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Can altars be used for both spiritual and non-spiritual purposes?

Rozella Prop

Hey there! Yes, I totally believe that altars can be used for both spiritual and non-spiritual purposes!

On the spiritual side, altars can be a deeply significant part of any religious practice - a space to set intentions, to connect with a higher power, and to show reverence for something greater than ourselves. Depending on the tradition, altars may be adorned with sacred objects, candles, incense, or offerings - all carefully chosen to represent the beliefs and values of the community. I've seen altars used in this way for everything from yoga and meditation to modern pagan rituals and traditional Catholic services.

But there's also a more secular side to altars as well! In the home, I've seen people use altars as a way to create a small, serene space for themselves. Maybe it's a corner of the room with a pretty plant, a favorite photograph, and a few calming candles. Maybe it's a windowsill with a collection of stones, a vase of flowers, and a book of poetry. Whatever the specifics, the idea is the same - to create a sense of tranquility and comfort in a sometimes-stressful world. I think this kind of personal altar can be a great way to practice mindfulness and self-care, and to remind ourselves to slow down and take a breath once in a while.

In a more public setting, altars can also be used for commemoration and activism. I've seen examples of community altars set up after tragedies, as a way to honor those who have been lost and to bring people together in a shared experience of grief. Similarly, altars have been used in social movements as a visual representation of the struggles and victories of a given group. For example, during the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and 90s, activists created a series of powerful memorials and altars to raise awareness, share stories, and demand change.

Overall, I think that the meaning of an altar is ultimately up to the person creating it, or to the community using it. Whether it's a place of devotion, a place of refuge, or a place of resistance, an altar can be a powerful tool for expressing and exploring the deepest parts of ourselves. So, can altars be used for both spiritual and non-spiritual purposes? Absolutely - and in my book, the more uses, the better!