What Am I Placing Upon My Alter

Back in California I used to always keep a spiritual alter in my home. This was a sacred place in my room where I would go to meditate, pray or chant. I always kept beautiful crystals, flowers, pictures of saints or angels neatly placed on top. Recently, I missed having that wonderful spiritual place, so I thought about setting up an alter in my home here in England.

As I thought about all of the lovely, spiritual items I would place upon it, I recalled how A Course in Miracles tells us that our sacred alter to God is actually not a physical place, but a space or an understanding in our minds where we honour all of the aspects of our true Christ Self in Holy Communion with our Heavenly Creator.

When I thought about the idea that my alter is really in my mind, I also thought about all of the worries, doubts and frustrations that I place upon it daily. Yes, I also place upon it good things, but if I were to truly make my mind an alter to God; surely it would be covered with the most sacred, inspirational things at all times.

To ponder this idea, in my mind’s eye, I saw my earthly alter equivalent set in a place of honour with a sparkling crystal chalice, a statue of tranquil Buddha in deep meditation, a beautiful bouquet of flowers (maybe wild flowers or daisies), some lovely multi-coloured polished stones and an empty bowl. I imagined them all placed lovingly atop a clean, white lace runner.

As I focused on these images in my mind, I reflected upon their symbolism and how they would be a fitting offering to the Most High. The crystal chalice represented to me the Holiness of God as both Mother and Father. The Buddha represents my commitment to Inner Awakening and true enlightenment.

The flowers represent my willingness to forgive and desire to remain spiritually fresh and in full bloom. The stones, a reminder to remain grounded in my love for truth and promise to value all living things human and otherwise. Finally, the bowl to represent the law of giving and receiving – A continuous flow of pouring out yet being filled…

This beautiful alter in my mind gives me a wonderful sense of peace and helps me to remain mindful of my thoughts. My mind is my alter to God and to Oneness with all that is. I love having this light-filled visualization to help me remember the thoughts I think with God and to maintain an awareness of what I am placing upon my alter.