How to Build a Home Altar

Altars are intended to act as a catalyst for shifting thoughts from a busy life to the spiritual realm. An alter is comprised of both the area or space meant to trigger this shift in perspective and the piece of furniture that defines and focuses that space. There is no specific or required blueprint for constructing most altars. The furniture is not as important as what it represents when you interact with it.

Instructions

1. Select an appropriate space in your home for the altar. The space needs to be quiet and somewhat set apart from any heavy traffic patterns. Choose an area with limited accessibility. This lessens the chance of outsiders meddling with or disrespecting your altar.

2. Define the space. If your altar is out in the open, focus the space by draping fabric around it or by using a floor screen. Give the altar boundaries to symbolize a separation between the everyday and the spiritual. It encourages the mental shift from one attitude to the other when you physically cross that boundary and enter the altar's area.

3. Place a solid surface in the space to hold items associated with the altar. Tables and shelves work well. Cardboard boxes are also useful. Try to use an organic material for the surface such as wood, paper, stone or glass. They are considered more attune to natural and spiritual energy than synthetic substances because they are of the earth.

4. Place items on the altar surface that represent your spiritual purpose. Icons, photos, offerings of food, wine or money, incense, and candles are typical choices. Anything symbolic to you and your spirituality is appropriate. Without these items, an altar is nothing more than ordinary furniture.

5. Dedicate your altar space to its spiritual purpose either through a particular ritual, or by meditating and focusing your spiritual energy on the altar. How you dedicate the altar is very personal. The only requirement is that the dedication must be significant to you.

Tips & Warnings

• Some altars, like those built for the Srauta ritual detailed in the Hindu sutra texts, mandate very specific geometry for their construction. Be aware of any specific religious requirements when building your altar.

• Approach and leave your altar in a ritualistic and reverent manner each time you use it. Including this ritual keeps the altar dedicated to its purpose and strengthens its meaning as a place set apart from other areas and concerns in your life. It also keeps you focused on your purpose while using the altar.