Here are three types of life and death positive altars you might consider building in your own space:
1. The Gratitude Altar
A gratitude altar serves as a daily reminder to focus on what we cherish and that for this moment we are alive. In Jeff Foster’s brilliant poem, You Will Lose Everything, he says, “Impermanence has already rendered everything and everyone around you so deeply holy and significant and worthy of your heartbreaking gratitude.” Each time you place something on the altar, you create a moment of reflection, an opportunity to pause and acknowledge your own existence.
2. The Grief Altar
In a world that encourages us to move past our sorrow quickly, building a grief altar gives us permission to sit with our losses. This space can be a reminder to be with grief. You might place objects that represent your pain, a photo of someone you miss, or a reminder to journal about the changes in your life. In this practice, as your grief is seen and felt, it anchors you to the cycles of life and builds a bridge toward healing.
3. The Ancestor Altar
An ancestor altar is a way to honor those who came before us and passed on to another world before us. The word ancestor, in this context, refers to anyone who has passed into the spirit world, regardless if they were related to you or older than you when they passed. If you loved them and they are gone, they are an ancestor, as they now dwell in the ancestral realms.
- The practice of honoring our sacred dead, still common in many cultures, creates a link between the living and the dead, reminding us that we are part of a long lineage of humans who were born and have died.
- To build an ancestor altar, gather photos or objects that remind you of your beloved—perhaps a piece of jewelry, a stone, a book, or a favorite mug. Take time to sit at the altar, speak to those you honor, and invite their wisdom into your life. This practice helps cultivate a relationship with those who have transitioned, making their presence an active part of your daily life.
I have a separate ancestry altar but these components can be combined. Over time, these practices become habits and enrich our lives. I’d love to hear about your altars if you care to share.
