The Power of Altars // 5 Steps to Create Your Sacred Space

Loss and change are an integral part of our human experience. I’m sure you’ve experienced your own passages through pain and hardships. Whether you’ve experienced the loss of a loved one, a bad breakup, a sudden change in career path, or all of the above, these life experiences can leave us feeling isolated and lost.Even if you’re not going through a hardship at this moment, loss and change are inevitable. Today I want to share my story of the power of altars in my life and how you can use them as a healing tool in your life as well.

What is an Altar?

An altar is simply a space with a collection of items that hold significance to you, and they are often created around a theme. They can vary in size from a couple of items on a window sill to a large decorative display.Altars are a place that can hold energetic space for you, they are a place of reflection and meditation and a great place to conduct meaningful rituals.

My Experience with the Power of Altars

I’ve always loved the idea of having an altar, but to be honest, mostly just as a cute place to put my crystals. It wasn’t until the sudden loss of my grandma and father that the use of an altar became a powerful healing tool in my life.

I’m not going to lie, when I was in the depth of my sadness and a spiritual coach suggested an altar to help deal with my grief, I didn’t believe it would help. I thought I had too much sadness within me for a box with some stuff in it to help. But, I listened, kept an open mind, and decided to try what was suggested to me.

With my altar in place, I not only had space for my sadness to be felt but more importantly a place that my sadness could be held. If I had a bad day, it brought me comfort to know that I had a designated space for all of my feelings that I could visit anytime I wanted to.Because my experience with this altar was so meaningful I’ve gone on to create a second altar to honor my goals and for holding rituals, and have found it to be just as powerful and healing.

How to Create Your Own Altar or Sacred Space

So, where do you start? There is no reason to be daunted by the idea of creating an altar. Starting out, your altar or sacred space can be as simple as a collection of a few meaningful objects. Your altar is fluid and will never be finished, so it doesn’t have to be “perfect” when you start yours.

5 Steps to Create Your Own Altar

1. Decide what the purpose of your altar will be. Here are some ideas: memorial altar, meditation altar, goals altar, and ritual altar, seasonal altar but any loving purpose you desire will work.

2. Choose a space that fits the theme of the altar. If you’re creating a meditation altar you’ll want to place it somewhere that you’ll have uninterrupted quiet. For a memorial altar, it was important for me to have mine somewhere that I could easily see it and could have privacy.

3. Clear the space (optional). Though it’s not a necessity, it is nice to clear the space of your altar. Do this with a herb or incense of your choice.

4. Select your items for the altar. Find items that you’re drawn to, and that fit the theme of your altar. If you’re making an altar for reaching your goals consider researching crystals that are good for goal-setting. If you’re creating a ritual altar consider what items you might need to create your rituals.

5. Arrange your items and make a commitment to spend a little bit of time each day with your altar. Spending time with your altar can be as simple as looking at it in passing or simply touching an item on it for a moment. I found that daily contact of some sort with my altars has been helpful.

Here are a couple of my favorite shops for altars and altar pieces:

• Altar Shelves: Stone and Violet

• Altar pieces: The Lunar Fae Shop

• Animal Totems: Periwinkle Nuthatch

• Ritual Tools: The Ritual Store

Remember your altar is an extension of your soul and they’ll vary greatly in size, style, and appearance--there’s really no wrong way to do it. Let me know how your altar turns out, feel free to share a picture with me, or if you already have an altar I’d love to hear about your experience with it! Please feel free to send me a message.

Using a pendulum to connect with your soul and spirits

From simple everyday questions like “which movie will I enjoy more?” to the tough decisions you’ve been putting off for weeks or maybe even months, a pendulum can help you cut out some of the guesswork. Once you get comfortable with your pendulum you’ll be able to rely on it for big and small questions. Using your pendulum can not only clear up some free space in your mind but can help you connect with your soul and loved ones in spirit.

My fondest memories of my Grandma are of her getting out her pendulum during family get-togethers at her house. My sister and I would take turns asking our big questions. Grandma would focus, become still, and dangle her pendulum over our questions that she wrote out. We’d watch it swirl and not know what it meant as we impatiently awaited her answers from beyond. Before my Grandma left this plane she passed down her pendulum to me. It is my most treasured object and has become a favorite tool in my spiritual toolbox ever since.

What is a Pendulum?

A pendulum is simply a small weight at the end of a string or a chain. The use of pendulums goes back thousands of years. There's evidence that they were used in both ancient Rome and Egypt. In the past, they’ve even been used for divination and to locate water and minerals within the Earth.

How does it work?

Though it seems like magic, it’s actually you who’s moving the pendulum! Whatever you want to call it: subconscious, your soul, or spirits speaking through you, the pendulum is ultimately controlled by you.It is called the ideomotor response. Your pendulum amplifies responses from your subconscious that would normally be undetectable.If you believe that your soul is an extension of the universe itself and can connect with energies of all kinds, then your pendulum can be viewed as a very extraordinary tool. If you don’t, it’s still pretty amazing to have access to your subconscious!My Grandma believed she was channeling loved ones that had passed on. Once she remarked that she would feel bombarded with their energy like they were all chiming in at once with their answers.

Getting started with your pendulum.

1. Choose a pendulum that you connect with. They come in a variety of materials ranging from crystals, wood, plastic, and metal. You can even find simple instructions for creating your own pendulum online.

2. Make sure that your arms and legs are not crossed when using your pendulum. Closing yourself off in this way can block your energy and affect the pendulum's answers.

3. While sitting, place the end of the string or chain in your hands and place your elbow on a table so it’s steady.

4. Next you’ll need to determine how your pendulum will answer your questions. I like to start by writing out these phrases on a piece of paper: “yes,” “no,” “I don’t know,” and “I can’t say.” Then I’ll hold the pendulum over each phrase and ask it what does “yes” mean and see what its reaction is. If it gives a clockwise turn, I’ll write down “clockwise” under “yes”. Continue for each phrase and be sure to test your pendulums response to each phrase a couple of times for accuracy.

5. Start by asking your pendulum simple questions that you already know the answer to, like “is my hair blonde?”. Once you’re used to how your pendulum responds you can start asking other questions, keep in mind your questions must be able to be answered by yes or no.

6. Avoid asking your pendulum questions if you already have a strong pull towards an answer. Remember, your pendulum is pulling from your subconscious, so if you already feel strongly about something, it is likely that your pendulum's answer will be swayed towards what you want.

Pendulums are one of my favorite tools because they're so versatile. They can be used for mundane uses like locating lost objects or for magical uses like connecting with spirits. Like any intuitive tool learning how to use your pendulum will take time.

If you feel called to explore more about pendulums, I have a workshop where you will learn all about using your pendulum for both mundane and magical purposes. You can find more information here.

Do you have a favorite pendulum or book about pendulums? I’d love to know about it! Please send me a DM if you want to share. 

Magic Charm Bags for Protection, Love, Luck & Health

Need a sprinkle of magic in your summer? Known in Voodoo as “gris-gris,” or to Native American’s as “medicine bags,” these good ol’ fashioned spells in a bag are sure to bring some magic into your life! For me, charm bags have some nostalgia surrounding them.

Growing up with my Grandma referencing her astrological charts and talking to spirits with her pendulum, I became very open-minded to all things woo woo. Though charm bags weren’t Grandma’s thing, I stumbled upon some magic books at a young age and was hooked. I created my first charm bag during middle school, in hopes to improve my relationship with my Mom. Like any good teen, I argued with her a lot. I’m not sure if it was the intention or true magic but our relationship did improve from that point forward!

This summer season, entertain your inner child by creating a custom charm bag (or two)!! I’ve got everything covered for you, from the container to its contents, a prayer to empower your charms, and even some printable “recipe” cards to have as reminders!

When choosing a bag it’s important to pick an appropriate color that reflects the purpose of your spell, lucky for you I’ve done all of the work on these details! Don’t have all of the herbs or all of the crystals for each one? Don’t fret, using one or two from each category is fine. Remember, the intention behind your charm bag is the most important part.

Protection

Bag Color: Red, black, or gold

Herbs: Betony (protects against malicious fairies), cedar, cinnamon, mint

Gemstones: Black tourmaline, amber, malachite

Charm: Shell (to symbolize a hard protective surface) or a piece of a broom (to brush away negativity)

Prayer: “Minions of the dark now quit this place, for only light will I embrace.”Imagine protective energy pouring into the bag and creating a force field of light around you as you place each item in the bag.

Luck

Bag Color: Silver, gold, or green

Herbs: Nutmeg, clover, ginger, fenugreek

Gemstones: Sunstone, moss agate, tiger’s eye

Charm: Moss; both Spanish and Irish moss are known to bring luck. Also, a horseshoe figurine.

Prayer: “Fortune smile on me this day, may all I need come my way.”

Imagine your hopes and dreams coming to you easily and effortlessly as you place each item in the bag.

Love

Bag Color: Red, PinkHerbs: Lavender, rose petals, a stick of cinnamon for passionate love

Gemstones: Rose quartz, copper, pink kunzite

Charm: Maple leaf; the sap of the maple tree makes sweet, rich syrup. So, the maple leaf symbolizes rich and full love. Or a triangle object to represent the love in the union of a mother, father, and child.

Prayer: “By air, earth, fire, and sea. Bring love to me.”

Concentrate deeply on the kind of love you want to bring into your life as you place each item in the bag.

Health

Bag Color: Yellow, blue

Herbs: Peppermint, St. Johns Wort, Thyme

Gemstones: Amethyst, sunstone

Charm: Toadstone or something to symbolize the sun. The sun is the heart of the solar system and provides life to all living things on Earth, so it is a preferred talisman for health.

Prayer: “Keep my mind and body strong and fit. Strengthen both my heart and wit.”

Visualize yourself at your perfect physical and mental health as you place each item in the bag.

Carry your charm bag in your pocket, display them on an altar or prominent place to remind you of its intention, or gift it to a friend. Just like your crystals, you can set your charm bags out in the light of the full moon to give them a good cleaning. Whether it be for protection, luck, love, or health, have fun in the childlike wonder and playfulness of creating your charm bag!

Healing Sounds: Tibetan Singing Bowls

Can you really receive healing energy from singing bowls?

I’m sure you’ve seen them in your yoga class, or maybe you’ve even got your own singing bowl. They’re becoming more and more mainstream in Western culture, but what’s all the fuss? Can these pleasant sounds really help heal us from the inside out?I’ve done the research for you and have learned that singing bowls can in fact help you heal. (More on this and where to start your collection later.) I also learned about an unexpected communication link between singing bowls and the Buddha, but here’s a little history first.

Where Do They Come From?

Tibetan Singing Bowls date back to 560-480 B.C. and knowledge of the singing bowls were only passed on by high-ranking lamas or spiritual masters. To complicate the passing down of this study, the teachings were traditionally spoken between teacher and student. There’s virtually no written text on the topic! I, however, came across an interview with a lama (spiritual leader) regarding the mystical singing bowls!

Communication from The Buddha

In the interview, the lama told all about how the singing bowls are a means of communication for Buddha, how cool! So, if you are listening to singing bowls, here are a few things you might learn directly from Buddha.

Emptiness: The sound of the singing bowl gives the teaching of broadness and emptiness. This is the essence of Buddha’s teaching. In emptiness, all things are possible. Having a bad day? Emptiness allows feelings and emotions to not linger for too long. It allows us to not take everything so seriously, which I really need a lesson in on a daily basis!

Healing with Singing Bowls

Ok, now here’s some awesomeness for ya! The medical director at the Deepak Chopra Center in California found that both chanting AND Tibetan Singing Bowls are chemically metabolized into internal healing agents and painkillers! Here’s the lowdown on how the singing bowls promote healing in our bodies:

Vibrations: All matter vibrates. When we have an ailment, it is a part of us that is vibrating out of tune. Singing bowls can literally change the matter within you by sending vibrations to your body that bring everything back into harmony. This can be done by having singing bowls played around your body, or even having them played while they rest on top of your body!

Emotional Response: Singing bowls heal us physically because they touch us on deep emotional planes. The sound creates a spiritual awakening that quiets negative self-talk and synchronizes our brainwaves to bring awareness of a mind/body connection.

Mind-blowing right?! Well, if you got as excited as I did about these you might want to start your collection now. I found an amazing shop on Etsy that sells small, very affordable, singing bowls that you can even coordinate with your chakras, check them out here.I’d love to hear any singing bowl experiences you have had, or if you have a favorite singing bowl, let me know! Send us an email.

Essential Oils on the Go // 4 Rollerball Blends for Daily Use

With all this talk of essential oils, I bet you’ll be wanting to take them with you wherever you go! For good reason, too! Essential oils aren’t just something you spritz on your pillow at night. They have so many uses that you’ll wish you had one on hand for every occasion.I’m always on the go, and there are countless moments throughout the day where I’m tired, I’m feeling down….and good god, a pimple!! Where are my essential oils when I need them?? Rollerballs are here to save the day! A perfect little fun-sized container for our precious EO blends.

What You’ll Need

• Tinted glass roller bottles

• An eyedropper (many rollerball sets will come with these)

• Essential oils

• A carrier oil. Any of the following will work wonderfully:

  • Fractionated coconut oil

  • Sweet almond oil

  • Olive oil

  • Sunflower oil

The Recipes

ZIT ZAPPER

Let’s start with a blend that treats the arch-nemesis that we are plagued by from time to time, if not chronically. Whether a pimple is predictable on a daily basis or pops up at the most inconvenient moment, you need a remedy! So here it is.

• 20 Drops Lavender Oil

• 20 Drops Tea Tree Oil

• 20 Drops Frankincense

• Fill with the desired amount of carrier oil and shake to mix

MIDDAY PICK-ME-UP (JET LAG BLEND)

This past month has kept me super busy. I’ve entertained house guests, taken road trips and long plane rides, and “sleep” has become a word from a foreign language. Here's a blend that will wake you up and invigorate your senses. Use this blend to pull you through a study session or to bring clarity to a mental fog while you’re in the office.

• 8 Drops Eucalyptus Oil

• 6 Drops Peppermint Oil

• 30 Drops Lemon Oil

• 2 Drops Cinnamon Oil

• Fill with the desired amount of carrier oil and shake to mix

MOOD SUPPORT

No one likes feeling down, but it happens. It’s part of being human. Maybe someone said something that made you feel less than, or not a part of. Perhaps you are mourning a loss, or you are disappointed about expectations that weren’t met. Try this rollerball blend for some comfort and to improve your attitude. This blend works well when inhaled. Apply it to your hands, cup your hands over your mouth and nose, and breathe deep.

• 20 Drops Bergamot Oil

• 20 Drops Frankincense

• 20 Drops Lavender Oil

• Fill with the desired amount of carrier oil and shake to mix

A BLEND FOR YOUR GUY - TURN YOUR MAN ON TO EO’S

I saw this “Lumber Jack Blend” and couldn’t leave it out! I’m a sucker for all things sandalwood. Have your favorite counterpart use this as his cologne or even as an oil for that beard he’s been sporting. Can’t wait to try this out on my main squeeze!

• 10 Drops Patchouli

• 10 Drops Sandalwood

• 10 Drops Clary Sage

• 10 Drops Frankincense

• Fill with the desired amount of carrier oil and shake to mix

Hope these recipes remedy some of the things that afflict you! We would also love to hear any of your tried and true EO rollerball concoctions!

Breathe Deep with These 3 DIY Lavender Recipes

Aside from smelling heavenly, lavender comes with a slew of amazing benefits. Lavender can help with anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, PMS, antiseptic and a recent study reported in the Journal of Medical Microbiology shows that lavender oil is a potent anti-fungal as well. Take a look around your home. Hand soap, body lotion, countertop cleaner, linen spray, candles…you probably keep some sort of lavender-scented item in your home.

I wondered, what else this amazing herb could be used for? It turns out lavender is a gold mine for DIY home products! I’ve chosen three that I think you’ll find come in super handy.

Lush Lavender Bath Scrub

Lavender oil is a choice pick for a bath time scrub! This oil works as an antiseptic to promote healing of the skin. It’s also popular for assisting with sleep. Insomnia may have met its match with this one! So, get ready to settle your senses after a long day.

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this delectable and healing scrub:

• Mason or apothecary jar

• 1 1/2 cups of organic sugar

• 1/4 cup of olive oil

• Mix the ingredients together to coat the sugar. Add dried lavender flowers for some extra pizzaz!

Chilled Lavender Towels

Lavender oil’s sedating qualities work well for sleeplessness AND pain relief. Whether you have a headache, fever or you’re white-knuckling it through childbirth--its ability to curb pain really is astonishing! Here is one of my most cherished methods for diminishing discomfort.

How To:

• Fill your sink with water and add 6-10 drops of lavender oil

• Soak several hand towels in the lavender water (let excess water run off of the towels)

• Roll up the towels and put them on a tray in the freezer

• Grab a towel from the freezer whenever you are in need. These little bits of magic are nothing short of amazing. Place one across your forehead or unroll it to cover your nose and mouth. Now relax and breathe in the crisp, cool, heavenly aroma for some obligatory tranquility.

Lavender Insect Repellent

My personal favorite! If you’re worried about all of those harsh chemicals in regular bug sprays like I am, you’ll love this one. Plus, it’s super easy! What’s better than an au naturel bug spray smelling of sweet, sweet lavender? Gliding through the woods, free of bug bites and smelling like an angel…Ha! I’m in!

Ingredients & How To:

• Fill an 8oz spray bottle halfway with distilled water

• Add 30-50 drop of lavender oil

• Add witch hazel to fill the remainder of the bottle

• Venture to the great outdoors with a new-found freedom from deet…and mosquitos!

Bonus Lavender Quick Tips

Make lavender oil a staple in your stash. You can find it at a health food store, specialty grocery store, or maybe you even have a friend that sells EO’s. It can be used alone, or with a carrier oil. Choose a food-grade oil for lavender lemonade, or pick a lavender oil to keep in your first aid kit for its topical anesthetic properties. Sometimes I’ll even rub a little lavender oil on my hands to give my easily irritated chi, Ren, a belly rub, this miraculously always helps him calm down.

Lavender is a great reminder to stop and take a deep breath on a busy day. Send me a DM with your lavender oil tips and tricks! Bonus points if you can let me in on your favorite lavender oil rollerball blend and its uses. I’d love to feature it in an upcoming post and share it with all of our community!