Why Having an Altar Supports Your Emotional Well-Being
Having an altar adds beauty to your home and can bring immense benefit to your emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. Your altar is an expression of your spirit, a place to go when you need healing or inspiration, and a sacred space to help you cultivate deep presence and daily ritual. There are no set rules for how your altar should look or feel. It can be very simple or more elaborate, as long as it feels beautiful and aligned for you personally.
Although how you build your altar is personal, there are some key things that can uplift and beautify the vibe as you set forth on a regular practice of soul-care for emotional well-being. Consider your altar as a symbol — how you show up and take care of it can become a compass for how you are showing up and caring for yourself. The more you tend to your altar, the more its healing and clarifying energy swells.
My Altar
Covered in sweet smells, candle flames, and sacred enchantments, my altar feels like a little campfire. It’s a familiar warm space that lights up my spirit and allows me to settle into my body as I restore my mind.
It’s where I meditate, journal, and contemplate.
It’s where I go when I feel overwhelmed or emotional.
It’s my landing pad when I need guidance or want to gather my inner resources.
The more I connect to my altar space, the more comforting and magnetic it becomes. I’ve had some of my heaviest cries and deepest prayers at my altar. I’ve been met by some of my greatest ideas or moments of clarity here, and I’ve experienced incredible stillness where my nervous system was finally able to soften.
When I regularly infuse my altar with meditations, prayers, and rituals, it swells into a deeply calming yet energized space, which helps me feel more emotionally fit. But when I ignore my altar and let it collect dust for too long, this ‘charge’ dissipates.
Do you sense the metaphor here? For me, neglecting my altar is a pretty good sign that I’ve also been neglecting my self-care needs, whether it be meditating, journaling, or working with my oracle cards. This neglect eventually finds its way into the many layers of my emotional health, both how I feel on the inside and how it is expressed on the outside.
Why Have an Altar?
There is a ceaseless rise and fall to life that can be both beautiful and overwhelming depending on the day. With this pulsing fluctuation, it’s important to have something that consistently grounds us.
Our environment impacts our energy and perspective, which in turn drives our emotions. An altar can lift the vibration of our home, bringing an element of beauty, protection, and inspiration into our space. Having a well-loved sacred nook where we can recharge our spirit and dissipate mental static is key to centering ourselves, especially amongst the many evolutions, losses, triumphs, growing pains, and teachings that we are all bound to walk through during our lifetime.
Whatever your practice may look like, having a daily moment with your altar allows you to land back home in your body, where you can feel more emotional ease rather than mentally stuck.
Create Your Own Altar for Emotional Well-Being
Your altar is your special place to set intentions, reconnect, meditate, manifest, grieve, journal, forgive, dream, and pray. Whichever enchantments you choose to dress your altar with, it’s important to periodically freshen up the design to match your current intention, which can change monthly or seasonally. Creating, recreating, cleaning, and clearing are all a part of respecting your altar, while keeping the good vibes alive.
There are many ways to approach building your own altar. Be intuitive with it, while using whatever inspirations align with your intention. With simple touches that are thoughtful and intentional, you can make any space feel sacred, no matter how big or small your altar is. Here are some tips to get you started or to give your current altar a boost:
- Use your intuition to decide which location in your home feels like the best spot for your altar. Choose an area that feels comfortable and inviting for you to sit quietly. If you have a hard time narrowing it down and want to take it a step further, use a compass to discover which direction your altar will be facing and decide which one best represents your intention. This added touch will boost its magic.
- Once you select your spot, gather all of your altarpieces and place it nearby. Then, move the air by opening your windows and burning your favorite smudge to help purify the space as you welcome in love and protection. The sacred smoke of white sage, sweetgrass, copal, or any favorite incense works wonders.
- Clean and clear any dust from your soon-to-be altar spot, so that it’s ready to be decorated.
- Add your special pieces in any order that feels most natural to you. Sense how your altar wants to look, and follow your intuition. I love having my candle in the center as a focal point, with crystals, flowers, and sacred objects I’ve found along the way, neatly placed in a symmetrical order. Plus I keep my journal and favorite oracle and tarot decks next to my altar. Feel free to also add a small cloth as a placemat, photos, hand-written letters, and anything else that amplifies your intention and soothes your emotional body.
- If you already have an altar, remove everything, clean the surface and surrounding areas, and reorganize it so that it feels fresh based on your current intentions.
- Once you’re done creating your altar, step back and take it in. If anything wants to shift, go for it. When everything feels just right, sit down, light a candle, be still with your breath for a moment, and then write freely in your journal for a few minutes.
Bring this Practice into Your Life
If you begin to feel disconnected or like your relationship with yourself is waning, it’s a good sign your altar needs a visit. Your special touch, unique spirit, and the warmth you carry inside can all be felt at the site of an altar. The act of creating it, and then consistently sitting with your altar will remind you of this each time. It’s also a reminder to drop in, pause, and return to trust.
The morning is an excellent time to focus on your personal rituals, with a daily sit at your altar being one of them. However, be sure to choose a time of day that you know you can commit to.
The cumulative impact of showing up daily, even if only for a few minutes, is key to feeling more emotionally balanced. With consistency, the deeper breaths, and little reminders that you receive at your altar will begin to pepper themselves throughout your day, giving you an access point from which you know you can return, any time you choose.
About the Author
The 7 Chakras: Their Characteristics and How to Balance Them
Chakras are energy centers in the human body that regulate various aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. These energy centers play an important role in maintaining overall balance and well-being. In this article, we explore what chakras are, how many there are in the body, and how to keep them balanced.
Table of Contents
- What Are Chakras?
- How Many Chakras Are There in the Body?
- The 7 Main Chakras and Their Meanings
- How to Recognize When My Chakras Are Blocked?
- 7 Practices to Align the Chakras
What Are Chakras?
Chakras are energetic vortices located at different points of the human body. The word “chakra” comes from Sanskrit and means “wheel” or “circle.” These energy centers regulate the flow of vital energy, known as prana, throughout the body, influencing physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Each chakra is associated with different aspects of life, such as emotions, sexuality, and creativity, spirituality, and physical health. The classical texts of Yoga describe the chakras as spinning wheels of energy, each with a specific element, color, and sound. These characteristics work together to maintain energetic balance in the body, fostering overall well-being.
Chakras act as bridges between the physical, astral, and causal bodies. They transform energy and distribute it through the body via the nadis, or energy channels. Keeping the chakras open and balanced is essential for our health and overall well-being, allowing vital energy to flow freely.
How Many Chakras Are There in the Body?
In the human body, there are seven main chakras located along the spine and up to the crown of the head. Each of these chakras plays a specific role in our overall well-being:
- First chakra: Root chakra (Muladhara)
- Second chakra: Sacral chakra (Swadhisthana)
- Third chakra: Solar plexus chakra (Manipura)
- Fourth chakra: Heart chakra (Anahata)
- Fifth chakra: Throat chakra (Vishuddha)
- Sixth chakra: Third eye chakra (Ajna)
- Seventh chakra: Crown chakra (Sahasrara)
The 7 Main Chakras and Their Meanings
The seven main chakras are connected to different areas of our body and affect our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Each chakra plays a specific role in maintaining energetic balance within us. Understanding these chakras and their meanings helps us improve our overall well-being.
Root Chakra (Muladhara)
The root chakra, known as Muladhara in Sanskrit, is located at the base of the spine. This chakra is associated with survival, safety, and basic needs such as food and shelter. When the root chakra is balanced, we feel safe and connected to the earth, able to face daily challenges with confidence and stability.
Muladhara is the foundation upon which the balance of the other chakras is built. This chakra is very important for our physical and emotional stability. Practices such as meditation and connecting with nature can help keep the root chakra in harmony.
To activate and balance Muladhara, various tools and practices are used, such as specific crystals and essential oils. These tools help channel energy to the chakra, promoting its harmonization and opening. Knowing and using these elements can be a great help in our journey toward overall well-being.
- Location: in the perineum, between the anus and the genitals.
- Sound: lam.
- Element: earth.
- Colors: red activates it, green calms it.
- Crystals: all red stones (garnet, red jasper, obsidian, smoky quartz).
- Essential oils: patchouli, cedar, clove.
Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana)
The sacral chakra, known as Swadhisthana in Sanskrit, is located in the tailbone region, just below the navel. This chakra is related to emotions, sexuality, and creativity. Swadhisthana influences our ability to experience pleasure and our emotional interactions with others.
This chakra is also linked to passion and our ability to adapt to change. A balanced Swadhisthana allows us to express our emotions freely and enjoy a healthy sex life. When it is in harmony, it fosters creativity and the ability to fully enjoy life.
To balance the sacral chakra, various practices can be used, such as dancing, art, and meditation focused on emotions. These activities help to unlock and channel creative and emotional energy, allowing it to flow freely.
- Location: just below the navel.
- Sound: vam.
- Element: water.
- Colors: orange activates it, blue calms it.
- Crystals: carnelian, moonstone, amber.
- Essential oils: sandalwood, ylang-ylang, orange.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura)
The solar plexus chakra, known as Manipura, is located in the navel area and governs the solar plexus. This chakra is related to vital energy, personal power, and will. Manipura is the center of our self-esteem and self-confidence.
When the solar plexus chakra is balanced, we feel confident in our abilities and are able to make decisions with determination. The energy of Manipura helps us set clear goals and pursue our dreams with vigor and enthusiasm. It also promotes healthy digestion and metabolism.
The balance of Manipura can be achieved through practices such as breathing exercises, positive affirmations, and physical activities that strengthen the core. These practices help activate the inner fire and maintain strong self-esteem.
- Location: navel area.
- Sound: ram.
- Element: fire.
- Colors: yellow activates it, blue calms it.
- Crystals: citrine, topaz, tiger’s eye.
- Essential oils: lemon, rosemary, ginger.
Heart Chakra (Anahata)
The heart chakra, known as Anahata in Sanskrit, is located at the level of the heart, in the cardiac plexus. This chakra is related to love, compassion, and empathy. Anahata is the center of our highest emotions, such as unconditional love and the ability to forgive.
A balanced heart chakra allows us to love and accept others and ourselves unconditionally. It also facilitates emotional healing and the ability to maintain healthy and harmonious relationships. The energy of Anahata promotes inner peace and emotional balance.
To activate and balance Anahata, it is recommended to practice forgiveness, heart meditation, and the use of specific crystals and essential oils. These practices help to open the heart and foster a greater connection with others.
- Location: at the level of the heart.
- Sound: yam.
- Element: air.
- Colors: green activates it, pink calms it.
- Crystals: rose quartz, jade, emerald.
- Essential oils: rose, lavender, bergamot.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha)
The throat chakra, known as Vishuddha in Sanskrit, is located behind the throat. This chakra is related to communication, expression, and authenticity. Vishuddha is the center of our ability to express our ideas and feelings clearly and effectively.
When the throat chakra is balanced, we are able to communicate with confidence and clarity. This chakra also influences our ability to listen and understand others. A harmonious Vishuddha promotes sincerity and authenticity in our relationships and self-expression.
To balance Vishuddha, practices such as singing, writing, and throat-focused meditation can be used. These activities help to unblock and channel energy toward open and sincere communication.
- Location: behind the throat.
- Sound: ham.
- Element: ether.
- Colors: blue activates it, white calms it.
- Crystals: aquamarine, lapis lazuli, turquoise.
- Essential oils: eucalyptus, mint, sage.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna)
The third eye chakra, known as Ajna in Sanskrit, is located in the area between the eyebrows. This chakra is related to intuition, perception, and inner wisdom. Ajna is the center of our ability to see beyond the obvious and connect with our inner wisdom.
When the third eye chakra is balanced, we trust our intuition and are able to see life from a broader perspective. This chakra also facilitates concentration and mental clarity. A harmonious Ajna promotes the ability to visualize and manifest our goals and dreams.
To balance Ajna, it is recommended to practice meditation, visualization, and the use of specific crystals and essential oils. These practices help activate intuition and foster a deeper connection with our inner mind.
- Location: between the eyebrows.
- Sound: om.
- Colors: indigo activates it, yellow calms it.
- Crystals: amethyst, lapis lazuli, sodalite.
- Essential oils: frankincense, myrrh, juniper.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara)
The crown chakra, known as Sahasrara in Sanskrit, is located above the crown of the head. This chakra is related to spirituality and connection with the divine. Sahasrara is the center of our spiritual connection and our understanding of the universe.
When the crown chakra is balanced, we experience a deep sense of peace and connection with the divine. This chakra also facilitates enlightenment and the expansion of consciousness. A harmonious Sahasrara allows us to transcend worldly concerns and experience a sense of unity with the universe.
To balance Sahasrara, it is recommended to practice meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices that connect us with our divine essence. These activities help to open and activate this chakra, promoting a greater spiritual connection.
- Location: above the crown of the head.
- Sound: silence.
- Colors: violet activates it, gold calms it.
- Crystals: clear quartz, amethyst, diamond.
- Essential oils: lotus, frankincense, sandalwood.
How to Recognize When My Chakras Are Blocked?
Recognizing if your chakras are blocked is essential to maintaining energetic balance and overall well-being. Blockages in the chakras can manifest in various aspects of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Below, we describe common signs that may indicate possible blockages in the chakras:
- Recurring physical problems: Unexplained aches, chronic illnesses, or a constant feeling of fatigue can be indicative of blockages in your chakras. Each chakra is associated with different parts of the body and their functions.
- Lack of concentration: You have difficulty focusing and maintaining attention on everyday tasks. This can reflect an imbalance in the upper chakras, affecting your mental clarity.
- Low self-esteem: You experience persistent feelings of insecurity and doubt about your abilities. Self-confidence and self-acceptance may be compromised, indicating a blockage in the lower chakras.
- Difficulty communicating: You find it hard to express your thoughts and emotions clearly and effectively. This can be a sign of a blockage in the throat chakra, affecting your ability to communicate.
- Spiritual disconnection: You feel a lack of purpose or meaning in life and find it hard to connect with your spirituality. The upper chakras, especially the crown chakra, may be blocked, preventing a deep connection with the divine.
- Problems in relationships: You encounter difficulties maintaining healthy and balanced relationships. Empathy, compassion, and the ability to give and receive love may be compromised, indicating blockages in the heart chakra.
7 Practices to Align the Chakras
Aligning the chakras is essential for maintaining a balanced energy flow in the body and promoting overall well-being. There are various practices that can help you harmonize these energy centers and improve your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Below, we explore seven effective methods to align the chakras and maintain optimal energetic balance.
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Meditation
Meditation is a powerful practice for aligning the chakras, as it helps to center and balance the mind and body. Regular meditation, focusing on each chakra and visualizing its energy flowing freely, can help unblock and harmonize these energy centers. Guided meditation specific to each chakra can also be very beneficial.
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Yoga
Yoga is another effective tool for aligning the chakras, combining physical postures, breathwork, and meditation. Different asanas or yoga postures are designed to open and balance each chakra, promoting a healthy energy flow. Practicing yoga regularly helps maintain physical flexibility and energetic balance.
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Reiki
Reiki is an energetic healing technique that can balance the chakras by channeling universal energy through the practitioner’s hands. During a Reiki session, the practitioner directs energy to the blocked chakras, helping to restore their balance and promote healing. This practice is gentle and non-invasive.
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Nutrition
Consuming foods that correspond to the colors of the chakras can help maintain their energy in harmony. For example, red foods for the root chakra or green foods for the heart chakra can strengthen and balance these energy centers.
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Physical Exercise
Regular physical exercise is essential to keep the chakras balanced. Activities such as walking, swimming, or dancing can stimulate the flow of energy throughout the body. Staying physically active helps release energetic blockages, promoting overall balance in the chakra system.
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Crystals
Crystals are natural tools that can be used to balance the chakras. Each crystal has specific properties that resonate with different chakras. Placing crystals corresponding to each chakra on the body during meditation or carrying them with you can help harmonize and activate these energy centers.
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Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy uses essential oils to balance the chakras through the sense of smell. Inhaling essential oils or applying them to specific points on the body can positively influence the state of the chakras. Each essential oil has properties that can help open and balance the chakras, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
