Creating an Alter

by admin

in Vastu - Designing Sacred Space

The concept for this health alter comes from Robin and Michael Mastro’s book, Alters of Power and Grace. It employs the principals of Vastu Shastra, Vedic architectural design. Vastu is a sister science of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Jyotish Astrology. The Vastu health alter is specifically designed to create personal harmony with the universe. By praying at our alter for a few moments every morning, we strongly realign with the forces of nature. We thereby attract good health, as well as alleviate karmic health problems that can not be solved by medicine alone.

Step 1 – Create a sacred space along the East wall. Cover a table with a white or golden colored cloth. (Any gold placed on the alter represents the Sun, giver of vibrant health.)

Place the following items in their respective directions:

Step 2 – NOTHEAST corner –WATER element.
At night fill a small copper vessel with fresh drinking water. After morning prayers this can be used as holy water to drink or sprinkle. Copper charged water helps with digestion and assimilation.

Step 3 – SOUTHEAST corner – FIRE element.
In a small metal dish place a ghee lamp (hand rolled cotton wick soaked in ghee). This can be lit each time we stand at the alter to pray. Ghee attracts sattvic (pure) frequencies from heaven.

Step 4 – SOUTHWEST corner – EARTH element.
Place a small potted plant of Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum). In Ayurveda Tulsi is renowned for its adaptogenic ability to help the body and mind to cope with stress. The sacred Tulsi plant also purifies the home environment.

Step 5 – NORTHWEST corner –AIR element.
Burning a Sandalwood incense stick calms the Vata tension in the mind, as it wafts through the air. It enhances peace and tranquility of thought. Another possibility is placing a bell, whose sound waves ring through the air, focusing the mind and dispelling any negative forces.

Step 6 – CENTER – SPACE element.
Keep this space open except for a small offering tray. On it place simply written health intentions / affirmations.

If one is so inclined, chant the “Maha Mrityunjay Mantra” daily. This simple 4 lined chant to Lord Shiva is known to heal all physical and emotional ailments.

The above items are just suggestions to put in the elemental locations. Be creative and choose personal symbols, pictures, or religious items that are meaningful to you, and evoke the feelings of vibrant health.

Foods, herbs, supplements, and even prescription medicines can be placed on the alter during prayer. Their healing abilities will be magnified.

Giving your alter attention will unfold in many blessings. This alter can be activated daily to bring real healing to oneself, family members, friends and even our Mother Earth.

To purchase items mentioned in this article, please contact Avani Sukhadia  of Authentic Ayurveda of Sedona. (928) 284-1114
www.ayurveda-sedona.com

For more information on Vastu Shastra and Alters visit www.vastucreations.com

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