Sacred Space, Sacred Time: How To Build a Sacred Space

Sacred space can be found anywhere, touch the infinite...

We all need space, we all need time to ourselves. In Exodus 3:15 - Word of God: When the Lord saw Moses was coming closer, He called him from the middle of the bush and said: "Moses, Moses,"

He answered, "Yes, here I am."

God said, "Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals because you are standing on holy ground."

Indeed, in one little corner, in a fraction of time, allow yourself to get in touch with your inner being. It can do wonders and give expression to your faith. A sacred personal space allows you to reflect on your life, on your day, on what tomorrow may bring. Find a small place where you can shed a tear, or breathe a sigh of relief, quiet a troubled mind or savor a few victories.

Sacred Space

This is a place to reflect and contemplate on what is important to you, to allow a connection with your inner self, without interference, and in solitude. A sacred space could be as simple as a table top, a corner of the bedroom - simply a place just for you to enjoy few precious moments alone. No, a whole room, or many hours, are necessary. Look - is there a small table top, a spot on the dresser, an isolated corner, an idle spot that collects clutter and dust?

Joseph Campbell, author of The Hero with a Thousand Faces (Mythos Books) and other books, has this to say about sacred time, sacred space: You must have room or a certain hour of the day or so where you do not know what is in the morning paper. A place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are or might be.

At first you might think nothing is happening. But,if after creating a sacred space and taking advantage of it and using it everyday, something will happen. The word "sacred," evokes a feeling of something holy, serene, worthy of reverence. Any space can be a sacred space, the same as standing on Holy ground!

The Four Elements of a Sacred Space

Consider incorporating these elements when creating a sacred space. What thoughts, what feelings, what sensations do the four elements evoke in your being?

• Earth represents foundation, stability, a feel of the power and beauty of nature, of Mother Earth, the physical world. Clear away the debris and clutter of the chosen area. This removes negative energies that come with clutter and dirt. A small potted plant would be a nice touch.

• Water influences the conscious and sub-conscious forces that act on our lives. Water seeks to heal and nurture those around it. Consider a goblet or a crystal bowl filled with water. Remember to keep this fresh. This also gives a mild humidifying effect in the room. Alternatively, a water fountain would be an asset for this element.

• Fire is the element that projects self-expression, creativity and enthusiasm. Without fire, there can be no radiance, no conviction, no passion nor expression. A glowing candle fulfills this element, a white candle represents all the colors. The color of the candle reflects the energy created in the sacred space. A green candle is for luck and finance, red is for passion and courage, and so forth.

• Air. This element establishes itself in the realm of the intellect. It is through the process of thinking that ideas develop, it is a means of communication. Knowledge is gained and shared through this element. It enables one to reach out to the mental self. Enjoy the gentle breeze that changes with winter, spring, summer or fall. Open a window to let some air in, if this is not possible, use a mechanical fan.

The elements are just one aspect of enhancing your sacred space. No matter how limited the space is, you can make room for an altar, incorporating the four elements with it. The surface need not be elaborate, it is the intention that counts.

Gathering Materials:

Plan thoroughly to incorporate all the materials needed. It is important and worth the effort. An example:   A small table top covered with an elegant lace, add votive candles, a goblet filled with water and the bottom lined with stones or crystals, fresh flowers, a potted plant, a gentle breeze from a window or electric fan, a statue of your God/dess, or whatever deity you believe in. Picture frames depicting what is precious to you, the smell of burning incense, a water fountain (if there is enough room). This is your sacred space, you can add or remove objects as you see fit.

Try to consider the seasons and celebrations that come your way. Pussy willows mark the coming of Spring, fresh flowers of the season are inviting. A bowl of fresh fruits is another possiblity. These gestures pay homage to the beauty and bounty of Mother Earth.

Do you follow the cycles of the Moon? Vary the offerings as the moon waxes and wanes - an added touch to help you connect with the Universe.

Do you travel often? If there is room for cosmetics, there is certainly room for items to set up a sacred space where ever you go. Bring along a votive candle, your favorite crystal, picture of loved ones, prayer beads, your favorite incense, or a bottle of aromatic oil. How much room would this take?

Christmas makes a colorful theme for the altar, enhance your altar with objects that define what Christmas means to you.

What next?

After setting up the altar, begin the dedication of this sacred space, start using this at a set time, to start the day, to make daily affirmations. Spending time in this space raises the vibration of the area, the energy around it. What thoughts come to your family and friends when they look at your altar?

Excerpt: "Make your space very special, a place where you are reminded of your Divinity, your connection to Spirit. Whenever you see it, you will know it is your temple, your sanctuary, where you can relax and take care of yourself. Each of us carries our sacred space within us and our challenge is to live from it throughout our life's journey, throughout our earth walk." - Seneca Elder, Twylah Nitsch

Sacred Time

Time - is the most precious commodity available to man, yet, many of us forget that time lost is gone forever. "I don't have time" is a very common excuse... Allow yourself sacred time - a moment of no pressure, no rules, no obligations. A time to yourself, to discover something rare and beautiful. Listen to your Inner self, this takes "time," but eventually, you will feel connected to your deepest awareness.

Thomas Moore in his book The Re-Enchantment of Everyday Life writes: "A few moments of silence may be all the meditation we need at times."

Our homes should have a little space for withdrawal and quiet. A cluttered mind has trouble sorting out priorities, tends to be careless, throws caution to the wind, it operates on a "crisis" mode. It is difficult to get it to slow down, much less, quiet down. Take a moment each day, in your sacred space and pamper yourself with sacred time. a time to meditate, a time to reflect, a time to contemplate. This is a moment of peace and quiet.

Take a moment to reflect on your life, what makes you happy? What inspires you? Give yourself a pat on the back for all your achievements. Do not forget to give thanks to your God/ess for all the blessings in your life.Make time, allow yourself this luxury of a time to yourself.

You hear these words a lot: "Take a deep breathe" Why not add to this, take the time to enjoy the process of deep breathing, a few seconds, a minute or longer. Fill your lungs with fresh air, enjoy a burst of energy and as you exhale, let go of the negative feelings that drain you.

Sacred time is flexible. A walk down the street, in the woods, down a country road, a brief moment in a quiet corner of the garden, or as you take your first sip of coffee in the morning - simple activities that add up to precious time with yourself. Awareness makes sacred time.

As you allow yourself this sacred time, you will gradually feel calmness, peace and happiness. These are very welcome quests, I assure you. Hopefully, this will help you from feeling edgy sometimes over trifles. Yes, trivial things get magnified in a mind that has not experienced a "sacred" time. Do not feel you are being selfish when you allow yourself precious few minutes. Think of it as a time to rejuvenate sagging energy and a time to calm down, time to relieve stress and time to get centered and focused. You will end up offering those around you a more relaxed and calmer person. Sacred space and sacred time is within us, it is with us wherever we go.

Creating space and making time highlights the importance of sacred space and sacred time, to sanctify, to bring out the core of the inner self.

About the author:  Bonnie Moss is enjoying retirement and spends her time pursuing her dreams and other interests, especially writing. She writes on spirituality with the use of tarot cards, aura, and highlights the inspiration from within oneself by listening to intuition and that "Inner Voice" we are all endowed with. Visit her website: http://goldencupcafe.tripod.com

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