 Sacred SpaceThe term "sacred space" has been used in all manner of books and metaphysical teachings, but what does it really mean, and what is its role? If you ask someone what "sacred space" means, you will get a true answer, but it is only true in terms of that individual’s perspective. There really is no wrong answer. The importance of sacred space is not in its meaning, but in its significance in our lives. "Sacred space" has a very broad meaning. The place where you are now while reading this article is sacred space. Your home is sacred space. Your physical body and your spirit are sacred space, and so on. Sacred space is the place to reconnect with Spirit. It is a place for healing, rejuvenating, learning, growing, loving, forgiving, releasing, and so on. Sacred space can be the sanctuary that provides renewed hope during hard times. I have a saying: Create a place to plant a tree and it will blossom. Let a tree blossom as it should; so shall your spirit. Creating your very own sacred space is necessary if you are to continue your spiritual growth. It is the place to just be; a place of peace, non-judgment, and freedom. It is the place to release all stresses, to let your hair down. The new millennium promises a faster-paced world. This can only mean that what little time we now have for ourselves will no longer exist. Highly sensitive people will feel even more overwhelmed as the energies around them shift to warp speed. We urgently need a sanctuary. Creating a sacred space is not difficult. Its location is not so important, although placement should be considered (I will briefly talk about Feng Shui later on). What is crucial when creating sacred space is to honor it by making it a part of your daily routine. Look around the room you are in at this particular moment. If you are in your living room, are there photos of families on your mantel or bookshelf? If you are in your workplace, is there a section on the shelf or windowsill that contains items of special meaning to you? Take a look at the items you have posted on your bulletin boards; are there photos or items that have significance for you? If you answered "yes" to all these questions, you have an altar. There are many types of altars and many specific uses for them. For the most part, altars are a focal point for communing with the Divine or the spirit realms. The altars mentioned above were created subconsciously, thus lacking a strong connection to your higher self; consciously creating your altar provides a deeper and more substantial link. Many factors can influence which items you choose for your altar. Altars can be very simple, containing one or two candles. Some are very elaborate, containing several candles, crystals, feathers, rocks, pictures, and other things. Keep in mind, however, that as you grow spiritually, the items you place on your altar can change, especially when they no longer serve your higher purpose. The size of the altar will also change as you grow spiritually. My first altar consisted of three candles, a small stuffed bear, and a picture of an angel, and was placed on a small section of a bookcase shelf in my home office. Today, my altar consists of two extra-large candles, two small candles, a water fountain, several crystals and rocks, many feathers, a Native American rattle, a Buddha, an angel candle holder, dried sage for clearing, a bell, a picture of my husband and me, a beaded egg, some coins, some dried flowers, and a small bear figurine (I am sure I missed something). This altar is placed on top of a large antique coffee table on the east side of my home office. I guess you can say I have grown quite a bit!
Ancient Greeks, Celts and Native Americans honored the four elements of earth, water, fire, and air. This was their way of communing with the natural world. It also represents the four areas of our being: water symbolizes the emotional; earth, the physical; fire, spiritual; and air, mental. The four elements can be a part of your altar, or you can designate a specific place. Some examples that represent the four elements are: candles for fire, an empty bowl for air, a crystal vase with water or a water fountain, and rocks or stones for earth.
Because sacred spaces are often used for reconnecting with the higher self, whether through meditation or prayer, physical comfort is essential. It doesn’t make any sense to create a sacred space where the physical body is strained or forced to be uncomfortable. Sacred spaces are for releasing and rejuvenating not for adding more stress, so make sure that you furnish yours with furniture appropriate for your comfort.
As mentioned earlier, the location of your sacred space is not as important as the honor you give it. However, the ideal location is a section of the home that is somewhat isolated from the busyness of the rest of the house. A portion of a home office or den is an ideal location. It is a good idea to have some basic rules for your family to let them know not to disturb you once you have entered your sacred space. For instance, in our house, I made a sign that says "Counseling with the Divine. Do Not Disturb."
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art and science of placement. Feng Shui has been practiced for centuries and recently has become very popular in the Western World. Its historical roots came from the Tao philosophy: living in harmony with the environment. The Chinese people relied on Feng Shui in designing their buildings, homes, and cities. I won’t go into too much detail, as there is plenty of information available about Feng Shui. I will, however, mention one form of Feng Shui called "Intuitive Feng Shui," which basically means relying on intuition as a guide when creating and designing sacred space. As you walk around your home office or den, get connected with your inner self; it will tell you where the best place is. Quiet your mind for a couple of minutes and silently walk around the room. The area where your body feels relaxed and free is where your sacred space should be located. As you begin to bring in the components for your sacred space, listen to what your inner self tells you; it will guide you to the appropriate placements of furniture, altars, etc. Take the time to get quiet. Do not create your sacred space when you are stressed or when your body feels tight. Take a few very deep breaths and as you exhale, release the stress. Then, begin creating. The next step is very important: it is now time to honor your sacred space. The dedication ceremony does not have to be elaborate. What is important is that the honoring ceremony must come from your heart, your true self. Most of my students get "stuck" when they reach this step. They begin planning an entire program full of "special events" or dedications. Certainly, if this is something you truly want to do and it comes from your heart, do it. However, most people prefer a quieter, more intimate ceremony. Here is what I suggest: • Before entering your sacred space, take deep breaths, exhaling the stresses of the day. • Once you have reached a relaxed state, enter your sacred space. • Light your candles and keep your lights turned off. The candles will be enough to light the room. • You can choose to turn on some very soft music or just have it quiet. • Sit on your cushion or comfortable chair. • Close your eyes and take deep breaths. Concentrate only on your breathing as you clear your mind. • Feeling relaxed, say your prayer of dedication. It can be something you already know by heart, or you can just let the words flow through you. • After saying your prayer, just sit quietly and feel the special presence. When you are ready, you can end your ceremony.
Our lives are often very hectic and stressful. We often neglect to reconnect with our higher selves. If we are to grow spiritually, we need to find the time to honor ourselves and our sacred space, so establishing a daily routine of entering sacred space is very important. Remember that your sacred space is a sanctuary that provides you with new hope. Take at least ten to 15 minutes each day, perhaps in the evening before going to bed, and enter your sacred space. You don’t have to do anything but light your candles and sit quietly. A few minutes a day makes an entire lifetime of difference. As you get into the habit of communing with your higher self, you will find that the few minutes become a few hours. Rev. Cecilia Larson is a holistic spiritual counselor, an ordained minister, and Feng Shui and sacred space consultant. She recently completed her Ph.D. in metaphysics. Sacred Garden Path® is the name of her business practice. For more information, please call Cecilia at (425) 335-0430 ext. 3.) |