Creating an Altar

We've probably all seen beautiful altars in our lives and while these are great to serve as inspiration, all that really matters when creating an altar is that it brings you joy and reflects you as an individual. We've gathered some special treasures to add to your altar to make it as special as you are. Follow these simple steps to get your own altar ready for some serious self care and good vibes. 

Find the Location

Your altar is your own personal sacred space, so when choosing a location, it's as simple as finding a place in your home or outside that resonates with you. It doesn't need to be big, it just needs to be somewhere that makes you feel good when you're there. A special corner in your favorite room, near a window that brings in sunshine, or outside in your garden. Just find a place that calls to you and start there. 

Clear the Energy

You'll want to clear the energy of your chosen space so it's ready to start fresh as the home to your altar. This can be done in a few ways. To start, clean the area for and around your altar. Open your windows and doors (if your altar is inside) and use the ancient practice of smoke cleansing with sage or palo santo to clear away past and negative energy and to call in good vibes.

This energy clearing set is the perfect starter kit for banishing any bad juju in your space. You can also call on the spirit, your ancestors, or guides to bless your space and guide you in your practice.

Foundation

To set the space for your altar, begin with a cloth, scarf or material that will serve as the base for all of your altar items. You can use any piece of fabric that you like but we love to place an altar mat on ours and even have mini versions for anyone with a smaller altar space. 

Adorn Your Altar

Now what to put ON your altar?! Your altar can be filled with any item you feel belongs there! There are no steadfast rules. Each item placed on your altar should be something that has meaning and brings joy to you.

If you don't know where to begin, a great place to start is by choosing items that represent each of the four elements. For example, you can have a candle for fire, a shell or cup for water, incense for air, and your favorite plant or crystal for earth. Here are a few other items you might want to include (many of which can be found here) 

• Tarot/Oracle Cards
• Books
• Journal and Pen
• Lights
• Feathers
• Singing Bowl 
• Flowers or Herbs
• Altar Bell
• Candle Snuffer
• Photos 
• Figures of your favorite Deity/God/Goddess/Animal Spirit
• Food Offerings
• Rune Stones

Bless the Space

Once you feel your altar is complete (though it can always be changing) perform a simple blessing to consecrate the space. This can be as simple as saying "I bless this space in the name of (insert your favorite God/Goddess, Spirit Guide, Ancestor, Universe etc) and decree this space is free from negative energy and is here to serve the highest good for all."

Practice

The most important part of creating an altar is that you set aside time each day to visit and use it. It can be hard to find time in our busy lives to slow down and check in with ourselves, but remember you deserve it and now you have a special place to do just that. Spend at least a few minutes at your altar each day. You can meditate, do some breath work, write in your journal, drink a cup of tea, do a card reading - simply anything which helps you center and feel more at peace. Enjoy your altar and the blessings and insights it brings!

We hope you enjoyed this guide to creating an altar. If you're into self-care and good vibes, you'll love our monthly Goddess Provisions box.

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