Earth Altering
Hi Nadi Yoga fam!
Happy Earth Day! I’m excited to share some special news, and can’t wait to celebrate with you soon.
This year, it’s all about the info. Spreading awareness, kindness, love and preparations!
In my latest post (which is probably how you got here) I mentioned a beautiful ritual called Earth Altering. That’s exactly what we’ll be going over here.
You may be wondering why this year won’t have an in-person event full of activities. I get it. I wanted there to be. I planned it to happen. But sometimes Mother Nature has her own plans, and we gotta roll with it. But don’t fret, things are already in order for next year.
Let’s get to the fun, shall we!?
What is an Earth Altar?
Thought to be portals, these beautiful pieces of temporary artwork represent a multitude of energetic possibilities.
Most Earth Altars intuitively become symmetrical, similar to a Mandala. Symbology and Sacred Geometry is no stranger to the Divine. An Earth Alter is just that.
A representation of life, of journey, honor and sacrifice, shifts and more.
Sacred Geometry, Symbolism, and Symbology go deep. Symbolism Modern science and ancient technologies have long studied their effects, with amazing theories. Think of a time when you got lost in nature, perhaps loosely focusing on a flower or body of water. Over time, it’s easy to see certain patterns, or even shapes, of symmetry. The Mandala is a great example of a symmetric pattern. These sights can be discovered in plants such as the center of a sunflower or a dandelion, and succulents. Even snowflakes!
These magical elements are all around us. Sometimes invisible to the naked eye.
By creating an intentional Altar, you’ll strengthen the bond with your intuition, empower the Self to be free and flow, and to honor the world as it regenerates.
Where do I start?
With the heart.
The soul. And the trust of your Self.
Sure, there are “outlines” you can follow to create an Earth Altar. There are also the altars you create when you let your divine essence have free reign. When you start placing pieces automatically, because it feels right.
It may be challenging to discover, but the way lies within. You just have to listen.
Some loose guidance
While you can certainly forage for pieces that suit your intention, finding items already dropped by Mother Earth is a great way to get started.
You can start creating from the center outward, or from the edges to the center. Heck, you can really begin wherever you’re called to. In this example, we’ll begin in the center and with an intention or “theme” of the 4 elements.
Find a focal piece. This could be your intention
This could be a large stone or flower
Incorporate the elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air
Earth is easy! A plant, sand, flowers, seeds, salt, grass, anything that grows from or in the soil is perfect
Water can be a fun addition. Singing bowls filled of spring water or droplets from the rain can be sprinkled over the Altar
Fire can safely be included by lighting candles and placing them in symmetrical areas
Air can be represented by incense
Layers
Create some segments/borders. Start to expand from the center piece, creating “lines” outward. Pebbles or large quantities of similar flowers are perfect for this
Begin to layer. Once you have your borders created, start to sprinkle in some other elements, letting your vision/intuition take over and place what you feel should go next
Repeat this process in each segment, matching the others.
Frame in your Altar. You can use the same pieces as your inner borders, or another element entirely. Some like to create a circle, resembling a Medicine Wheel, others like to replicate the petals of a flower.
This basic guide is just a quick example of what could be created. Another easy way to get started is to use the color wheel! Bring in all sorts of beautiful shades in nature!
When foraging, find what draws you in and captures your attention; it’s speaking to you.
If focusing on pieces already grounded, the intent remains the same. However, be mindful of having enough of the same pieces to complete your Altar.
You can also place sacred items in your Altar such as crystals, heirlooms, oracle cards and other mementos that you would typically place in your home altars/ritual spaces.
Common Questions
Does my Altar have to be symmetrical? Nope! Let your intuition be your guide. Any crafted altar can hold your intention and serve just as well.
How do I know pieces to uses? It can be challenging to create a freeform altar. Trusting the Intuition can feel foreign at times, especially when we are so passionate about our project. Choose items that you’re drawn to. Whether that’s their beauty or contrasting shapes! It’ll all come together in the end.
Can I save my Earth Altar? Yes and no. While it would be amazing and special to take your altars home with you, they hold a unique energy that may shift if attempting to pick up, move, and replace. Your intention always remains with the journey you took during your Altering, and that intention resides within as well. Taking pictures of your Altar is a great way to remember the feeling of creating something so unique and meaningful. See the next question for a “work around!”
Do I have to place it outside? Nope! Earth Altars can be placed anywhere. In your living room. On your indoor ritual altar. In your bath tub (yep!) and anywhere you can think of.
What can I expect from next year’s Earth Altering event? You can plan on a learning workshop consisting of information on how to curate an altar, what types of pieces to use and their meaning, how to listen to your intuition and more! Then we’ll explore the area in search of your perfect pieces and get to crafting! Once our Earth Altars are made, we’ll share our visions with each other and enjoy a serene forest bath in nature with our beautiful altars.
I hope you’re just as excited as I am about this new annual tradition!
While there are a bunch of moving parts to events like these, it’s always my intent to provide you with the most sacred and meaningful acts of honoring the Self and exploring different realms of consciousness.
This is just one way of dabbling with your Purpose. If you feel called, I hope to see you at the next Earth Altering event.
Namaste, friends!
