Create an elegant, artistic household altar to bring peace, tranquility and joy into your sacred living space.
With screens, electronic lights and the buzz of daily life, our homes tend to accumulate disruptive energy.
Taking the time to set up and maintain a household altar helps to promote soothing and calm even in the midst of chaos.
What is a household altar?
There are as many kinds of altars as their are practices.
A household altar specifically addresses the harmony and well-being of the home. This differs from a seasonal altar to honor the Wheel of the Year, or a working altar, where spells are cast.
Generally (though not always), household altars honor particular deities. These deities usually specialize in the protection of the home.
Often, maintaining a household altar involves leaving offerings.
But for you, maintenance may simply mean keeping it well dusted and occasionally rearranging or changing out pieces to keep the energy fresh.
I first took an interest in setting up an altar for my home after reading (affiliate link—–>) The House Witch by Arin Murphy Hiscock.
Her book inspired me to think more carefully about the way I manage the energy in my home. A household altar helps me to stay consciously aware of that more often.
How to create a sacred altar for the home.
First, begin by deciding where you want your altar to be.
Pick a high-traffic area of the home. Somewhere where your guests and household members regularly pass by or hang out. A common space like the living room, kitchen or entryway work well.
Choosing a focal point.
To begin designing your altar, pick something to focus on. The star of the show, if you will.
Traditionally, most practitioners honor a deity known to protect the house.
I chose a statue of Hestia, the Greek goddess of the household and domestic matters.
But feel free to select something from your own pantheon, culture or history. If you’re a Christian witch, for example, I see nothing wrong with using a statue of Jesus, an angel or a saint, if that makes you comfortable.
Or, use no deity at all and instead try a bowl of crystals or even a piece of art you find inspiring.
Consider a daily or weekly offering.
If you selected a particular god or goddess, do some research and find out what offerings he/she prefers.
But if you chose something more general, like Mother Goddess, Spirit or The Universe, or no god/goddess at all, you have a lot more freedom.
Consider offering:
-kitchen herbs or fresh garden herbs
-food offerings of fruit or nuts (changed daily to avoid attracting critters)
-flowers
-oil to anoint candles and statues
-candles
-incense
Or anything else perishable. The act of leaving an offering on the statue is more about you than your deity. It’s a reminder to consciously infuse your home with positive love & light.
Try incorporating it into your morning routine.
If you practice a witchy morning ritual, try incorporating your household altar.
Spend some time meditating near it when you get up or create a seating area to have your morning tea.
It only takes 5 minutes. And you’ll find this simple practice grounds and centers you, setting a positive tone for the day.
Cleanse regularly.
I mean this both mundanely and in a spiritual sense.
At least once a month, maybe during the New Moon, take everything off. Wipe down the surface. Empty the ashes from your incense burner and wipe it down. Dust any statuary. Even candles get kinda grimy.
Then, chose a energetic cleansing method. Burn some sage or an incense wand.
If you don’t like smoke or can’t use it, try this DIY smokeless energy clearing spray.
Blessed be.
