CITY OF ALTARS "KWANZAA ALTAR INSTALLATION" THE "WHAT- NOT -SHELF"
How To Make An Altar: Materials, Setup, And Maintenance Guide
Learn about the materials needed, choosing the location, setting up the altar, incorporating personal items, maintenance tips, and altar rituals.
Mama Crecy Tatum Burks and Lois L. Burks are photos on the top level of the altar shelf.
Middle shelf: Uncle Alpha Betta Bruton, John C. Laney, Mother Bessie Bruton-Turner, 2nd tier.
Lower shelf: Gerald G. Laney and Jolanda D. Laney
Completed Installation, the prayer rug was shipped to me by Wanda Davis, who served in the Gulf War in 1987, as the focal point of the Installation and backdrop for the line of ribbons that hold prayers to our ancestor that we encouraged guests to write on and tie on the line.
Uncle Alpha Betta Bruton ( I am named after), John C. Laney, and younger siblings.
Altar Cloth: I chose these crochet dollies as they provoked memories of growing up and spending hours crocheting; these are also found on whatnot shelves or underneath vases.
An altar cloth serves as the base for your altar and provides a sacred space for your rituals and offerings. Choose a fabric that resonates with you, whether it's a solid color, patterned, or made from a natural material like silk or cotton. The fabric should be large enough to cover the surface of your altar.
My stepfather is John C. Laney, my youngest brother is Gerald Glenn Laney, and my youngest sister is Jolanda D. Laney. Elements of the earth: Pine needles, ground corn meal, and red clay dirt.
I adored this found object, "Tree of Life," with white cotton bulbs and pearls. Hanging strings of pearls to represent "Pearls of Wisdom."
Pearls have been a symbol of beauty, wealth, and wisdom for centuries. They have been worn by royalty and fashion icons, representing a timeless symbol of elegance and power. But what do pearls really symbolize? From ancient times to the modern day, pearls have held a variety of meanings, ranging from purity and innocence to success and prosperity. White pearls are often associated with purity, innocence, and faithfulness.
The Cobalt Blue Vase is filled with water as the 4th element.
Incense: Incense has been used for centuries to purify and cleanse spaces. I used lavender mist and oils; these flowers were picked fresh from Shonna McDaniel's front yard. It added a pleasant aroma and created a serene atmosphere during the altar installation. Consider scents that evoke specific emotions or energies you want to incorporate into your practice.
What Is a Bottle Tree?
It's generally agreed that bottle trees date back, at the very least, to the 9th century Congo. However, some garden gurus believe they go back even further—as early as 1600 B.C. when hollow glass bottles first appeared in Mesopotamia. In any event, the tradition carried over to the southern U.S. through the slave trade. Legend had it that the bottles trapped evil spirits. For that reason, bottles in cobalt blue—a healing color—were preferred. Similarly, Southerners have long-painted porch ceilings blue to ward off evil spirits.
Candles: Candles play a significant role in altar rituals.
They symbolize light, purity, and spiritual presence. Choose candles that align with your intentions and preferences. Standard options include white candles for purification, colored ones associated with specific intentions or deities, or scented ones that create a particular ambiance.
Kanika Marshall, at SOJO Museum at the opening of the "City of Altars." An exhibit celebrating Kwanzaa at Sojourner Truth African Heritage Museum.
Conversation with the Earthkeeper, lighting a candle.
Statues or Symbols: Statues or symbols represent the deities, spirits, or energies you wish to honor or connect with on your altar. Choose statues or symbols that hold personal significance to you. They can be made from wood, metal, or stone. If you prefer not to use specific religious or spiritual symbols, you can opt for more universal symbols representing concepts like love, wisdom, or strength.
Barbara Bruton Taylor's collection was on my first cousin's fireplace mantle of her home in Vacaville, California; it called to me as an object that I wanted to honor her with in my installation. She passed away in June of 2023.
While the essential items form the core of your altar, there are additional items you can consider to enhance your sacred space. These optional items can be tailored to your personal preferences and beliefs. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Crystals: Crystals are believed to hold unique energies and can amplify intentions or connect with specific aspects of spirituality. Choose crystals that align with your intentions or resonate with you personally. Popular options include clear quartz for clarity and amplification, rose quartz for love and compassion, or amethyst for spiritual connection and protection.
Herbs and Plants: Incorporating herbs and plants on your altar can bring the energy of nature and its healing properties into your practice. Fresh or dried herbs like lavender, rosemary, or sage can be used for their cleansing or aromatic qualities. Potted plants or fresh flowers can also add a touch of natural beauty and vitality to your sacred space.
Ritual Tools: Ritual tools such as a chalice, athame (ritual knife), or wand can enhance your altar rituals. These tools are often associated with specific traditions or practices. Choose tools that resonate with you and feel comfortable to handle. Remember, these tools are meant to be symbolic and should reflect your own personal connection to spirituality.
Offering Dishes: Offering dishes provides a designated space to place offerings such as food, water, or other items that hold symbolic meaning. These dishes can be made from ceramic, glass, or metal materials. Choose dishes that suit your aesthetic preferences and are practical for your offerings.
Remember, the optional items are unnecessary for creating an altar, but they can add depth and personalization to your sacred space. Feel free to explore and experiment with items that align with your beliefs and resonate with your spirit. The most crucial aspect of your altar is that it reflects your unique spiritual journey and provides a space for meaningful connection and reflection.
Choosing the Location for Your Altar
When creating an altar, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is where to place it. The location of your altar can significantly influence the energy and atmosphere of your sacred space. In this section, we will explore the considerations for choosing between an indoor or outdoor altar, as well as essential factors to keep in mind when deciding on the placement within that desired space.
Indoor altars provide privacy and protection, allowing you to create a dedicated space in the comfort of your home. They are ideal for those who prefer a more intimate and controlled environment for their spiritual practice. Whether it's a small corner in your bedroom or a designated room solely for spiritual activities, indoor altars offer the convenience of accessibility and the ability to create a personal sanctuary.
On the other hand, outdoor altars can connect you with the natural world and the elements. They provide a unique opportunity to incorporate the beauty and energy of nature into your spiritual practice.
The vastness of the outdoors can evoke a sense of awe and wonder, allowing you to feel more connected to the universe and the divine. If you can access a garden, patio, or even a balcony, creating an outdoor altar can be a powerful way to commune with nature.
Considerations for Placement
Once you have decided whether to have an indoor or outdoor altar, it's essential to consider the specific placement within that chosen space. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when determining the placement of your altar:
Visibility and Accessibility: Choose a location that is easily visible and accessible. You want your altar to be a focal point you can see and interact with daily. This will remind you to engage in regular spiritual practices and strengthen your connection with your altar.
Natural Light: Place your altar in a location that receives natural light. Sunlight can infuse your sacred space with warmth and positive energy. It can also enhance the colors of your altar items and create a visually appealing environment.
Stability and Safety: Ensure that the surface where you place your altar is stable and secure. You don't want to risk any accidents or disturbances that could disrupt the energy of your sacred space. If you have pets or young children, consider placing your altar in an area that is out of their reach to prevent any unintentional disturbances.
Privacy and Intention: Consider the level of privacy you desire for your altar. If you prefer a more private and secluded space, choose a location away from high-traffic areas in your home or garden. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in your spiritual practice without distractions.
Elemental Influence: Consider the influence of the elements in your chosen location. Consider the room's air quality, temperature, and humidity if you have an indoor altar. Be mindful of the exposure to wind, rain, and direct sunlight for outdoor altars. Understanding the elemental influences can help you adapt your altar components and rituals accordingly.
Remember, the location and placement of your altar is a highly personal decision. Trust your intuition and choose a space that resonates with you and supports your spiritual journey. By carefully considering whether an indoor or outdoor altar is best for you and the specific placement within that chosen space, you can create a sacred area that reflects your intentions and enhances your spiritual practice.
Setting Up the Altar
Setting up an altar can be a profoundly personal and meaningful experience. It is a space to connect with your spirituality, honor your beliefs, and find solace. Whether you are new to creating an altar or have been practicing for years, there are a few essential steps to consider when setting up your sacred space. This section will explore how to clear the space and arrange the altar items to create a harmonious and purposeful environment.
Clearing the Space
Before setting up your altar, it is essential to clear the space energetically and physically. This step allows you to create a fresh canvas for your spiritual practice and ensures that the energy within the space aligns with your intentions.
To energetically clear the space, you can use various methods, such as smudging with sage or palo santo, ringing a bell or chimes, or using crystals. These practices help to remove any stagnant or negative energy and create a sacred atmosphere. As you move through the space, visualize any unwanted energy dissipating and being replaced with positive and vibrant energy.
I use the bell as a symbol to call the ancestor donated to my collection. I also have sage as a clearing element. The air element is the features; the sculpture voodoo doll was passed on to me by T-Rock Moore when visiting her studio in New Orleans, LA.
@Bruton donated to SOJO Museum 2022
The sculpture I made and pit fired in 1986 is a self-portrait adorned with pearls. It is the lead to a coil slab vessel that broke, and I held on to the head or top of the vessel with the intent of rebuilding it one day.
In addition to energetically clearing the space, it is also important to physically clean the area. Dust, clutter, and dirt can disrupt the flow of energy and detract from the overall ambiance of your altar. Take the time to wipe down surfaces, sweep or vacuum the floor, and remove any unnecessary items from the area. This physical cleansing contributes to the space's cleanliness and allows for greater clarity and focus during your altar rituals and practices.
Arranging the Altar Items
Once the space is cleared and clean, it is time to arrange the items on your altar. The arrangement of these items is highly personal and should reflect your beliefs, intentions, and aesthetic preferences. However, a few general guidelines can help create a visually pleasing and energetically balanced altar.
Begin by selecting a central focal point for your altar. This could be a statue, a sacred symbol, or any item with deep meaning. Place this item in the center of the altar, representing the core of your spiritual practice and serving as a visual anchor.
Surround the central focal point with items that support and enhance your intentions. These may include candles, crystals, flowers, or other meaningful objects. Consider each item's symbolism and energetic properties, ensuring they align with your desired focus. For example, incorporate blue candles and calming crystals such as amethyst or aquamarine if you seek peace and tranquility.
As you arrange the items, pay attention to the flow and balance of the altar. Consider the principles of Feng Shui and the natural elements – earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. You can create a harmonious balance by incorporating representations of these elements on your altar. For example, a small salt dish or a potted plant can represent the earth element, while a feather or incense can symbolize air.
Remember that your altar is a living and evolving space. Feel free to change the arrangement of items as your spiritual journey unfolds and your intentions shift. Trust your intuition and allow your altar to reflect your needs and desires.
Lois L. Burks 12-20-1029 January 1980
