For some people the idea of setting up a home altar seems a little 'out there'. Conjuring up images of weirdness, they cannot see how the word 'altar' fits into their world.
In reality we subconsciously set up altars all over our homes. Nearly everyone has compiled small collections of items of meaning and placed them in prominent places in their environments. The classic fireplace mantle collection is a good example. An assortment of family photos and a few mementos of last years vacation is an altar honoring our connection to family. It serves as a reminder to us of the importance of this aspect of our lives. Setting up an altar with a particular intention in mind can be a powerful Feng Shui tool. By carefully choosing items representing our goal we can activate our conscious and subconscious minds in creating our reality.
Altars are a great way to clarify your desires and to bring focus to a meditation practice. If you are doing it already why not do it on purpose? All you need is a small shelf or table on which to create your altar. A place where you will see it often and be reminded of it's intention is best. If you intend to use it as a focus for meditation then you may want to use a low table which you can sit in front of easily. Then it is just a matter of deciding what you wish your altar to be about and start building a collection. Here are some ideas to get your creativity rolling:
• A meditation altar; Add a small candle or incense stick for focus, a simple white cloth, and a lovely bowl for water with a single blossom.
• A creativity altar; A fabulous colorful scarf, a small picture or painting of something which inspires you, and an orange candle to stimulate the sacral chakra.
• A healing altar; Use a cloth in blue or another color which feels healing to you, a clear quartz, rose quartz or other crystal with healing qualities, and a small Medicine Buddha or Archangel Gabriel statue.
Once you have set up an altar pay attention to it. Light the candle or incense daily and make an affirmation about your intended outcome. Remember also that our lives are ever changing and our altars will too. Altars can evolve along with us, can come and go, and are more powerful when they are refreshed occasionally.
So get that creativity going and altar your own reality!
Mia Staysko is a Red Ribbon Professional member of the International Feng Shui Guild. Her Calgary, Canada company, White Lotus Interiors serves both residential and business clients.
Mia effectively combines her creativity and Interior Design background with Feng Shui analysis and intuition to help her clients see their homes as reflections of self. She then calls on her natural teaching ability to show them how to adjust their environments to better express their present aspirations.
Mia's experience and learning in the field of Feng Shui is constantly expanding and she considers herself a lifelong student. Certified in BTB Feng Shui by James Jay, she is also a disciple of Grandmaster Professor Lin Yun, and continues to study with such amazing teachers as Katherine Metz, and David Kennedy.
Mia considers it an honor and a privilege to be invited to be of service in the sacred space of one's home. She can be reached at