This year for my birthday, I decided to go on a little solo retreat to recharge my batteries and re-align my focus and energies. On one of the days, I carried out a ritual and created a beach-side altar to welcome in what I feel will be a big next year of life.
Creating time and space for rituals and altars is such a rewarding practice that helps us remember the sacredness of life. There are many kinds of rituals, but the ones I’m referring to here are those that can help us mark milestones, ask for guidance, give gratitude, tap inner wisdom, and connect us closer with nature, ourselves, and the universe. In essence, those that remind us of our true humanity and connection to all things. Altars created thoughtfully can enhance the sacredness and power of the ritual.
Such rituals and altar-creations have been carried out in all cultures across generations of generations but unfortunately such practices have largely become lost along the way. While there is no set formula, I will share my process for this one, in case it inspires you to carry out your version:)
I started with clearing a space on the sand and enclosing it in a circle of rocks. I created a seven- spired star for calling in the Seven directions (Native American tradition taught to me by my father) and then made little spirals, (symbol of constant change, progression, and wisdom) for each of the directions.
I added some palm and dried leaves for color as well as a heart shaped rock to center the whole thing. I lit up incense and palo santo (didn’t realize palo santo is becoming endangered until recently!) to clear the space of any negative energies and to ‘sacredize’ the space a bit more.
I then began to call in the seven directions. Each has its own energies, emotions, colors, and elements as you can see below.
See here for better quality image.
Here is a little taste of what I said during the ritual as a I faced each direction: “Calling in the East, I embrace new beginnings such as this new year of life for me. Calling in energies of the South, I ask for guidance on how I can serve as a peaceful warrior of light and service. Calling in spirits of the west, I commit to explore my shadows and expand introspection for inner wisdom. Calling on the North, I call in my ancestors for their blessing and guidance on my path. I also offer to help with any ancestral healing that may still be needed. Calling on Father sky, I give gratitude for the energy of the divine masculine and for inspiration. Touching down to Mother Earth, I give thanks to her never ending generosity, nurturing, and forgiveness. And finally, connecting with the human spirit of myself, I call on my higher-self for guidance and embrace the mystery that is me.”
Afterwards I placed my necklace stones to charge in the middle and also left a few fruit offerings.
You can make altars and rituals in any way you like but the most basic symbolism for an altar is the four elements combined with Spirit. The elements are: fire, water, air and earth. Spirit, the fifth element, is the life force that animates all that is living. A bit of reading into different types of rituals and altars might be helpful, but what is important is that they feel beautiful and aligned for you personally. Be intuitive while using whatever inspirations align with your intentions. Simple touches that are thoughtful and intentional can make any space or ritual feel sacred no matter how big or small.
So now its your turn. Let’s ritualize and make life sacred! 🙂