My Altar, November 2025
Every morning I go to the river nearby and get fresh water after returning the previous day’s water. Getting clear water in the early morning from a (sacred) well or a natural body of water was considered an effort to make an offering of purity. Here, “clear” does not mean free of pollutants, although clean water is of course better. It is about the intention, the spiritual purity. I also pick up some litter around the area to offer respect to the river before returning.
I have a small rock in the center to represent the Earth, from the same river bank. And I picked up a couple of red leaves as an offering to the Fire. I have sandalwood soap to represent the Wood and cleansing, and a wristwatch to represent the Metal and cycle, as well as setting intention to use my time wisely.
I see lots of images online of beautiful altars with shiny crystals and candles, and I know pretty pictures get more engagement online and that’s just how it is, but I wanted more visibility for humble altars, because it’s about intention not fancy materials. (although that is a fancy watch…) The point is everything you need is already around you <3
