What is an altar? An altar is a sacred place or space created for the purpose of worship or ceremonial rituals. They have been used by diverse cultures around the world for centuries. Altars exist in churches, temples and shrines. You see them in yoga studios and holistic care centers. They’re found in nature. Many are now also found in homes or gardens.

Why have an altar? There are many reasons to have an altar. If you believe in a particular supreme being, you might choose to create a religious altar. Ancestral altars honor relatives no longer here on earth. You might create an altar to manifest something specific such as protection, abundance, health, love, inspiration, or gratitude. Today I focus on spiritual altars, which are physical reflections of your innermost beliefs and feelings.

Who should have an altar? Anyone who wants one. I have several, and there’s more about them below.

Where do you locate your altar? Just about anywhere you wish. You don’t need a lot of space. Designate a tabletop, shelf or even a windowsill. Ideally this is a place where others (people and pets) will not disturb the contents and which allows time for quiet reflection. At the very least, choose an area where you can be alone when other family members are asleep or engaged elsewhere, even if this means it’s in the midst of the family room.

How do you begin? Start with an altar covering. My spiritual altar uses an altar cloth from Kathmandu. My working altar is placed atop a table runner from Kohl’s. A placemat, cloth napkin or other piece of material will also serve just fine for this purpose.

What should you place on your altar? Spiritual altars begin by honoring the essence of the Spirit along with the four elements essential to life.

• SPIRIT is the central component to the sacred altar, representing life force and the interconnectedness of all things. If you know your spirit guide or animal, include items or photos of them. Frame words to a mantra or meaningful poem.

• EARTH is to the North. Earth stands for strength, wisdom, and abundance. It reminds us to stay grounded and present in the current moment. Pay homage to the earth element with stones, crystals, or flowers (live or dried).

• AIR is to the East and represents intuition, change and renewal. Honor the air element with feathers and the smoke from incense, sage or sweetgrass.

• FIRE is to the South. It is associated with inspiration, creativity and protection. Fire can create an opening between the physical and spiritual worlds. A candle on your altar will pay homage to fire.

• WATER is to the West. Water represents peace, compassion, and healing. It reminds us to “go with the flow”. Honor water with sea shells or a cup of water. Consider water infused with essential oils or with crystal energy.

How should you arrange your altar? Strive for balance and symmetry. Set the items on your altar cloth and then step back to observe. If it makes you feel calm and peaceful you should keep it. Anything that doesn’t feel right should be moved or removed.

What do you do with the altar you’ve created? First and foremost, don’t ignore it! Try to spend time with your altar on a daily basis. Choose to sit quietly, meditate, pray, chant, or journal – whatever moves you at that particular time. When passing by your altar pause to allow its vibrational energy to touch you. Breathe and find peace in the moment. Keep it clean, and let burning incense or sage keep the area purified.

When should you create an altar? How about right now? Look around at what you already have that feels appropriate. Step outside and collect items from nature. Gather whatever speaks to you and group them together. Remember, this is just a beginning.

Your altar is organic and it evolves along with you. The altar you create today is likely not the altar you will have for life. Some components stay forever. Others will serve their purpose and be replaced by something new.

My spiritual altar contains many of the items suggested in this article, as well as a small bell, a gratitude bowl, and a message received from my spirit guide during my first Reiki attunement.

The photo at the top of the page is my working altar. It contains items that I use frequently. The labyrinth opens the mind to receive insights. Mala beads aid meditation. The pendulum helps awareness by tapping into the subconscious. Rattles break up stagnant energy. A drum (not pictured) on the wall above the altar is used in ceremony. Crystals clear and protect. Sage, sweetgrass, juniper and incense provide cleansing and purifying smoke, which is easily dispersed throughout the house by the feather wand.

There are other small collections of photos, crystals, and such around my home. They aren’t as extensive as the altars detailed above, but are meaningful in their simplicity. Find joy, peace and inspiration with an altar of your own as it helps you be mindful of your authentic self as you move along your spiritual journey.