For those who have not created an alter space before don't be overwhelmed by the process. Creating an alter can be a fun and uplifting as long as you remain open.

Many traditional spiritual systems make use of an alter to help devotees focus on the energy related to a particular deity or spirit. You’ll find community shrines to the Orisha thought Nigeria, shrines dedicated to the devi of the Hindu pantheon in the sacred temples of India and many New World Yoruba practitioners have alters, shrines and ritual spaces in their homes.

When properly prepared and utilized alters become a constant reminder of the divine and help prepare our conscious mind for change.

You’ll be surprised at how much using your alter as a focal point will help you make it through. I’ve tried to complete Sacred Womyn once before and on the days when I was ready to slip back in to old destructive eating and relationship patterns the image of Mama Biddy Mason always caught my attention and I was immediately reminded of her journey and the reasons why I embarked on the Sacred Womyn path.

For the purposes of our journey the Sacred Womyn alter is used to create a center or a starting point; a place where you can return when you need inspiration and support, a place where you can meditate, do your fire breaths and visualize your sacred self.

An alter / shrine can be created almost anywhere. If you’re low on space a closet, the top of a dresser or a book shelf will do. The most important thing is to find a spot in your home where you will be allotted a little privacy. You can use the end table in your living room; just make sure it’s out of the arms reach of toddlers. If you create your alter in a “high traffic” area of the house involve your older children (especially daughters) in the process by explaining the significance of the women who appear on the alter and the importance of respecting your sacred space.
Once you’ve settled on a location make sure it’s free of dust and dirt. Give the area a good cleaning with some household detergent. And, if you have access to it, sprinkling the area with a bit of Florida Water and smoke your space with a nice incense or sage mix.

From there you can follow Queen Afua’s color and set up suggestions.

Tips & Suggestions
• Pictures of the suggested ancestors, elders and contemporaries can be found online using the Google images search. Print out the images and use construction paper, raffia, cowrie shells and other natural materials to make your own picture frames. (I’ll post examples later)

• All of the materials are fairly easy to find. Most cities have “new age” crystal healing shops that sell the suggested stones and a trip the Michael’s or Joanne’s should supply you with all of the fabric and feathers you need.

• Don’t get caught up in the items that you can’t locate. If you can’t find an Ankh make one out of construction paper or use a symbol that represents your belief system. If you can’t find an African Violet use another sturdy plant. The purpose is to make the space your own.