Since ancient times, homes have been holy havens--Mayans and Toltecs built altars to dieties, Egyptians displayed household gods like ferocious-looking Taweret and, since the 17th century, Mexican alaristas (altar builders) have bedecked the Virgin of Guadalupe with bright flowers.
      Buddhists, Hindus and Santerians also worship at home altars, but until only recently, Americans by and large shied away from such down-home manifestations of faith. Not so anymore. Sacred spaces are spreading from coast to coast as homeowners convert closets, corners and bedrooms to prayer and meditation spaces--places that often serve as soul-quieting antidotes to modern stresses.
      A home altar is often the first step toward a full-fledged prayer or meditation room. Make your own sacred space--even if it's in a nook--by first clarifying your intentions, says San Diego spiritual coach Kamala Devi. What do you want: A place to pray? A safe haven for peace and quiet?
      From there, you'll need to think about:
Location, location: Altars can be in bedrooms, attics, backyards, closets or corners of rooms. Shy away from high-traffic and work areas.
Direction: Religious traditions like Vastu and Wicca suggest altars should be north- or east-facing, while Muslim altars, which are generally sparse, face Mecca (east-southeast from most of the United States).


Surface: Pretty much anything will work--a tabletop, dresser, corner shelf. Often altars are covered with fabric, and some religious traditions prescribe particular colors or materials.
Objects: Candles, flowers and images of sacred entities--a cross, Buddha, Hindu gods-adorn altars, often along with objects that are personally symbolic.
Initiation: A prayer, burning sage, sprinkling salt water or ringing bells can initiate your new sacred space. Devi brings new objects--a love letter, herbs, inspiring quotes, candles--to her altar.
Using your altar:Pray, meditate, daydream, journal or practice yoga poses or breathing here.
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Published in Yes!
Portions of this article appeared in Utne

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