Setting Up a Personal Altar

No matter whom you are, or what your religion, you too can benefit from having a personal altar in your home. Many non mainstream religious practitioners have an altar in their home. This altar serves as a place for prayer, daily reflection, and things that matter or are important to them at this time.

To begin, find a space that will hold the items for your altar. Some choose dressers or regular tabletops. Others choose a shelf that is high up, so animals or children will not disturb their sacred items. Whatever surface you choose is up to you. Just make sure it is flat, in case you decide to burn candles, as well as free from any loose articles of fabric that may catch in the flame.

Clean the surface, and really shine it up. Polish the surface, add a small cloth if you wish to cover the surface. Once you are satisfied with the surface, begin collecting the items you wish to place upon it. Many choose pictures or statues of their deity. Pictures can hang above your altar or they can be placed in the back, safe from flame. Statues can be placed anywhere on your altar that appeals to you.

Candles are another thing that is big on altars. Some use just one candle, and light it during prayer or meditation. Other's light the candle daily or light it whenever they are asking for health and healing for others or themselves. How you use your candle is up to you. There is no wrong or right way. Be creative. Use several candles and light them whenever you meditate, and use one candle to light whenever you are asking for prayers.

Whatever you place on your altar over time is up to you. Some place pictures of people they'd like to keep in their thoughts, others place pictures of wishes or items they'd like to obtain. Why not try both? Place the pictures of those who need help or healing there until they have received what they needed. Place the pictures of your wishes or needs there until you receive what you need.

Decorating your altar/altar area for the holidays, whatever you celebrate is also a wonderful way to keep your faith. If you celebrate Christmas, a small tree or garland can be placed near or around your altar. Lists of what you are thankful for during Thanksgiving are nice additions as well. This will help you attune yourself to God by showing your appreciation for what you have received.

Remember your altar is a sacred place, so never place items there that do not belong there. No soda cans, half eaten cookies, etc. Only place there what is intended for God.

There are certainly no limits to what you can do with your altar, nor to what you can place upon it. Your altar is an extension of you, your likes, hopes, and fears. Use it as such. And remember, whenever you are meditating or praying at your altar, make sure you are not disturbed. Turn off the cell phone, shut the door and relax.