"Art is Business"

Our team: Caryl Henry Alexander, Alpha Bruton, Jennifer Andrea "YaYa" Porres, and LA Happy Hyder

2023 June

August 2024

2024 August - elements from Black Girl Altar Project

Caryl Henry Alexander Found and Repurposed the object "The Throne."

Caryl Henry Alexander's installation of  Air and Water Elements

LA Happy Hyder, Installation reflecting Earth and Fire Elements of the four directions.

Altar scared items to perform ceremonies of blessings,

The myriad of altars include personal, ancestral, seasonal, and elemental altars, to name a few. However, the design and purpose of each altar vary widely, reflecting the individual's unique spiritual journey. A personal altar is a sacred space dedicated to your spiritual growth and self-realization.

 Jennifer Andrea "YaYa" Porres is installing a tapestry for musicians and carving out the performance space.

One of the primary functions of a spiritual altar is to serve as a focal point for prayer, meditation, and spiritual practices. It’s a place that helps ground your spiritual energy and aids in concentrating your spiritual intentions. When you dedicate time and attention to your altar, you strengthen your connection with the divine and align yourself with cosmic energy.

In our chaotic and fast-paced world, creating a sacred space around your spiritual altar can serve as a sanctuary, a place of calm and serenity where you can connect with your spiritual self and engage in deep, personal introspection. It’s essential to understand that a sacred space is not just a physical location but a spiritual and mental oasis that allows you to align your energy with your intentions, enhancing your spiritual practice.

Steps to create a sacred space around your spiritual altar 

1. Choose a Location: Start by identifying a location that resonates with you—where you feel calm, relaxed, and at peace. It could be a corner of your room, a space in your garden, or even a designated area in your living room. Remember, this should be a place you can easily access but also offers some privacy for your spiritual practice.
2. Cleanse the Area: Once you’ve chosen a location, it’s crucial to cleanse it to dispel any stagnant or negative energy. This can be accomplished by burning herbs such as sage or palo santo or using a saltwater solution to purify the space. Please remember to use caution and respect in this process, recognizing that these practices are sacred to many cultures.
3. Define Your Space: Establish boundaries for your sacred space. This could be a physical delineation, such as a rug or mat, or a symbolic one, like an arrangement of stones or crystals. This helps to create a unique atmosphere and signals to your subconscious mind that this is a place of spiritual significance.
4. Decorate Your Space: Decorate your space to reflect your personal beliefs and spiritual journey. This could include religious or spiritual symbols, images of deities or spiritual masters, inspirational quotes, or even individual items that hold deep meaning for you.
5. Consistency is Key: Consistency in using your sacred space is crucial. Try to spend time here each day, whether for meditation, prayer, or quiet reflection. This regular practice will imbue the area with energy, making it your sacred space.