Howdy, Y’all! Lou here, manager and longtime friend of Yeye, The Mystic Diva!
I have for years now had my own personal altar, that has pictures of those I love (living and passed), trinkets I have found that bring me joy, and that is where I place papers and things I have infused with my intentions and wishes. I have different religious statues that I have been drawn to or given, and a dress form that I have covered with buttons I have collected over the years. I have small familial gifts, crystals, feathers, toys, twigs, and pottery that I have picked up and given over the years. I have recently placed shells from a recent trip to Long Island New York which my brother and I collected on a beach walk. Also I just put a shot glass I got from my layover in Florida on my way home, because I recently learned from Yeye that ancestors like to have little glasses of water. I thought, “Why not?” I also keep my mother-in-law here.
Whether you’re already very spiritual or just starting out on your path, creating a personal altar can be a meaningful and empowering thing you can do for your spiritual practice.
So, let’s talk about personal altars—what they are, why they matter, and some of the things people place on their altars to connect with their resolutions, ancestors, and the divine.
What Is a Personal Altar?
A personal altar is a sacred space where you can connect with your spirituality, set your aims, and honor the energies that guide you. It’s a place to focus your thoughts, prayers, and rituals—whether you’re meditating, manifesting, or simply reflecting. Altars are highly personal, and they can be as simple or elaborate as you like. What matters most is the intention behind them.
For many, an altar becomes a focal point for daily spiritual practice. It’s a reminder of the divine energy in their life, whether that comes in the form of deities, ancestors, nature, or inner wisdom. Personal altars are found across cultures and traditions, from ancient Egypt to contemporary New Age practices, and they offer a way for people to center themselves amidst the chaos of everyday life.
What Can You Place on Your Altar?
Your altar is a reflection of you, your beliefs, and your spiritual journey. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to set it up—it’s all about what resonates with you. However, here are some common items people place on their personal altars, each serving a unique purpose:
1. Candles
Candles are a staple of most altars. They represent light, both literal and spiritual, and help create a peaceful, focused atmosphere. Lighting a candle is often seen as a way of inviting the divine into your space. Many people use candles of specific colors to represent different intentions—for example, white for purity and protection, green for abundance, or purple for spiritual growth.
2. Crystals
Crystals are known for their healing and energetic properties. People often place them on their altars to harness specific energies. For example, amethyst is associated with spiritual protection and clarity, rose quartz promotes love and healing, and citrine attracts prosperity and success. Choosing crystals that resonate with your goals or spiritual needs is a beautiful way to amplify the energy of your altar.
3. Photos or Mementos of Ancestors
For those who honor their ancestors, personal altars often include photos, heirlooms, or offerings that connect them with loved ones who have passed on. These items help create a space for remembrance and dialogue with the spirit world. In traditions like Día de los Muertos or HooDoo, offering food, drinks, or candles to ancestors is a powerful way to show gratitude and keep their memory alive.
4. Divination Tools
Many people who practice mysticism include divination tools on their altar, such as Tarot cards, pendulums, or runes. These tools allow them to seek guidance and clarity from higher forces. Whether you’re pulling a daily card or using your altar as a space to read for others, these tools can deepen your connection to your intuition and spiritual guides.
5. Statues or Symbols of Deities
If you work with deities or spiritual guides, you might choose to place statues, symbols, or artwork of them on your altar. This could include figures from the Hindu, African, or Greek pantheons, or representations of the elements like earth, water, fire, and air. Honoring a specific deity can help you align with their energy and invoke their presence in your rituals and prayers.
6. Plants and Natural Elements
Bringing nature onto your altar is a powerful way to connect with the earth’s energies. Fresh flowers, herbs, and plants like sage or lavender can purify your space and add a touch of natural beauty. Some people also include stones, feathers, shells, or other natural objects to represent the elements and the cycle of life.
7. Sacred Texts or Inspirational Books
If you find guidance in spiritual texts—whether that’s the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, or mystical poetry from Rumi—placing them on your altar can be a source of wisdom and inspiration. These sacred texts can provide grounding for meditation or serve as a reminder of the divine knowledge you’re seeking.
8. Offering Bowls
In many traditions, making offerings is a key part of altar work. You might leave small gifts like food, water, wine, incense, or coins in offering bowls to honor your ancestors, deities, or spirit guides. Offering bowls can also hold intentions—some people write down their prayers, goals, or affirmations and place them in the bowl as part of a manifestation practice.
9. Incense and Essential Oils
The use of incense and essential oils can help cleanse and purify the space around your altar. Scents like sandalwood, frankincense, and sage are often used to promote spiritual awareness, clarity, and calmness. Burning incense is a ritual in itself, inviting peaceful energy while you work or meditate at your altar.
10. Personal Items or Talismans
Sometimes, the most meaningful objects on your altar are personal items that hold deep significance for you. These could be pieces of jewelry, handwritten notes, or small objects that remind you of a specific intention, dream, or memory. Talismans like charms, pendants, or protective amulets are also popular for their ability to focus energy and provide a sense of safety and grounding.
Creating Your Altar: A Reflection of You
Building a personal altar is a deeply intimate experience, and there’s no single “formula” to follow. The key is to make it your own—a space that resonates with your spiritual path and intentions. Your altar might change over time as you grow, and that’s perfectly fine. Let it evolve along with you.
Mine has changed with every move I have had over the years, and I like that. It makes it fresh and it helps me ground when settling into a new place. I always unpack my altar within a week of moving to a new place – it feels good to establish that area for my spiritual life.
Remember, an altar is more than just a collection of objects—it’s a sacred space where you can focus your energy, connect with the divine, and reflect on your spiritual journey. Whether you use it for meditation, manifestation, or honoring your ancestors, your altar is a tool for cultivating your inner peace and connecting with the higher forces in your life.
And remember, there are tiny altars! You do not need a huge space to have an altar!
If you’re new to altars or want guidance on setting one up, Yeye, The Mystic Diva is here to help! She’d love to offer advice, whether it’s selecting meaningful items for your altar or creating a ritual that aligns with your intentions.
Or if you would like more hands on, please consider our workshop:
(More dates are being added soon!)
Ancestors Altar: Honoring the Sacred
Monday, November 18, 2024
2-4 PM
Where:
Harvest Moon Botanica
4107 Troost Ave
Kansas City, Missouri 64110
Not able to make the workshop, or reading this later? We will be recording it for our Patreon subscribers on our new Patreon page debuting in February 2025!
With warmth & curiosity,
Lou
Contact Yeye for a reading, consultation on a party, or to talk about her Psychic AF Mentorship Program
Call or text 912-657-4398
email yeyethemysticdiva@gmail.com
Or Fill out the form here: Contact Yeye
You can see/buy different altars all over the internet!
YeYe The Mystic Diva 