We all know what an altar is…we set them up as places for the performance of sacraments or to pray. But I recently stumbled on a description of altars that widened my view of what they are and what they might be used for…and thought I would post it for you:
What’s an altar?
Most domestic altars function as demarcations of sacred space, according to the various ways the idea of “sacred” might be construed in a society. It is where we intend to access higher spaces, the divine, the sacred, unity or higher guidance. It can be used as a centering device to slow down and access again a space of going with the flow, open heart and compassion. Some altars have a specific function, for example an altar specifically created for the purpose of readings.
One could call it a focusing device, a space where one approaches with a certain intention and attention to access other than what is called “normal”, beta brain consensus reality of the human primate, namely the states associated with alpha and theta brainwaves.
Particularly in India, the cosmic significance of the altar was fully explored. The ancient sages saw its different parts as representing the various sections of the universe and concluded that its construction was a repetition of creation.
Basically anything you set up for the purpose can function as an altar.
Certain items are often used to define the space and function of an altar, others for focusing energy and create space, and invocation of higher vibrational spaces and beings. One of the most important conditions for accessing altered states of consciousness is the suppressing of beta brain waves. This can be induced with the help of sounds, smells, moods, meditation, relaxation techniques and through the beta blocker spirit radio.
Below please see a list of available items for your altar.
Altar Cloth
Candles
Incense
Spirit Guides
Bells or other sounds
Beta Blocker Spirit Radio
Meteorites
Prayer beads or Malas
Thangka
Sacred Invocational Objects and Symbols
Charms
All these aim to aid in the accessing of different vibrational spaces, creating an atmosphere where the supernatural, other dimensions and altered states of consciousness become accessible.
An altar also often holds pictures of spiritual leaders and teachers, flowers, statues, fabrics, crystals, gemstones, feathers, bowls of water and/or rice. Anything you hold precious and honor as divine is an appropriate item to put on your altar.
It is not necessary to take drugs to have an experience of breakdown of barriers to other realities. Altered states experiences can be accessed with practice. It serves one well to have some experience in grounding and getting back to consensus beta brain reality.
– EJ Gold
To see a schematic of an altar space as envisioned by Mr. Gold please visit Idhhb.com
I will be posting more about altars including showing a video of an altar set up by my co-author Patricia Elizabeth in the upcoming weeks.
