Much attention is paid these days on creating sacred space, making our homes temples – sanctuaries from the busy, hectic lives we lead outside of them. This interest has spawned many books to guide us in knowing what to do in this regard. However, first and foremost, we need to remember that our homes reflect us, who we are and what happens in them. So the first step in creating sacred space in our homes is to create that space within. We cannot expect to achieve sacredness outside ourselves without it first emanating from within. So the thoughts, feelings and attitudes held while embarking upon the journey all play an important part in the creation of sacred space.

For some, it is useful to take a moment to be still and silent to “journey” into an inner space of sacredness first to reflect and connect with that current of the divine residing within us all. From there inspiration comes forth, and in the attitude of dedication, the offering of a place within one’s home as a point of entry for the Divine to reside within our dwellings, we create the space to honor that which is holy, sacred and representative of the divine to us.

A simple ceremony to initiate the space first is often a good way to begin. To start, it is important to clear out the clutter, both seen and unseen. The space must be clear and free of debris, both physically and on subtler levels as well. If there has been a history of violence, or desecration, then a simple clearing ceremony may be needed to begin. Lighting a candle, saying a short prayer or mantra, or playing sacred sounds in the space with the intention to clear the past, and open the way for the new will do a lot to prepare the way for the altar you are about to install.

Once the space has been cleared, you can begin to create the altar, that special space within the home where only those objects that are intended for that place are allowed to reside. An altar will only reflect our intentions, so if we place our cup of coffee there while visiting with friends, then it has become a coffee table, no longer an altar. So the altar is a place to be treated with respect and reverence holding only those objects that inspire such feelings and thoughts. After all, it is our own thoughts and feelings reflected back to us which form the basis of the sacredness that begins to emanate from the spaces we create.

So the objects chosen should be those which speak to the temple of our own heart as individuals, not those prescribed from some course book or manual. To place objects upon our altar which only have meaning to others is a pretense which does not fool the Spirit of the Divine we are inviting to reside within our home. So, choose those things which have a meaning to you or those residing in the home, objects which touch our heart, remind us of something greater and more meaningful than our mundane day-to-day lives.

In following simple, yet heartfelt practices we align ourselves and our environments with the higher dimensional realms, thereby creating a living bridge between Heaven and Earth.