blog two: creating your sacred space
As humans, we are so easily subjected to the external and internal pressures of our worlds. It can be stressful, and anxiety-inducing, and can also impact our ability to balance and manage emotions. So, in this blog post, I have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about - creating a sacred space - stemming from my own personal experiences.
What is a sacred space, and why is it important to have one?
Whether you are spiritual, religious, or neither, a sacred space is important for everyone to have. In our lives, we can get so overwhelmed by the pressures and issues of others. So much so, that we tend to forget about our own needs. A sacred space allows us to manage our needs, for a large variety of purposes.
However, the purpose of your sacred space is truly up to you.
A sacred space is an area, a location, a space, that is all yours. It is a space that provides you with comfort, in times of discomfort, it is a space that allows you to feel grounded and secure within yourself and your world. A sacred space is your special place where you can simply be, feel at ease, and focus solely on yourself. There are no real requirements when it comes to the creation of your sacred space, except for the fact that it is for you.
It is important as individuals to have a special somewhere where we can breathe easy, rest easy, and simply be at ease.
You can have a number of sacred spaces. You might even find that you are the type of person who can go anywhere and feel at ease. However, for those that struggle to find peace within their busy and hectic lives, a space dedicated solely to you and your well-being may be vital for your ability to function "properly" in our intense world.
For those of you needing more than just a respite from the busyness of your world, and are looking for a way to heal, release, and practice self-love. Creating a sacred space to do this is the best way to start this kind of journey. To heal from and release trauma, conditioning and limited self-beliefs, a sacred space is essential, as personal healing requires you to go deeper within. A sacred space will provide you with the foundation, the grounding, and the physical safety to do this and feel comfortable doing so.
How do I choose the right location for my sacred space?
My sacred space is somewhere away from all the noise of my own external reality. In my home, it is my meditation corner, next to a bookcase filled with my favorite books that sit just below a large window, with a side table to the left that holds an array of large and small crystals. In this space, I also have a small mirror that I use for a number of meditative practices. When I use this space, I am sat on my meditation pillow with a candle lit, and sage or incense burning away. This is where I can simply be.
The "right" location is personal and specific to you, your needs, and your desires. Finding somewhere quiet, with easy access to solitude helps, as well as somewhere you can be comfortable sitting or lying down. The size of the space doesn’t really matter, as long as you feel safe, and secure, and are able to be at peace when using the space.
Your body will tell you if it is not the “right” spot. You will feel your body's discomfort and inability to relax. You might even feel stressed or unable to "turn off", with regards to leaving behind the pressures of your outer world. However, when you feel calm, at ease, and grounded in your space, you will know then that it is your sacred space, and that you can go there for all reasons related to you.
What are the essential elements to include in a sacred space?
As I said earlier, there are no actual rules for creating your sacred space. Depending on the purposes of this space, the "essential" elements might differ.
For those needing a space to relax and rejuvenate, you might want to bring a comfy pillow, blanket, and a way to listen to the music you love.
For those needing a space for healing, you might want the same, with the added elements of a journal for expressing thoughts and feelings. As well as a mirror for practicing self-love, and getting comfortable saying affirmations to your reflection.
For those on a spiritual journey, you may want to add tarot or oracle cards, a candle or two, crystals, incense, Sage, Palo Santo, and anything that helps you connect to your higher self.
Again, what you bring to your sacred space depends on the things you want and the things you need. As long as you are comfortable and can relax, the physical materials aren't essential. They are simply tools that add to the energy of the space that you have already created.
How do I cleanse and purify a space before setting it up as a sacred space?
Cleansing a space is important. Scared or not, energies can linger in any place and on any person. Luckily there are so many ways to cleanse and purify a space so that only your energy remains. Remember your sacred space is for you, and removing any energies from your space that aren't yours will be beneficial to you and your personal journey.
Smudging Sage, Palo Santo, or Incense in your space can clear away any negative energies, including those that aren't yours.
Decluttering your space can also clear and remove any energetic blockages and be a physical representation for releasing old energy, emotions, and ties to things that are no longer essential for you or your life anymore.
Visualizations and intention setting can also help with cleansing. This involves closing your eyes, taking deep breaths, and visualizing a bright light or cleansing energy flowing through you and your space, for the purpose of removing any negativity.
Moonlight and Sunlight can also help to cleanse the space and any items in it. You can simply place your crystals, tarot cards, or other objects in direct moonlight or sunlight to recharge and cleanse them. You can also set your intention for the cleansing process as you leave them out overnight or during the day. Simply opening a window or blinds, allowing moon and sun rays into your space can provide cleansing also.
Crystals such as clear quartz, black tourmaline, and selenite, are known for their cleansing properties, and as such will also aid in cleansing your space. You can place them in your space or hold them in your hands while setting an intention to clear the energy.
What are some simple rituals or practices that I can incorporate into my sacred space?
Some of the cleansing routines I listed above, can be included in the daily rituals or practices for your sacred space. However, depending on the purposes of the space you may want to add some additional practices to help ground, release, heal and transform yourself, emotions, and energies.
Some of these practices or rituals could be;
Journalling - e.g. personal reflections, expressing emotions, purging trauma, shadow work, etc.
Daily meditation - e.g. for grounding, daily intentions, connecting with your higher self, inner child healing, improving self-awareness, etc.
Affirmations - e.g. for self-love, confidence, safety, grounding, abundance, good health, etc.
Visualizations - e.g. for cleansing, grounding, manifesting, improving vibration, etc.
Manifestations - e.g. for love, abundance, health, travel, etc.
Gratitude rituals - e.g. gratitude list, vocal affirmations, etc.
Pulling Oracle or Tarot cards - e.g. asking for guidance, energy check-ins, spiritual insights, etc.
Listening to music or sound baths - e.g. for meditation, relaxation, inspiration, manifestations, etc.
I hope I have answered some of the questions that you might have had with regard to creating a sacred space. All of my answers stemmed from my personal experiences, and what worked best for me. So please remember that what works for me, might not work for you - and that’s okay! Always go within, and listen to your own personal needs in order to know what’s best for you.
If you have any questions or want to know more about anything spiritual or healing related, feel free to DM me on Instagram @angelbybellak, or email me via the contact me page.
All my love & light, Bella <3