Inside altar honoring Kwan Yin and the elementals
This is what came during this morning’s brief meditation….another reminder that deep listening takes us sometimes indirectly and unexpectedly to what wants sharing. The mind is a wonderful tool, but only in service to spirit. I noticed over the last several days of strong breeze, a clearing around some decisions I needed to make in 3D reality, but also some rememberings came forward. So rather than writing about the wonderful stone, tourmaline (soon to come), or about other inspired interests filling my brain, today’s writing comes from that other place. There is a voice I heard even as a child, a purposeful, familiar whisper about what matters, a call to the simple sacred truths of life here on earth. It is quiet, but persistent, yet important to heed.
All of us have natural attractions to and processes for creating beauty and feelings of contentment or engagement, usually coming in through our senses, then out through our doings. What appeals to us… in our home, our clothing, music we choose to listen to, the colors and textures we prefer in our environment, the art we respond to, and of course the taste and smell of food or flowers, is not random. I think there is more to it than preference. Memories bring forth associations with our past, and reminders of a deeper resonance to our place within, and as an integral part of the great forces of nature. We are drawn to bring them into our lives. In my series of writings on the elements, some of these ideas came forward. Consciously, creating personal meaning through interaction with our senses, and in self-expression, we become more grounded…seated further into connections that reach beyond our personality and ego. Sometimes the simplest piece is overlooked.
So, I want to share what I have learned about personal talismans, amulets, and altars. Usually these are categorized as “fairy tale” concepts, or some kind of religious practice or another. I see it differently. As modern folks, we have misplaced our honest connection to the natural world, and can even suffer disconnection/dislocation from our true selves. Yes, we love to see the sunrise or sunset, walk by the ocean, sit by a fire, grow a garden, hear an owl hooting. These experiences engage our sense of wonder, reaching back to reclaim our more primal connections with nature. As many deer as I see every single day, I still marvel at their grace. When the sow and cubs cross the pasture, I feel excited pleasure. Finding a feather, a beautiful stone in the creek, a stick w/ a certain look and feel, sitting on a tree’s mossy roots, or even pausing in the flower beds to be still with the bees and butterflies, I say, “Thank you for this blessing and so many more.” But, we can reach into our experiences, and bring these moments into clearer focus by responding in new ways.
Creating meaningful areas in our home or outdoor spaces is one way to restore balance and harmony. And the doing does not need to be formulaic at all. Objects that we feel are “special” can be placed in a designated spot. They may change with the seasons, with what is happening at the time, or in any way we might be guided to shift them. An ancestor altar, with pictures or items honoring the generations that came before us, is a means of remembering and sharing within a family. Many cultures around the world choose to do this. Lighting a candle, saying what wants saying, or asking for ancestral help and guidance is a powerful way to ground ourselves in our family history, and connect us to our “spirit roots”. Seasonal or elemental shrines bring the beauty of nature and wisdom teachings inherent in them to form in a real everyday kind of way. Having these altars, nearby infuses our spiritual practice (whatever it is) with purposeful energy and meaning, or can just hold a place of respect and awareness within our environment. Using color and objects that recall the time of year, or the power of the elements, then making a place to sit near gives a simple sacred space more presence in our lives. Creating a small altar outside, even if temporary…a simple shrine inviting the spirits of the woods, water, mountains, plant devas (or whatever you wish to come in or honor) is a beautiful way to commune with the natural world. Add a song, say some words, enjoy a silent meditation, initiate an exchange of energy…whatever comes up is perfect. Folks build rock cairns when they go to the river, build sand castles and draw on the beach, fly kites. We love making and watching fire. It is a natural inclination for us to work and play with nature. Maybe we lost some understanding along the way, but we still have the instinctual drive to connect and interact.
Athena talisman, black tourmaline amulet palm stone
We all have held or been near things that just “feel” good to us. An amulet is an ornament or piece of jewelry thought to give protection against evil, danger, or disease, and a talisman is an object with magickal powers that brings good luck. Whether it be an acorn, a sea shell, or anything else under the sun or moon, there are good reasons to keep both. I do. An amulet stone of black tourmaline stays in my purse, or in my car when traveling. I also keep representations of my animal allies with me, a combination amulet/talisman. Holding or wearing talismans encourages attentiveness, offering kinesthetic and energetic support as we go through our everyday lives. I empty my pockets before sleep, but a few remain by my bed, as that is where they do their work. I choose each morning what will accompany me through the day. They change from time to time, dependent on what feels needed. Amulets and talismans are tools that build the bridge between our conscious and unconscious mind. They tell stories about who we are, our desires, our dreams. They hold energy. They put us in touch with our personal power, as humans on this earth. Anything can be an amulet or talisman. And only you know your own.
A couple of personal talismans
Keeping a talisman bag, a collection of what “calls” us can also be empowering pathwork. Adding found objects, herbs, stones, charms, flower petals, swatches of cloth and/or ribbon, really anything.…our imagination frees us to be in a place of no judgement, and purely responsive to the voice of inner knowing. Including inspiring words, messages from our dreamworld, or intention statements add a personal invocation to spirit. Intuition informs me that the only needed guidance, whether for a found object, something written down, or made by our hands, is that our choices be directed from spirit, felt in the body, or known by the heart. Sharing this work with our children, encouraging them to create their own altars (especially wonderful in their bedroom) or talisman bags, if they show interest, opens up many teaching/learning moments. This is a process where young ones are free to follow their feelings and observations while listening to their own resident wisdom. Children are usually very good at this, often better than adults, and have much to teach us about spontaneity and magick.
A few different talisman bags
Not only are these intentional acts an acknowledgement of the importance of spirit, connection to the forces of nature, or the generations that preceded us, they are fun to make, and use! They bring, peace, joy, a sense of abundance, and are a strong means of support we come to count on… “Every step a prayer, every act a blessing”. We find ourselves noticing with our senses more than we may have ever before, or at least since childhood, and are open to our authentic artistic muse. Being “in flow” seems a natural occurrence when we give ourselves permission to get out of our heads and into an open space of allowing. I know each person has unique gifts and talents, and I also know there is no right or wrong way to attune to the energies of nature or spirit. It if feels right and good, pleases you, and harms no one, you have found your way.
Open to spirit. Practice discernment. Enjoy the doing. Love the being.
A shrine for my Turtle ally