We seldom used that room before, but now it has become my favorite, perhaps even more than my bedroom. Why? Because I can relax and meditate while looking at objects that have meaning to me. I feel safe there.
A Sacred Space for the Soul
It may sound a little unusual, but when you have a dedicated space and sit in front of an altar, you begin to feel different, more grounded and more present in your body. On our altar we have just a few items: an old Indian drum and rattle, a beautiful statue of Quan Yin, a picture of my wife and me from a trip to Bali, and some gemstones. Everything sits on a lovely tablecloth. I would describe the space as very sweet and peaceful.
The Meaning Behind the Objects
Why Quan Yin? For us, she represents protection and compassion. She symbolizes purity and kindness, attributes we value in our Star of Light philosophy. She is a central figure in Buddhism and Chinese folk traditions. We have about six images of Quan Yin throughout our house, along with a few statues of Buddha and other inspirational figures who remind us to believe in ourselves. Statues can bring the energy of the past into the present, and they are beautiful to look at.
Your Energy and Your Journey
In front of our altar we have several pillows for sitting, though sometimes I lay down on a yoga mat and simply relax. It is quite peaceful. If you want to grow spiritually, you eventually have to address your own energy. We are all energy, and the items placed on an altar carry meaning and memories. They may remind you of God, important moments in your life, or people you wish to honor. I have seen altars that include pictures of children or loved ones. In this way, an altar becomes part of your personal journey through life.
A Place to Simply Be Yourself
So what is an altar? It is a place where you can simply be yourself. In churches, it is often the place where people light candles and offer prayers. We also keep candles on our altar. It becomes a space where you can remember your journey in life, often through meaningful objects or photographs. Sometimes we pray or recite poems to God. For us, God is the energy that created the universe, but it could represent any understanding of God that resonates with you. The important thing is to be present and allow the experience to unfold.
The Ancient Roots of the Altar
An altar is sacred. It is often placed on a raised table, though it does not have to be. It is simply a space dedicated to ceremony and reflection. In many traditions, it represents a connection between the physical and the spiritual realms. The word altar comes from the Latin altarium, meaning “high,” and adolere, meaning “to burn.” In ancient times, offerings were burned or sacrificed to the gods, often involving animals such as lambs. Today, the lighting of candles may symbolize that ancient act of offering. When we hold a ceremony, we begin by cleansing the space and the people present with sage before gathering at the altar.
