I have always created altars in some form or another. As a child, shells, crystals, little mementos and pictures were placed around my bedroom and proudly displayed on shelves and bedside table. When I moved out, these little ornaments and trinkets made their way outside the bedroom and I would keep them by the front door or lined up on the kitchen window sill. Conkers collected from a blustery walk, little drawings my younger sisters had created for me, they would all be grouped together for a few months until I had a refresh and replaced with other bits and pieces I had found or been given.
Shells have always been something I’ve had close to hand. My Nan loved shells. We spent many a happy holiday in Bournemouth, visiting the Shellhouse. I remember as child and then a teenager having a shelf displaying shells from a holiday with my Nan, and also one of those striped sand tower holiday souvenirs my Grandma had given me from a trip to the Isle of Wight. I added colourful sea glass and unusual stones I picked up from the beach, stones with ‘faces’, stones with animal footprints, heart-shaped stones and stones with holes in (I later found out these were called ‘hag stones’ or ‘witches stones’ and are considered lucky.) It was my ‘display’ celebrating anything to do with the beach. I still have several of the stones and shells, but sadly the Isle of Wight souvenir has been lost in its own sands of time.
Last autumn, I created my first dedicated altar incorporating elements from nature to reflect the season and also adding mementos and important trinkets from around the home. You can create an altar at any time of year, but at summer and winter solstice and spring and autumn equinox is ideally the best time as we mark the changing the seasons and recognise how our lives often shift as we follow suit, experiencing a change in energy, focus, and pace. Creating a seasonal altar is a beautiful way to align yourself with these natural rhythms and embrace mindful living. An altar can serve as a sacred space to reflect, set intentions, and connect with the world around you. By incorporating elements from nature—like vibrant autumn leaves, spring blossoms, summer seashells, or winter pine cones—you invite the essence of the outdoors into your home, fostering a deeper connection to the earth’s cycles. This practice not only enhances your mindfulness but also helps you cultivate a sense of harmony and grounding throughout the year. In this post, I’ll guide you through how to create an altar for each season, using simple, meaningful elements that celebrate nature’s beauty and energy.
1. Choose a Dedicated Space
Select a quiet, intentional spot in your home where your altar can remain undisturbed. This could be a small table, a shelf, or even a windowsill. The location should feel special and peaceful, encouraging moments of reflection and mindfulness. I use the area above a cupboard in one of the alcoves in my lounge.
2. Set a Clear Intention
Decide what you want your altar to represent. Is it for personal growth, a space for gratitude, or a way to align with specific seasonal energies (growth in spring, abundance in summer, release in autumn, rest in winter)? Your intention will guide the objects you include. I created a new year altar and included a small jar with intentions and affirmations to manifest a healthy, happy and prosperous year ahead. I also included a cork from a bottle of fizz I shared with my partner on New Year’s Day, a money bowl and a Mr Blobby talisman as a reminder to be assertive and that silly and unpredictable is ok (I am a anxious person!)
3. Gather Seasonal Elements from Nature
Bring the essence of the season indoors by incorporating natural items. For example:
- Spring: Fresh flowers, budding branches, pastel stones, or eggshells.
- Summer: Seashells, bright flowers, holiday items, or herbs like rosemary and lavender.
- Autumn: Colourful leaves, pine cones, acorns, or small pumpkins.
- Winter: Evergreen sprigs, festive items, candles, or holly berries.
These elements create a direct connection to the season and its energy.
4. Add Crystals to Enhance the Energy
Crystals are powerful tools to amplify the energy of your altar. Choose stones that align with the season or your intention:
- Spring: Rose Quartz for love and renewal, Green Aventurine for growth, or Citrine for optimism.
- Summer: Sunstone for joy and vitality, Carnelian for creativity, or Aquamarine for cooling energy.
- Autumn: Tiger’s Eye for grounding, Smoky Quartz for letting go, or Red Jasper for stability.
- Winter: Clear Quartz for clarity, Amethyst for spiritual connection, or Black Tourmaline for protection.
Arrange them thoughtfully, and feel free to hold them during rituals or meditation. I sometimes carry a crystal around with me in the day and set it back on the altar in the evening.
5. Incorporate Colours and scent of the Season
Use the colours associated with the time of year to enhance the energy of your altar. This could be done through candles, crystals or other decorative elements:
- Spring: Soft pastels like pink, green, and yellow.
- Summer: Bold and vibrant hues like red, orange, and gold.
- Autumn: Warm, earthy tones like rust, brown, and burgundy.
- Winter: Cool shades like white, silver, and deep blue.
I always like to have some kind of scent for an altar, so include a seasonal candle, holiday perfume or joss stick if you like as well.
6. Arrange Thoughtfully
Arrange your items in a way that feels balanced and intentional to you. There’s no right or wrong here—your altar is a reflection of your personality. Some people like symmetrical designs, while others, like me, prefer a more ‘organic’ layout ; )
7. Use and Maintain Your Altar
Once your altar is set up, engage with it regularly. I feel this is the most important step! Use it as a reminder to pause, meditate, not take life too seriously (Mr Blobby vibes), engage with nature, journal, or simply use it to take a breath and reflect on the season. Refresh your altar as needed—changing flowers, adding new elements, or adjusting items to keep it feeling vibrant and relevant. This upkeep ensures it remains a meaningful and active part of your mindfulness practice.