- 1). Clean your altar space using non-toxic cleansers whether you are using a small table or a large, ornate cabinet or carved altar. Sometimes a simple dusting is all that is needed. Oil wooden surfaces using tung oil. Allow the oils or any cleansing items to dry fully.
- 2
Candles add light to altars.Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
Lay altar cloths over the altar top. You can combine different cloths, or use plain fabrics in colors you like. If you have sashes or braiding and trim pieces, you can either drape them or sew them onto the various fabric pieces to your liking. Hang a thangka or fabric icons and paintings behind and above the altar space for background. - 3
Sacred texts may be on the altar or nearby.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
Place large items in the center or at the four corners. You can choose one main central piece, such as a statue of Kwan Yin, the Virgin Mary, or a large vase for flower arrangements. Or you can group several larger items together, such as a favorite large icon with several smaller ones nearby. - 4
Offering bowls can be filled with rice, fruit, seeds, flower petals and so forth.Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
Set tall pillars or taper candlesticks and candles toward the back. These can also be set to either side of central items. Smaller votive candles are best in votive holders nearer to the front for easy access. - 5
Use a safe holder when burning incense.Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images
Place low, wide bowls such as those for regular offering items of food, water, milk and so forth near the front so you can access them easily when needed. - 6). Fill in the remaining space with bells, crosses, feathers, religious items, sacred texts, stones, and the rest of the pieces that are meaningful to you. Add smallest items last. Work outward to fill the spaces -- but avoid overcrowding.
- 7). Stand back and evaluate how the altar looks and feels and make any minor adjustments as needed. Set your cushions, pillows, bench or stool in front of the altar or nearby.
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