Seeds of Wisdom
13-Week Email Course

What Is an Altar

An altar is a place where you can externalize your spiritual experience. It is a “location” for spiritual practice — rather like your own personal, adjustable temple. If you don’t like the word “altar,” simply switch it for “dedicated spiritual reflection space.” I will use the word “altar” because it is shorter.

If you don’t already have an altar or dedicated spiritual reflection space, now is the perfect time to create one!

How to Make an Altar

Designate a flat surface as your personal sacred space. It can be on your dresser or on your bookshelf. It can be on the floor in front of your favorite window. It can even be on your kitchen counter or desk. Any surface will work — so long as the portion you are claiming can be yours and yours alone, for the sole purpose of your spiritual process.

The simplest way to claim this space is to lay down a cloth and place a few items on it that feel special, spiritual, sacred. The cloth defines the boundary of your altar space. The items you place on it can be tools you already use in your spiritual practice. Or they might symbolize your personal concept of the Divine or remind you of some of your key spiritual beliefs.

What Goes on an Altar

Here are just a few ideas for what to put on your altar… a candle… a plant… crystals… a stick of palo santo… a bouquet of flowers… an inspiring motto… a piece of art or artifact related to your faith or belief system.

Your Altar Is Yours

It’s your space, and what you put on it should feel good to you. Keep it simple if you’re a minimalist. If your taste is more extravagant, then let your altar reflect that. If you’re not sure, experiment! Add things, take things away. Adjust. Refine. Play.

Empowering Your Altar

Once you have your basic altar in place, connect with your reason/desire/impulse for taking this course. See if there’s a symbol you can place on your altar that represents your intention. Or maybe just write down a word or two — like “wisdom” or “growth” — on a piece of paper and place that on your altar. You might even want to add a photograph of yourself. Again, whatever feels good to you.

Now What?

Spend some time with your altar every day. Even just half a moment’s pause at your altar can provide a feeling of enjoyment and reconnect you with your spiritual priorities. Let your altar be a mirror reflecting your inner world.

Weekly Practice

Each week, you will be invited to place symbols related to the week’s theme onto your altar. This creative response will help you bridge logic and intuition. Altar-making is both a spiritual and creative practice. You may be surprised how this process alone helps you dive deep with the 12 wisdom themes.

<— Return to Preparation 1

May your inner wisdom guide you always!

Seeds of Wisdom Family of Tools:

~ Guidebook + Oracle Cards ~
~ Online Oracle ~
~ Flower Essence Companion ~
~ Email Course ~
~ Wisdom Program ~

Please note: This course is a self-directed process intended to support your spiritual growth. It is not therapy or medical care and is not a replacement for either. I am not a medical practitioner of any kind, and do not diagnose, prescribe, or treat medical or mental health conditions.