Have you ever wanted to build an altar in your home, but never knew where to start? Good news – you probably already have built an altar, and just didn’t realize it. When I started doing a bit of research for this post, I realized I too had already created a few different altars in my home. It’s all about setting intention with a space, and if I can be so direct, I feel our entire homes can be seen as an altar. That’s a bit extreme, but that’s how it feels!
We want to bring intention into all areas of life, and all aspects of our home, whether we realize it or not. My intention is to create a cozy atmosphere that enhances my creativity, and is a retreat for my family. That’s my intention on a larger scale, but with building altars, we will choose a very small and curated shelf, corner, or cabinet to focus on.
When I began research on altars, I found that they likely originated when certain things came to be known as spiritual, like a tree, spring, or rock. We’ve found altars to be very imbued in cultural traditions. I am in no way attempting to appropriate or take from specific cultures when I speak about creating altars. I have always been drawn to them, and have loved learning about the different items and meanings we can infuse into an altar. I feel that these help to enhance our spaces and intentions within our home.
Lastly, before I continue I do want to give some credit where it is due. I found this video to be incredibly helpful in my jumping off point on researching what altars mean to me and my design & spiritual practice.
Altars in Design
Altars serve as focal points in our interior designs, allowing us to express our personal beliefs and create a sacred space within your home. Over time, all of these sacred spaces will add up to creating our sacred homes. Whether you folow a specific spiritual path or simply want to infuse your space with calming, positive energy, crafting your altar is a meaningful and visually stunning endeavor.
In a previous blog post, I also spoke on rituals of renewal, and how decorating and changing our homes for the seasons is a natural action to enhance our spaces. I know some people view decorating for holidays or seasons to be tacky (I used to be this way), but it’s about honoring both the seasons within your community and home, as well as within you. I mention this because I feel we think our altars or designs should never change. Please know, that at any point in time you can change whatever you want about your home. Never feel guilt for that.
Choosing Your Altars Location
Selecting the perfect spot for your altar is daunting. Remember, not only can you change the items on your altar, but you can also move it literally whenever. Something to keep in mind is that it doesn’t need to be perfect, you just need to start. Am I writing that for me? Yup. But I think it’s a good reminder for all of us.
When it comes to selecting your altar’s location, be sure that the location resonates with you. It could be a cozy corner in your living room, a spot on your work desk, a small corner table in your bedroom, or even a spot in your garden. All you need to make sure is that it’s a place you can easily connect with the energies you wish to invite into your home.
Elements for an Altar
Here are ideas for some items that are common inclusions when creating an altar:
- Crystals- incorporate your favorite pieces, find a local shop with your intentions in mind, and pick out what calls to you.
- Candles: Illuminate your altar with candles, choosing colors that align with chakras and your intention for the altar. Scent selections can also be cleansing and healing, pick your favorite scents if you like!
- Functional Decor: If candles aren’t your thing, don’t hesitate to add some modern lighting to your altar. I need to sneak in table lamps or fairy lights wherever I can. Any way you choose to illuminate your space is valid.
- Personal Items: Adding sentimental objects, small figurines, or images if family members or ancestors are perfect ways to hold significance to your spiritual path.
- Herbs: Bundle together dried herbs such as sage, rosemary, or lavender to cleanse the energy in your space, or infuse a bit of nature with a bouquet of flowers.
Integrating a witchy altar into your home doesn’t mean sacrificing your cozy and inviting atmosphere. Choose furnishings and decor that complement your altar, creating a harmonious flow in your interior design. Soft textures, throw blankets, and plush cushions can add warmth to your space while maintaining the mystical ambiance.
Designing a witchy and simple altar in your home is an exciting way to infuse your living spaces with positive energy and a touch of magic. Embrace the enchanting aesthetics, select meaningful elements, and let your unique style shine through. With the right balance, you can create a cozy interior that resonates with your spirit and invites a sense of wonder into your home.
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