On the radio show I am doing with my friend Jill Angelo, we have been talking about altars in our offices. These are a few of the ones you would find if you walked into my office/studio space. The first photo is the corner of my desk. The old Buddha sits patiently beside Italian leather books. Patiently waiting for me to open the antique Chinese glass case and lift my pen. Patienly holding space for my thoughts just in case I may be moved to commit them to paper. A constant companion reminding me to stay centered in the present moment, however I choose to spend it.
The next photo is the shelf above my computer. This spot has changed recently as the "project" board from Knossos has moved to make space for the art work of my children. The rest of the shelf remains the same. Inspirational books and authors, spiritual artwork and candles. And a small giraffe to remind me of our trip to San Diego last spring.
The last two photos show my altars in a more traditional sense. I have collected meaningful objects over the years to inspire me and remind me of my journey in the physical world as well as in the spirit and emotional realms. The objects and symbols have changed over the years. Some have moved on as new pieces have been added. Each piece is precious and meaningful to me. There is a snake to symbolize wisdom and transformation, a nautilus sea shell to symbolize the Divine proportion in all of creation, an olive from the Temple of Athena Pronaia at Delphi, and a witch ball to entangle any "negative" energy or spirits that may be hovering about.
These spaces of Grace are always there to remind me of my vision, my journey and my home. They comfort me and support me in ways too numerous to put into words. I cannot envision my home or my life without the rituals I have shared. Their depth and richness has enriched and enchanted my home and my life one hundred fold.
After we lost our beloved 13 year-old poodle earlier this year, I created a special altar for some of the dear departed ones that have touched my life; so now there is a little picture of Simba, when he was young and had socks in his mouth, right next to my smiling Grandma. And a Thai Buddha sits in the middle.
Posted by: Donna | July 28, 2010 at 09:44 AM