How to Build Your Perfect Altar

Have you always wanted your own sacred space, but had no idea how to create it? Now you can build a beautiful altar that will enable you to take your spiritual practice to the next level. No matter your religion or beliefs, having a place that you’ve designed specifically for the time when you communicate with your higher power will solidify your commitment to knowing who you really are. Here’s a blueprint to create your own.

Select a space. In your house or apartment, choose the area where you will place your altar. Keep it away from prying eyes and fingers and easy to access.

Choose a base. A wood desk organizer (they look like mini-desks and are sold at Target, Office Depot and similar stores) makes a great first altar – it’s small, portable, and has plenty of storage space for candles, incense and other items. If your living situation doesn’t permit you to leave your altar out in the open, you can tuck it away in a closet and pull it out when you’re ready to use it.

Incorporate the elements. When you acknowledge all of the elements – earth, water, fire and air – you are recognizing all that comprises life. You can arrange a rock or a plant (earth), a cup of water or a small water fountain (water), a candle or charcoal (fire) and incense or a feather (air) on the surface. You could also follow in my friend’s footsteps and buy four small jar candles and decorate the glass with images of the element represented.

Personalize it. You can paint your base, apply decals, glue on crystals or stones. Ask the Universe for guidance in how to put your creative stamp on it. Really take your time and allow it to unfold. Remember, the objective is to create something you love, not merely to “get it done.”

Although room on the surface of your altar might be limited, there may still be a place for items that have meaning for you such as statue replicas, rosary or Mala beads, a crucifix or mementos. If you’re using a desk organizer, you’ll have drawers and cubbyholes in which to store books (the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran), a journal and pens, extra candles, incense and matches, crystals, and cards.

Commit to a completion date. Working free form without a date to hold yourself accountable gives you a reason never to finish. Even if it’s not perfect by the day you set, you’ll have something usable in place and will have taken the next step on your spiritual journey.