Altars & Sacred Moments

An altar is a sacred space where we go to connect at a deep and personal level with the power which we consider to be our God/Goddess.

It is also a special place where we can express feelings of loss, sadness, joy and happiness . . .  a place to take time out from our everyday tasks to nourish our souls.

Part of what makes an altar sacred is the significance of the items you choose to create it. Altars don’t need to be big and ornate; a small altar on your windowsill can be equally effective. An altar is a visible tangible place where you can meditate or commune with the divine.

Even if you don’t have time or inclination to meditate you can simply take a moment each day to look at it. When we acknowledge our altars in some small way each day, we infuse it with our personal energy and intention that will continually build on itself and become a healing vibration for you. This energy will begin to radiate from your altar and transform your home into a safe comforting sanctuary.

For me building an altar is a form of meditation. Each altar becomes a metaphor for what I wish to bring into my life at that particular time. In the fall it may represent gratitude for my ancestors or the intention to be more present in my life. During the winter my altar may reflect my intentions to release that which I no longer need in my life.

It can be fun to find objects for your altar when you go for a walk. Take your time and gather the gifts that nature freely offers like  fallen branches, colorful leaves, beautiful pine cones, seed pods, feathers and whatever else catches your fancy.

Remember to leave a small offering for the earth spirits in return for your new found treasures. Offerings can consist of bird seeds, small slices of fruit, bread crumbs etc…

Everyday Goddessing  is about sharing magical techniques and sacred wisdom with other beautiful Goddess women. I believe that within every woman there is a goddess, a wise woman, beautiful, creative, powerful, with a deep soul, and that everything we need and are looking for is already inside  each of us. – Rose Arizmendi

Prayer Beads

Nearly two thirds of the world’s population – pray with beads.

Each bead counted is an individual prayer or mantra, and the repetition of prayers and mantras is meant to facilitate complete focus on the prayer or mantra itself. For many people prayer beads have symbolized the commitment and connection to a spiritual life.

We may wear them, carry them, touch them as they remind us of the divine presence of spirit in everyday life. They offer us a way to ground ourselves in the present moment and enhance our meditation practice.

They have become an integral part of my spiritual practice. I keep my beautiful prayer beads on my bedside table, and use them as part of my morning and evening meditation. When I awake and reach for my prayer beads I am comforted by the texture and shape of each bead as my fingers move from one bead to the next.

Several years ago, I created two prayer bead necklaces with a variety of gemstones, ceramic beads, seeds, bone and finished the ends with amulets and charms. In the photo above you can see the many different shapes of beads I used.

“To use beads with a prayer, Indian, Moslem or  Christian, is to enflesh the words, make thought tangible.” – Madeleine L’Engle – The summer of the Great – Grandmother

Everyday Goddessing  is about sharing magical techniques and sacred wisdom with other beautiful Goddess women. I believe that within every woman there is a goddess, a wise woman, beautiful, creative, powerful, with a deep soul, and that everything we need and are looking for is already inside  each of us. – Rose Arizmendi

Imbolc

In Scotland February is known as Wolf month and although the days are cold and dreary there are small signs of new life appearing across the country side as birds began to build their nests and ewes birth their lambs.

As the Cailleach, Old woman of Winter exhales her final icy breath, all will be transformed as Brigid, Fair Woman of February rekindles the fire in the earth, preparing it for new life . . .

For centuries it has been customary for Irish folk to fashion a St. Brigid’s Cross of straw or rushes and place it at the entrance to their cottage to protect their homes, animals and loved ones.

Brigid’s Cross on our front door.

“Imbolc, which means “in the belly” is a time of hope and expectation.
For those of us in the colder climes, it can be a time of waiting,
gestating the seeds of springtime and new life, a witnessing of
returning light and birdsong in this, the deepest part of winter. So,
too, it is a time for resting “in the belly,” in the quiet center of
ourselves.

A light shines out in Kildare In the name of Brigid, her spirit
asking for love, justice, peace, truth, care of the earth.
– Brigidine Nuns, Kildare , Ireland

Everyday Goddessing  is about sharing magical techniques and sacred wisdom with other beautiful Goddess women. I believe that within every woman there is a goddess, a wise woman, beautiful, creative, powerful, with a deep soul, and that everything we need and are looking for is already inside  each of us. – Rose Arizmendi