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The moment I had my awakening I almost instantly set up my sacred space and altar. My spirit teachers, even when unfamiliar to me, were right there guiding me to gather and create what is now my “altar.” I followed my intuition with the direction that they were giving me.

For a long time, I didn’t talk to anyone about my altar. I didn’t want anyone to freak out that I may be doing something “witchy.” How funny that is to me now. Of course, I’m witchy! I’m a trance channel!

My point here is that creating your altar may bring up feelings you were not aware of that you have about your spirituality and maybe how others could possibly feel about it. Know that it is one of the most sacred things you can do.

It’s a place for you and your spirit teachers, higher self, deceased loved ones, god/goddess and any other spirits you may want to meet with. In other words, you’re getting serious about your spiritual connection, and you should be proud of that. This sacred act grounds your spirituality within you, your home and your psyche.

What Traditions Use Altars?

Many different belief systems use an altar in their ceremonies and rituals. Ultimately, the common ground that I had found was how this space was being used to communicate with spirit. Almost every religious or spiritual tradition uses an altar. Most notably, the shamanic and pagan ones.

What is an Altar Used For?

This space can be used for showing gratitude, asking for guidance, meditation, and rituals. What you FEEL is right for you, because feeling has much to do with all of it.

Some ordinary objects are placed on an altar. Some of which, seemed to be very specific. Though if this is a new experience for you, I am sure that creativity and really just setting each object on your altar with intention is the best way to go. With some items, you may want to look up their meaning or purpose and place them down with those intentions.

Preparing and Clearing

Clearing your space and creating your altar is going to be done creatively and uniquely to each person. Keeping that in the back of your mind, I would like to share some of the commonalities of items used to make up an altar.

First, you want your space to be clear and clean. So even if it’s your own bedroom, clean it up. This changes the energy dramatically. A simple room or home clearing technique I like to use is visualizing golden energy entering my crown. I let it move through my body first as I am the vessel to this creation. Then I watch it ooze out from my field and begin to fill the room. You can stop here or let it fill the whole house. Then visualize it becoming hot and burning away anything in the environment that will not hold a higher resonance.

Your Altar and the Elements

Lay down a cloth that resonates with you. This is done to protect the boundaries of the sacred space. It can be a cloth you like or one you bought specifically for this purpose. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it needs to only be used for this purpose.

You will place your items on your cloth. Going back to the basics is a good start. The elements of air, earth, fire, and water are more than likely going to end up on your altar. Bringing all of the elements into your sacred space very much invites your true spirit as well as any of your inner spirit teachers to “meet you at the altar.” These items will represent the 4 elements, but can also include a picture of a deity you like to work with such as Buddha, Jesus, Mother Mary, Archangel Michael etc.

Air

The element of air could be a tricky one to identify. Knowing that the air is all around us but is only seen through its actions, this one may be one of the more challenging ones to capture. This can be done using incense, sage, windchimes, or even a picture of something that relates to air. There really is no wrong way to go about this if what you are placing has firm intention backing it up. Allow your ideas to come to you.

Earth

Earth has many physical forms, and these objects are fun to gather and use in your space. Crystals, plants, dirt and wood are among some very general collections, and they come in many different forms. Each individual one you choose has its own inimitable energy.

Beyond that, they each have deeper meanings and usages. Exploring your own inner self, you might also discover that certain objects predominantly are going to help enhance the connection between yourself and your spirits. For me, crystals are a considerable part of my altar. Both to hold the space and to create with.

Water

Water is most commonly represented by a chalice or cup. Some rituals may call for this specific item. If that doesn’t resonate with you at this time, you can also use a shell or any other object that brings you feelings or images of water. Blessed water is ubiquitous to keep on your altar. I like to keep actual water in a cup or bowl right on my altar. I change the water about once a week or more if I’m working a specific ritual.

Fire

I wouldn’t be surprised if you thought of candles for representing the element of fire. Candles are typically used as such. Additionally, to the flame, the color behind your candle has a great deal of meaning it signifies. White is an excellent neutral color when you aren’t doing a specific working.

As for the wax, a more natural to the earth base, the more pleasing of energy it will create. Beeswax candles are preferred. Making your own candles will allow you to direct more energy into the intention of your overall sacred space. I would like to think of it as most things, the more energy you put into it, the more you will also receive.

As your spirit changes and grows, so may your altar. Your intentions may become more clear from day to day, and there is no right or wrong way to express that. You may also find it suiting, to create more than one altar possibly dedicated to a particular spirit guide, or maybe you just want a separate sacred space in a different room. I encourage you to allow your spirits to guide you, whatever the case may be.

In Love,

Lori Camacho

Trance Channel, Clairvoyant Healer and Spiritual Teacher, Lori Camacho, has been serving others with her gifts of clairvoyance and vibrational healing abilities since 2003. It was in 2007 that Lori began to spontaneously vocalize Raina, the wise consciousness she had memories of communicating with as a child. Together Lori and Raina have created many workshops, classes and writings. 

11 Comments

  • Nicole says:

    I love this! I have fire and crystals in my altar but haven’t added in other elements. I think water would go nicely and I have some from the chalice well in Glastonbury, no less:)

  • Marley Blaine says:

    I am having trouble choosing a God icon. Goddess is easy. I’d use a severed penis but they are extremely rare and dangerous to harvest. What do you use and what do you recommend?

    • Lori Camacho says:

      Marley,

      Hmm. Funny way to say that. My suggestion for now is maybe just simply use god/goddess. This is what I use mostly and choose specific ones depending on the work I’m doing.

  • Quinty says:

    Hello, i have a question. Can you have an altar outside because i dont think i have a suitable room but outside on my balcony is really peaceful and right next to the woods. Thanks in advance!

    • Lori Camacho says:

      Definitely. I have 2 indoor altars and an outdoor. If you’re going to burn candles you just want to make sure the wind won’t carry the fire anywhere is all. But, altars can go anywhere you want to practice your spiritual rituals. I have my main one in a fire place.

      • WISDOM says:

        Hi Lori Camacho,
        I have every other thing but what remain is Crystal; and i don’t know to get one, please help.

        • Lori Camacho says:

          You can get crystals at metaphysical stores, on Etsy or on even Amazon. If there is a gemfaire in your area those are great places too. It’s nice if you can choose them in person, but not necessary.

  • lala says:

    hey lori i love this so much it really helped me thanks

  • Wendy says:

    Hi I’m very interested in this, how can I go about getting started, and what all do I need to do this. Thank you for your help.

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