Creating your own sacred spaces
By Nancy B. Loughlin
Published in News Press on June 13, 2017
Altars aren’t just for churches.
We all create sacred spaces, and we do it instinctively.
Whenever we set our tables for a meal with friends and family; when we make our beds daily with mindfully chosen linens; when we light candles around a bathtub, rose petals floating on the water; when we tend our gardens, these are all sacred spaces.
The only element necessary for creating a sacred space is intention, according to reiki master Pam Bzoch. Pam recently hosted a workshop for creating sacred spaces at Mystical Moon, Bonita Springs.
“Whenever we cluster photographs, bring together crystals and candles, or sit around the fire, on some level we are inviting that sacred energy into our space,” she said.
The purposes for a sacred space are almost limitless: commune with the divine, heal relationships, create health, celebrate yourself, celebrate transitions or open your life to love.
“The sacred space is a focus point to offer a sense of holiness in our ordinary lives. It’s a vortex of energy in the home,” she said.
Creating Your Own Sacred Space
Step One: Preparation
Pam suggests asking yourself, “What is its purpose?”
Is the goal to honor, celebrate or worship? Are you looking to invite certain energies or deities into your life? Is there a question or issue you have been processing?
There are no rules for the selection of your altar’s objects, only they should be evocative and personal to you – photographs, toys, mementos, feathers, crystals, figurines, fruit, water, herbs and candles for that spark. Your call.
Step Two: Purification
Dedicate a quiet space in your home free from distractions, clean it, and sage it. Use sound vibration to align yourself energetically with the space: crystal bowls, bells, tuning forks, drums, rattles and chanting. It’s whatever resonates with you.
Step Three: Invocation
You could be creating a ritual to honor departed loved ones or to meditate on a major life change.
Or it can be something simple and even mundane. I was considering adding a cat to my household. I just wasn’t sure.
So, I positioned a low, small table in front of my meditation pillow. I topped it with a lavender scarf gifted to me by my mother, several feathers, a picture of a cat, a small tea light, and a glass pitcher of water with selenite stones and peppermint essential oil.
I stared at the candle, and I placed myself in a position of gratitude. I was grateful I had a home, and I was grateful I could offer my love and share my space with a new friend. I closed my eyes and saw myself living with the cat, petting the cat, being greeted by the cat. I started to smile when, suddenly, the stench of dirty kitty litter hit me full force, jolting me out of my meditation.
I sucked down the mint water to get that taste out of my mouth. No cat.
Step Four: Preservation
My Cat Altar served a specific and temporary purpose. I lovingly dismantled it with thanks.
Other altars are longer term, and, if so, it is important to interact with it every day and treat it with respect and reverence. Dust it regularly, and be sure the flowers are fresh. Change the tablecloth, and, daily, give thanks.
And, the altar is a living creation. Add to it. Remove objects no longer serving your purpose. Invite friends to contribute.
“This is yet another way to put ritual in your life and to make it sacred,” Pam said.
Resources: Check out www.TheMysticalMoon.com.
