Unceasing never ending change is rapidly becoming the greatest source of stress in our modern world. It is precisely in a time like this that we feel an inner need to reconnect to the sacred elements of life – the elements that rarely get displayed in the competitive materialistic world.
An altar can fulfill this need through its powerful visible representation of spiritual energy that surrounds us and sustains us. It can also serve to be a reminder of our innate connection to spiritual realms - the source of our real home. In this way, an altar becomes a bridge between the seen and unseen realms of life which can connect us to the rhythms of nature and the goings on of the universe itself.
Through building a strong bridge by the use of meditation, prayer and the construction of a personal altar, a gateway is created, one which allows us to infuse the most ordinary aspects of life with a divine sense of meaning. The physical form of an altar also reminds us of the importance of honoring the sacred spaces within ourselves and becomes a magnificent focus for prayer which allows us to honor the spiritual forces that shape our lives.
An altar provides three important benefits: a place to pray and ask for divine guidance; a place to listen for answers from divine guidance; and a place to give thanks for blessings received.
A Place To Pray And Ask For Divine Guidance:
Regardless of religious affiliation, a personal altar can help to refuel your own spiritual reserves by connecting personal desires and beliefs to those of a higher Power and by asking that Power for divine guidance. Using an altar for prayer can help to instill a feeling that you are not alone. It can function as a reminder that there are forces in the realm of spirit that are waiting to assist you. As such, you are able to maintain an awareness of wonder and magic that makes everyday life more meaningful and inspiring to live.
Your altar is a perfect place to remind you that Spirit is waiting by your side always accompanying you in whatever you do and always there to guide and protect you. The connection and feeling that can be derived from your own personal altar can provide the courage and strength that we all need to do what might otherwise be to difficult to confront or overcome.
A Place To Listen For Answers From Divine Guidance:
An altar also provides a wonderful place to listen to the guidance that comes through our own intuition. Mastering the art of listening for the presence of the voice of the Divine is just as profound an accomplishment as is learning the art of worship. An altar can provide a visible focal point where you can quiet your thoughts and relax into listening for messages from your own inner knowing as well as from the spiritual realm.
Sometimes we pray for answers and for help and then become too wrapped up in daily life to notice the replies. Taking the time and having an ideal place to simply wait with an attitude of receptivity is one of the most direct and powerful ways we can use our altar to connect to the Divine and receive the answers we seek.
A Place To Give Thanks For Blessings Received:
An altar can provide us with a physical place where we can rest and give thanks. Prayers of gratitude were among the most common and central functions provided by ancient altars. It is a proven fact that rendering appreciation for the good and blessings in life is one of the most effective ways of maintaining an open channel through which the Divine can bountifully touch our lives.
Being grateful for the goodness in life creates a magnetic attraction which draws even more blessings to come our way. And, gratitude helps us become receptive to the life force of the universe as it flows through our own life and the lives of those around us.
Placing appropriate symbols on your altar can help to create energy that represents your connection with the spiritual realm. The more thankful you are for the presence of Divine Spirit, the more Divine Spirit can move through your life and create balance, harmony, joy and peace. The altar helps to remind you of this truth which proves that if you don’t express your gratitude, you lessen your life force. Consequently, an altar can help to crystallize your thoughts toward gratitude and connect you more deeply to Spirit.
The positive merits of creating a personal altar are simply too great to not create one. If you don't already have a personal altar, consider building one as soon as you can. If you do have a personal altar, look at it closely to determine if it needs adjustment or cleaning or a simple boost through refining or shifting its energies.
A home without an altar can be a home without spirit. A home with an altar can transform ordinary space into that of the extraordinary and become a gateway to the realm of the Divine and as such has the full potential to become full of life, love, joy, and compassion.
Consider inviting the energies of the Divine Mother as the focal point of your altar. Our world is so lacking of the femine qualities of nurture, compassion, love and caring and you could not begin with a more inviting energy. Consider an approach to life that is nurturing, joyous and compassionate for anyone that comes into contact with you and remind yourself daily of these wonderful energies through the presence of your own altar.
I wish you a most joyous, productive and special life.
May God Bless
You And Keep You,
Centers
for Gayatri Reiki
P.O. Box 7300, Ann Arbor, MI 48107
E-mail: center@gayatrireiki.org • Internet: http://www.gayatrireiki.org
© 2003 Centers
for Gayatri Reiki, All Rights Reserved
