In Exodus3:15- Word of God:When the Lord saw that Moses was coming closer,
he called him from the middle of the bush and said:”Moses, Moses,” he answered, “Yes, here I am” God said, ” Do not come any closer.Take off your sandals because you are standing on holy ground.”
We all need space.
Indeed, one little corner, you allow yourself can do wonders to your being,to get in touch with your inner self and give expression to your faith.
A space that allows you to reflect on your life, on your day, on what tomorrow may bring. A small place where you can shed a tear,or breathe a sigh of relief, quieten a troubled mind or savor a few victories.
SACRED SPACE
It is a place to reflect and to contemplate on what is important to you; to allow you to connect with your inner self without interference and in solitude. It could be as simple as a table top, a corner of the bedroom, a place just for you to enjoy few precious moments alone. It does not require a whole room, or many hours.
Is there a small table top, a spot on the dresser, an isolated corner, an idle spot that collects clutter and dust? If you are on the road a lot, would you not want to carry something to evoke that feeling of connectedness?
Joseph Campbell has this to say about sacred time,sacred space:You must have room or a certain hour of the day or so where you do not know what is in the morning paper. A place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are or might be.
At first you might think nothing is happening. But,if you have a sacred space and take advantage of it and use it everyday, something will happen. Where to begin? The word “sacred,” evokes a feeling of something holy, serene, worthy of reverence.Any space can be a sacred space, prepare yourself as you stand on Holy ground!
Creating your sacred space
The Elements
Consider incorporating the elements when creating a sacred space. What thoughts, what feelings, what sensations do the four elements evoke in your being?
Earth
Represents foundation, stability, feel the power and beauty of nature, of Mother Earth, the physical world. Clear the debris and clutter of the chosen area , thus removing negative energies that come with clutter and dirt. A small potted plant would be a nice touch.
Water
It influences our conscious and sub-conscious forces that act on our lives. Water seeks to heal and nurture those around it. Consider a goblet or a crystal bowl filled with water. Remember to keep this fresh. This also gives a mild humidifying effect on the room. Or, a water fountain would be an asset for this element.
Fire
It is the element that projects self-expression,creativity and enthusiasm. Without fire, there can be no radiance, no conviction, no passion nor expression.A glowing candle fulfills this element, a white candle
represents all the colors, the color of the candle reflects the energy created in the sacred space. Green candle for luck and finance, red for passion and courage, and so forth.
Air
This element establishes itself in the realm of the intellect. It is through the process of thinking that ideas develop, it is a means of communication.Knowledge is gained and shared through this element.
It enables one to reach out to the mental self. Enjoy the gentle breeze, winter, spring, summer or fall.
Open a window to let some air in, if this is not possible, a mechanical fan would do.
The elements is just one aspect of enhancing your sacred space. No matter how limited the space is, you can make room for an altar, incorporating the four elements with it.
The surface need not be elaborate, it is the intention that counts. Others will require enough room to draw a sacred ” circle,” but this is not the intent of this article.
Gathering Materials
Thorough planning to incorporate all the materials needed is important and worth the effort. A small table top covered with an elegant lace, add votive candles, a goblet filled with water and the bottom lined with stones or crystals, fresh flowers, a potted plant, a gentle breeze from a window or electric fan, a statue of your God/dess, or whatever deity you believe in. Picture frames depicting what is precious to you, the smell of burning incense,a water fountain( if there is enough room) This is your sacred space, you can add or remove objects as you see fit.
Celebrate the seasons.
Try to consider the seasons and celebrations that come your way. Pussy willows mark the coming of Spring. Fresh flowers of the season are inviting, a bowl of fresh fruits represents nourishment. These gestures mean paying homage to the beauty and bounty of Mother Earth.
Christmas would a colorful theme for the altar, enhance your altar with objects that define what Christmas means to you.
Do you follow the cycles of the Moon? Offerings vary as the moon waxes and wanes, an added touch as you try to connect with the Universe.
Do you travel often? If there is room for cosmetics, there is certainly room for items to set up a “sacred” space. A votive candle, your favorite crystal, picture of loved ones, prayer beads , your favorite incense or a bottle of aromatic oil. How much room would this take?
Dedicate your sacred space
After setting up the altar, make the dedication of this sacred space. Start using this space at a set time, to start the day and make daily affirmations.Spending time in this space raises the vibration of the area, and strengthens the energy around it and helps clear any negative blocks in the air.
What thoughts come to your family and friends when they look at your altar?
Excerpt: from Twylah Nitach
Make your space very special, a place where you are reminded of your Divinity, your connection to Spirit. Whenever you see it, you will know it is your temple,your sanctuary,where you can relax and take care of yourself. Each of us carries our sacred space within us and our challenge is to live from it throughout our life’s journey, throughout our earth walk.