In our conversation with Sarah Grady last week, she discussed her altar, and how she opens and closes her day with a reflection in front of her altar.
And I thought Do all y’all know about altars? Do you have altars? Do you think they’re either a Christian church thing or some woo-woo airy-fairy witchcraft voodoo freakishness?
I can only answer that last question: yes and no.
Yes, altars in Christian churches are sacred spaces, designed around intentional iconography and hallowed objects where the priest conducts worship ceremonies.
All sects of Christianity have altars in their worship houses, but altars are neither unique nor original to Jesus. Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto and Paganism all utilize altars as part of their sacred practice.
Altars have been utilized throughout human history. Archeologists around the world have found remnants of altars dedicated to success in hunting, fertility spirits and more that are thousands of years old.
There are plenty of other types of altars, equally charged with meaning, but more persona.l Many have nothing to do with any kind of religion.
I’m willing to bet you have at least one little altar in your life somewhere.
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