Answer Post
Posted on January 20, 2012
That’s actually a great question. Home altars have existed in one form or another since antiquity, but today, different people following different spiritual paths use altars for a myriad of reasons. It’s very relative, and typically depends on whose altar is in question. It may be wholly symbolic, or, (as is the case for me,) may also have practical uses.
As an example, for many Pagans, specifically Wiccans, an altar is a place to work spells or perform rituals, commune with particular deities or connect with nature, or to meditate. For other religious traditions, it’s simply a place of homage in the home to a certain god, deity, or even their ancestors. Some believe it brings the spiritual plane closer to them, or protects them in some way. I suppose some do simply sit in quiet reflection looking at their altars. In Mexico, it’s a common practice to have an ancestral altar in the home with candles, mementos and photos of the deceased as a tribute, and even food items on special occasions like Dia de los Muertos. Many Catholics also have home altars, a kind of in-home chapel in which to communicate with God, pray the rosary, reflect, etc.
For me, the altar is a place of meditation, reflection and relaxation. It’s a place to put away the stresses of the day and meditate. It’s also where I make herbal preparations like handmade incenses, tinctures, ointments and the like. I hope that answers your question, or at least gives you a better idea of what they’re used for/what their purpose is.
