This altar serves as a response to very personal aspect of the universe.


Altars are found everywhere, kitchens, hallways, windowsills, mantles shelving, low tables, corners and more.

An example of an altar may include a small statue, a piece of jewelry, a candle, a crystal point, a pine cone, incense. Play with it. Change it. Move things around. Add what has meaning to you. Other examples are love letters, herbs, quotes, small cymbals, a shell, etc.


Items placed in a small chest can be a portable altar. Use the top of the chest as the altar base . The items can be stored safely away. This is a perfect way to keep your practice personal and private.


A prayer, burning sage, sprinkling salt water or ringing bells are ways to clear your sacred space.


Questions to ask yourself as you create your altar:


- What would you create if no one ever judged what you do or ever see it?


- What would you add if something unexpected appeared all at once?


- What would you create if you were not afraid?


- What would you create if this altar did not count?


- What would you create if you could relax and be spontaneous?


- What would you create if you could break the rules?

A Book of Women's Altars: How to create Sacred Spaces for Art   Worship, Solace, Celebration, By Nancy Brady Cunningham

"In the most casual sense, an altar is a place where you arrange an assortment of special things: a shelf of treasured Photos..." (N. Cunningham)

"An altar helps you quickly focus on the spirituality inherent in common things, such as photographs, candles or fresh flowers." (P. Streep)

Altars made Easy: A complete guide to Creating Your Own Sacred Space, by Peg Streep.


"It is a place where wonder can be revealed." (Joseph Campbell)