What Are Spiritual Altars

The word altar comes from the Latin word altar, which means “high place,” indicating how sacred and significant it is in spiritual practice.

Altars are found in practically every religion and culture, and they can be formed of man-made or natural materials.

Altars can be used for contemplation, ritual, prayer, reflection, thankfulness, or any other form of interior activity in the spiritual, esoteric, and metaphysical senses.

Meditation altars can be tiny or vast, elaborate or simple, traditional or unconventional. Your altar's flavor, appearance, and feel will be determined by your personal interests and preferences.

Most importantly, because you are the one who will be interacting with your altar, it must look and feel real to your requirements.

Candles

Any candle that speaks to you can be used to create a home altar. My personal altar candle is adorned with mystical extras such as crushed flowers and crystals, and I recommend going that route if you want to convey a specific energy (like self-love or strength).

What altars symbolize?

Although churches differ in size, style, and architecture, practically every Christian church has one characteristic in common: the altar. The altar is certainly one of the most essential components of a church, but how many people think about what the altar represents or how it came to be such an important part of church services when they go to church on Sunday? The altar is sometimes misunderstood as merely a piece of church furniture, but it is actually as much a symbol as it is a religious component. Matthew F. Sheehan is here to explain what the altar represents to people who are unsure.

The altar, also known as “God's table,” is a hallowed space in any church. It's a place where people can make sacrifices and presents to God. It is also from here that the Eucharist is celebrated. The Latin words altrium and adolere, which mean “high” and “to ritually burn or sacrifice,” respectively, are the origins of the word altar. According to the descriptions provided in the Bible, this was the altar's original purpose.

In the Bible, the first altar is mentioned. When Abraham lands at Moreh, according to legend, God appears to him again, prompting him to erect an altar. This was Abraham's first altar, and the Bible says that in order to live a life of faith, one must first build an altar. While most of us don't have our own altars at home, practically every church has one in the front. The altar belongs to everyone in the congregation who is a member of the church. Traditionally, the act of erecting an altar entails offering God everything we are and everything we own. On the altar, we can place everything we cherish or love.

After constructing his altar, Abraham placed his possessions on it and torched them. The altar serves as a physical reminder that we don't need to hoard anything. It serves as a reminder that our lives on this planet are for God and God alone. Our mission is to serve others rather than to amass wealth. We place everything on the altar because we are here for God. It serves as a reminder that material possessions have no importance in life, whereas trust in God and living a good life are our true goals. Consider this the next time you pass by your local church's altar.

The altar in modern churches is more symbolic than utilitarian. It is regarded as a sacred object, and it is from here that the Eucharist is celebrated. Almost always, the altar is located in a prominent location within the church, usually on the east side, directly across from the main entrance. Before beginning services, the priest may kiss or otherwise acknowledge the altar in some churches. The sacramental wine, wafers, and other communion objects will be kept on the altar during the Eucharist.

Even the altar's placement is symbolic. Churches should be built with the altar facing east, according to tradition. The altar is frequently positioned within an apse, right across from the building's main entrance on the west side. The altar end of the church will be referred to as the “east end” of the church if the building cannot be erected facing east. The altar is placed toward the liturgical east rather than the cardinal east in this case. As building laws and space constraints make it more difficult to build churches in cities according to Christian tradition, the usage of the liturgical east rather than the cardinal east has grown more popular in recent times.

The altar's design and construction materials are also symbolic. The altar is in the shape of a table, which represents the table used at the Last Supper. The Eucharist is modeled after this occurrence, strengthening the connection between the church altar and the celebration of the Eucharist. While most religions do not specify a specific material for the altar, the early altars were almost all made of wood since it was inexpensive and easy to work with. Stone altars have become popular in recent years, however wooden altars are still available. Metal altars are uncommon due to the corrosive nature of basic metals and the exorbitant cost of precious metals.

The altar's size, height, and shape haven't altered much over time. Most altars are around the size of a small table and about the same height as a dining table in a home. This permits users to stand while delivering the Eucharist and puts the sacred elements within easy reach without interfering with contact between the priest and the person receiving Communion.

The altar is one of the most sacred parts of the church, despite being one of the most neglected. Visit Matthew F. Sheehan for samples of gorgeous modern altars or to order a new altar for your church. At affordable prices, we provide a vast assortment of church altars and other church furnishings. Since 1907, Matthew F. Sheehan has been serving the religious community and would be honored to assist you in finding the proper altar for your needs.

What are the type of altars?

The area around the altar is thought to be endowed with greater holiness, and it is usually physically distinguished from the rest of the church, whether by a permanent structure such as an iconostasis, a rood screen, altar rails, or a curtain that can be closed during more solemn moments of the liturgy (as in the Armenian Apostolic Church and Armenian Catholic Church), or simply by the general architectural layout. The altar is frequently elevated above the rest of the church.

Larger churches in the Western branches of Christianity have had one or more side chapels, each with its own altar, as a result of the prior abandoning of concelebration of Mass, so that priests always said Mass individually. The “high altar” was another name for the main altar. Since the rebirth of concelebration in the West, the Roman Missal proposes that new churches have only one altar, “which will symbolise the one Christ and the one Eucharist of the Church in the assembling of the faithful.” However, most ancient Western churches, whether Roman Catholic or Anglican, had a high altar in the main body of the church, with one or more neighboring chapels, each with its own altar, where the Eucharist might be celebrated on weekdays.

There are two sorts of altars in terms of architecture: those that are affixed to the chancel's eastern wall and those that are free-standing and can be walked around, such as while incensing the altar.

Decide Your Altar's Purpose

Aside from comfort and convenience, secular altars have few requirements. If you're creating a meditation space, all you need is a comfortable location to sit or lay down. If you're going to use your altar for reading and journaling, it'll need to have a place to keep your books and pens, as well as be well-lit.

Choose a Space for Your Altar

It can be as large as a spare room or as small as a bookshelf or a windowsill.

You should also think about the cardinal direction your altar faces. Some Christian groups, for example, position altars on the eastern side of the church to symbolize the rising sun and resurrection. You may also want your altar to face a direction that is special to you at home. Some people place their altars facing the direction of their motherland and ancestors.

If erecting a fixed altar in your home seems impractical right now, keep reading to the end of the post, where I provide a fun and ingenious suggestion for creating a pocket altar that is both movable and unobtrusive.

Consider a peaceful location with some seclusion. If you live with others, attempt to choose a spot that won't get in the way of others or be easily knocked over.

Examine whether the area is suitable for your requirements and feels ‘right'. Is it or can you make it calm, tranquil, and private? Is the energy in the room clear, bright, and friendly?

You can energetically ‘clear' the location you chose by burning incense or essential oils if you want to add a little enchantment.

If you're interested in doing a smoke cleanse (using white sage smudge sticks), make sure you get your herbs from Native American and Indigenous vendors. Many Native American countries regard smudging to be sacred medicine, and practice was illegal in the United States until 1978.

Gather Tools and Objects for Your Altar

Collect any tools or objects you'd like to keep on your altar using your intuition. Gather anything that speaks to your heart and'sparks joy,' as Marie Kondo would say, unless you're pursuing a certain spiritual path with precise restrictions on what to include.

• Photographs of your forefathers and mothers (when showing images of the deceased is appropriate in your culture)
• Souvenirs and memorabilia from significant spiritual or political turning points (e.g., an object from your first rally, a gift from a mentor, etc.)
• Flowers and plants (especially if the altar intends to reflect and celebrate the changing seasons)
• A shot glass of bourbon, fruits, or a little dish of rice and grains are examples of food offerings.
• Tarot cards, runes, oracle cards, or a crystal ball are examples of divination equipment.

What you keep on your altar has no criteria or limitations. You should never feel obligated to purchase altar accoutrements or believe that your altar isn't ‘complete' until it includes a cauldron, censer, chalice, wand, crystals, eighteen pillar candles in various colors, and other such items.

If you've never kept an altar before, I recommend starting simply with a single candle and a photograph of someone who represents something you want to grow more of in your life.

If and when it feels right to you, you can gradually add to your altar throughout the weeks, months, and years.

Arrange Your Altar

After you've cleansed your altar space (physically and/or spiritually), consider how you'd want to arrange the precious things you've collected on your altar.

Simple is better here, as having fewer artifacts will make it easy for them to find a place on your new altar.

If you want to protect the surface of your altar from incense ash or candle wax, start by laying down an altar cloth or a plate.

Many spiritual practices for altar building follow the rule of symmetry. Consider starting with the largest or tallest item and working your way outwards. You can also use plants/flowers, candles, and photos to symbolically match your favorite thing in the middle.

Work With Your Altar

If you're overwhelmed, starting with only one modest ritual per season is perfectly acceptable. Perhaps you clean and repaint your altar at the start of each season, putting out objects that signify the new season. For example, in the spring, you may put out a vase of fresh flowers, in the summer, sand and seashells, in the fall, pumpkins, and in the winter, holly and white candles.

Consider spending at least five minutes a day or fifteen minutes a week at your altar to meditate, journal, or set intentions if your goal with your altar is to build a more frequent practice of spiritual self-care.

My new moon and full moon rituals are two activities you can begin conducting at your altar every lunar cycle to give yourself time to check in with yourself.

The more you use your altar, the more it will become a sacred focal point in your daily life, amplifying warm, wonderful vibes throughout your house.

Because we all exist in the same universe, it's important to remember that we're all the same behind the layers of race, color, and gender. The gift of stars has been bestowed upon you.

What should I put on my altar?

Because altars are a kind of artistic expression, you can construct yours as simple or as elaborate as your heart desires—whatever seems right for you. “My most important piece of advice right now is to tune in to your intuition and most alive intentions,” Pichinson says. “Then build it from here point.”

Novo recommends writing out your spiritual intentions, such as what you're trying to call into your life, the energy you're trying to embody, or ancestors you'd like to support you, if you're a pen to paper type of mystic. Try something like “I am attracting greater love and success into my life” or “I am nurturing the sensation of safety and tranquility in my body” when crafting an intention. “Once you have those answers,” she advises, “start collecting stuff that have the same vibe as what you just laid out.”

So, what should you put on your altar, exactly? Novo promotes anything that encourages you to connect with your spiritual side or reminds you to create the energy you desire to embody. Consider the following scenario:

However, even if it isn't generally regarded magical or spiritually significant, you can put anything special and valuable to you on your altar. Seashells, for example, are kept on Novo's altar to remind her to be in flow.

What does the Bible say about an altar?

The earliest altar was the Altar of Burnt Offering (mizbeach ha'olah; Exodus 30:28), which was also known as the Brasen Altar (Exodus 39:39), the Outer Altar (mizbeach hachitzona), the Earthen Altar (mizbeach adamah), the Great Altar (mizbeach hagedola), and the Table of the Lord (mizbeach h (Malachi 1:7). This was the outdoor altar, which stood between the Temple and the Court of Israel in the Court of the Priests, and on which the korbanot (animal and bird sacrifices) were offered. The blood of the sacrifices would be flung against the altar's base, and portions of the offerings would be burned on top of it (Exodus 29:12; Leviticus 4:18). (precisely which portions would depend upon the type of sacrifice). Some of the meat offerings were also devoured at the altar, and the liquid offerings (libations of wine) were poured out here. All sacrifices had to be “seasoned with salt” before being offered (Leviticus 2:13, Numbers 18:19).

Before reaching the altar, a priest ministering at a burnt offering would put on his priestly robes. He'd take the ashes off the altar and set them next it. Then he'd change his clothes and carry the ashes outside the camp to a clean location (Leviticus 6:10–11, Cf. 1:16).

The many implements used with the altar are listed in Exodus 27:3. They were brass in color. (See also 1 Samuel 2:13–14, Leviticus 16:12, and Numbers 16:6–7). The altar could not be carved with iron or bronze instruments, nor were any allowed on or near it (Exodus 20:25), because iron and bronze were employed for war implements. The Altar and its utensils were regarded sacrosanct, and priests were required to put on their vests and wash their hands before handling them—even removing the ashes from the altar.

The fire on the altar, according to the Bible, was ignited directly by God's hand and was not allowed to die out (Leviticus 6:12–13). There was no way to light a peculiar fire on the altar. The burning offerings would have to stay on the altar all night before being removed (Leviticus 6:9).

What are 5 things that can be at an altar?

From the 31st of October to the 2nd of November, Mexico celebrates El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Deceased loved ones are invited back to the realm of the living for a brief period of time, and altars are built to honor and commemorate family members, which may be found in most homes. These lovely altars are embellished with a variety of symbols and things that represent those who have passed away.

The altars take effort and attention because there are multiple days of celebrations and preparations for receiving loved ones. An altar traditionally has three levels, one for heaven, one for Earth, and one for the world in between. Each altar is unique, but here are 5 things you're likely to encounter on a Dia de los Muertos altar in Mexico (plus a few more):

White Tablecloth and Salt

The different levels of most altars are covered by a simple white table cloth, which is often passed down through generations. The altar is strewn with salt. Salt is thought to keep the body from breaking down during the transition between the worlds of the dead and the living.

Cempasuchil Flowers

The altar will be adorned with many lovely yellow, gold, and orange flowers. These are cempasuchil blossoms, and the aroma of them will guide the spirits of the deceased back to their families. Petals may also be set out on the ground in a trail leading to the altar.

Copal Incense and a Cross

Another approach to guide the spirits to the altar is to use incense and candles. Copal incense is the most often used incense for purifying the energy of the air around the altar. It is also said to keep any evil spirits away from the altar. The presence of a cross of some kind on the altar is a gesture of forgiveness.

Food and Drink

Favorite dishes and beverages are made and served to the spirits. Pan de muerto, or “bread of the dead,” is a round loaf of sugary, sweet bread with the picture of a skull and cross bones on it. In the days leading up to October 31st, you'll find pan de muerto in all bakeries and supermarkets! Other cuisines include recipes that were enjoyed by deceased family members, evoking good memories and familiar tastes and scents.

Portrait

The deceased's photos are put on the altar's highest position. Saints' images may also be included, as they are the ones who guide the spirits and assist in their return during Dia de los Muertos.

While these are the most popular pieces of a Dia de los Muertos altar, you'll also discover candy, toys (especially to honor children), personal things, and religious symbols. This is not a melancholy time, but rather a time of celebration, full of color and light, family moments, and the opportunity to gather together as a community in memory of those who have passed away.

How do you make an altar for God?

Build a Christian Altar: Step-by-Step Instructions

• 1 Locate a suitable location. Find a suitable location in your home to hold an altar. Mantels over fireplaces, bookshelves, and windowsills are all good options.
• 2 Place a cross or crucifix on the altar. In the center of the altar, place a cross or crucifix. The cross represents Jesus' victory over death.

What is an altar of prayer?

Altars were used in the Bible for sin atonement sacrifices as well as to commemorate a meeting with God. In Genesis 12, for example, God meets with Abraham and pledges to bless him. Abraham constructed an altar to the Lord as a memorial to this experience.

It's a place where we may reflect on all that he's done for us and ask for forgiveness for our transgressions. It's a location where we can commune with God through the Holy Spirit and present ourselves as living sacrifices.