How To Create A Sacred Space or Ancestral Altar

Altars have been used in many cultures for thousands of years. They are a powerful tool for many people’s spiritual practice and they can foster a deep spiritual practice if created and used with intention. An altar is a “sacred space”, and there are not strict rules around how one should make an altar. This is something for you to check in with yourself on. Altars are very personal and they are oriented around one’s intention. There is really no wrong way to create an altar but here are some ideas and inspiration for your altar.

What Is An Altar?

An altar is a designated space for ritual and/or ceremonial purposes. It is a sacred space often associated with making offerings. These offerings can be made to whatever guides and teaches you may work with in your own spiritual practice such as specific dieties, guides, ancestors, the elements, angels, spirits, spirit animals, aspects of your higher self, etc.

This is an example of an external altar. Many consider the body to be an altar, as well. Things one may place on the altar of his/her body may be compassion, an open heart, trust, forgiveness, self-love, etc.

Virtual altars also exist. One example of a virtual altar is called Our Collective Altar and was created during the time of COVID-19 to help create a shared sacred space online.

Why Make an Altar?

Creating an altar in your home is a powerful way to connect with our teachers, guides, ancestors, Gods, spirits and the elements. These sacred spaces can be completely personalized to support you in your own spiritual practice. Designating a sacred space in your home sends a clear picture and reminder to a household that this is an important part of life and the potency of your practice, through returning to this place will only grow.

How To Set Your Altar

An altar is often on top of a short table of sorts but you can be creative on this.

Here are some ideas of things you can place on your altar:

• Natural Elements

  • Fire: candle, incense, smudge stick

  • Water: in a glass, for floating candles, etc.

  • Earth: soil, flowers, stones

  • Air: flowers, incense

• Sacred Items

  • What makes something sacred is up to you, but placing items that carry meaning for you can be added to an altar.

  • Items given to you by deceased loved ones, family members, old friends.

  • Items found in nature

• Statues and photos of teachers

  • Statues and photos of teachers and gurus who represent qualities that you’d like to cultivate in yourself. For example: Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, Quan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of compassion, Hanuman, a diety of devotion and love, etc.

• Photos of ancestors

• Artwork & poetry

• Oracle cards: if pulling cards is in your practice, these cards may find a nice home on your altar. Some of my favorite decks are Animal Spirits and Spirit Song.

• Sacred texts, poetry, etc.

• Journal