I want to believe that the kind world in the world sits on an altar. Your essay is among the three most valuable essays I have read this year. Thank you❤️
The idea of non material altars resonates with me. The material, I struggle with. The other day I went with my sister to see the beach town my grandfather grew up at. 10 thousand km from Argentina, where he migrated 90 years ago. My sister took a 7 stones frome the beach, one for each member of the family. I know it was an act of love when she gave me my stone, but I felt like she had desecrated a holy place by taking those stones.
I feel better leaving altars behind, instead of having to carry them with me.
I read this just after a walk I took with family members on a Lake Michigan beach, looking at the light house, my feet close to the water, following behind a little sandpiper.i gathered a few rocks, one the looks like a whale and her calf ( in small form), some multi colored, all telling their own story of connection and history. They will become some of the little altars of connection around my house. I definitely resonate with your definition of altars!
Amazing article on Altars,I never thought about your alternative and fair definition of the word and it's meaning.
When I relined my ornamental fish pond ,rocks that had sunk deep in the ground when I dug up , thought about the passing of time ,how they were above ground when built,and many years later I put them back above ground.I added some shells,and rocks that I had also.
Looking forward to your Sat show in Bloomington,I truly hope I can say hi to ya and ,also would enjoy talking to Robert if he's around also.
“They are containers for our joy and delight and celebration.” Ah how wonderful! You’ve just reframed my entire home for me. Thank you for this gift of seeing all those little sweet picked-up, held-onto treasures in this new and generous light.
Altars…Yes, I have them everywhere too, but what came to mind is one I have yet constructed. The side corner of our city lot had not been cared for, for years and years. A huge maple tree had once lived there next to an even more ancient white oak. At some point, is the word on the street, the maple was removed and all sorts of stuff took the opportunity to move in and move over from the neighbors yard. Our neighbors agreed…it was time to clean it up as they could no longer see to pull out of their driveway. During the process I managed to salvage 4 bird nests…four abandoned homes that had loved and felt safe in the place we called a mess. I felt terrible for having destroyed what to them was the perfect spot to raise their young. From all the tangle, I salvaged enough grapevines to make a wreath….an alter. I will tuck a nest or two or three or four..don’t know yet …around it as a reminder and an apology, and a promise to replant some shrubbery that will provide a safe place once again…..sigh…
As a little girl, I made altars in our yard with sticks, flowers, and rocks decorating my “fairy houses” made of cut grass. Many years later, I have an altar with a ceramic Buddha made for me by my sister many years ago, as well as poems, feathers, and some crystals given to me by my brother. Every time I look at them, I smile and think of my siblings and our love for each other.
I never even thought of that but you are so right......feathers and rocks do speak to us (touch our hearts)from that "more than human world"!! and we get it.
Since I was a small child, I have collected sticks, rocks, feathers, and other priceless treasure. My mother DID NOT understand! I now have formal and informal altars in my home, car, and studio. My dear wife somewhat understands but is very understanding🙂. I remember seeing a little girl a few years ago walking down the beach with her parents, carrying a handful of small sticks like they were gold. I thought, “I know more about that child than some people I’ve known for years!” I am fascinated how I am drawn to a particular rock, for example, and find comfort in holding it. I really love this expanded definition of altars. These experiences are so real, yet hard to describe to someone, and you, Carrie, have done as fine a job doing as I have ever read. And I am grateful to be among kindred, understanding spirits in this community.
I recognized an altar a thousand miles from my home of origin. Bam....there is was, the feeling quietly sunk in. Here's the beech trees of the East coast in a quiet cul de sac,, off the trail many walk. I called it the inside trail. I went there when feeling troubled or loved. Always felt the hug of my hometown. What is a beech forest doing in Northern Utah anyway? A gift of memory for me.
When my husband and I go on vacation or just for a walk we collect rocks. They are like little altars through out the house. We try to write on them to remember where we have been . We look at them and it takes us back to where we were and what we are doing. In the Bible altars are referred to as "God's table" where gifts are offered to God. I like for the rocks to remind me to pause and be thankful for the gift of the beautiful walk or the amazing trip we were on. Thank you Carries....I love how you reminded me to spend some time with my altar rocks.
Carrie, love this story about altars everywhere! My late partner Linda Lee did exactly the same thing as we hiked in various places around the country. She would see a piece of wood that she liked, pick it up and carry it home to be placed somewhere in or near our house. Sometimes the pieces were quite large! She would haul a chunk of wood or even a rock for miles as we continued our hike. Her little altars and displays were delightful to look at. Also, I too carry little items with me when I travel to stay focused and grounded on what is central to my life.
what a wonderful way to remember the places you and Linda traveled. I do remember someone asking in gest what was so heavy in my carry on...its like a sack of rocks. I just smiled and said, "Pretty much." thanks Ed
I too have little altars all around my house. Most from times in nature. I also have an altar of my spiritual journey. A statue of the Holy Family that was my grandmothers and over 100 years old. I have my rosary beads from childhood. I have left my Catholic roots behind but realized it is a part of who I have become and becoming. I have feathers, rocks from spiritual places, a picture of a hand holding a shuttle. I am a weaver and have always looked at weaving as spiritual and meditative. . This altar speaks of my life journey and is special to me.
Thanks for the expanded definition of "altar"; to me it coheres well with the notion of the sacred ordinary, in that there can be many altars serving as reminders of the many threads of connection of the human story.
I want to believe that the kind world in the world sits on an altar. Your essay is among the three most valuable essays I have read this year. Thank you❤️
The idea of non material altars resonates with me. The material, I struggle with. The other day I went with my sister to see the beach town my grandfather grew up at. 10 thousand km from Argentina, where he migrated 90 years ago. My sister took a 7 stones frome the beach, one for each member of the family. I know it was an act of love when she gave me my stone, but I felt like she had desecrated a holy place by taking those stones.
I feel better leaving altars behind, instead of having to carry them with me.
I read this just after a walk I took with family members on a Lake Michigan beach, looking at the light house, my feet close to the water, following behind a little sandpiper.i gathered a few rocks, one the looks like a whale and her calf ( in small form), some multi colored, all telling their own story of connection and history. They will become some of the little altars of connection around my house. I definitely resonate with your definition of altars!
I remember with fondness your song The Slender Thread.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DZGzxVCcmk6LobiM9
Video of the many rocks ,a pond altar perhaps?
Amazing article on Altars,I never thought about your alternative and fair definition of the word and it's meaning.
When I relined my ornamental fish pond ,rocks that had sunk deep in the ground when I dug up , thought about the passing of time ,how they were above ground when built,and many years later I put them back above ground.I added some shells,and rocks that I had also.
Looking forward to your Sat show in Bloomington,I truly hope I can say hi to ya and ,also would enjoy talking to Robert if he's around also.
Peace🐧☮️
“They are containers for our joy and delight and celebration.” Ah how wonderful! You’ve just reframed my entire home for me. Thank you for this gift of seeing all those little sweet picked-up, held-onto treasures in this new and generous light.
Carrie,
Altars…Yes, I have them everywhere too, but what came to mind is one I have yet constructed. The side corner of our city lot had not been cared for, for years and years. A huge maple tree had once lived there next to an even more ancient white oak. At some point, is the word on the street, the maple was removed and all sorts of stuff took the opportunity to move in and move over from the neighbors yard. Our neighbors agreed…it was time to clean it up as they could no longer see to pull out of their driveway. During the process I managed to salvage 4 bird nests…four abandoned homes that had loved and felt safe in the place we called a mess. I felt terrible for having destroyed what to them was the perfect spot to raise their young. From all the tangle, I salvaged enough grapevines to make a wreath….an alter. I will tuck a nest or two or three or four..don’t know yet …around it as a reminder and an apology, and a promise to replant some shrubbery that will provide a safe place once again…..sigh…
I love your promise and remembrance - and your compassionate and beautiful heart.
What a beautiful way to honor those winged friends!
As a little girl, I made altars in our yard with sticks, flowers, and rocks decorating my “fairy houses” made of cut grass. Many years later, I have an altar with a ceramic Buddha made for me by my sister many years ago, as well as poems, feathers, and some crystals given to me by my brother. Every time I look at them, I smile and think of my siblings and our love for each other.
I never even thought of that but you are so right......feathers and rocks do speak to us (touch our hearts)from that "more than human world"!! and we get it.
Since I was a small child, I have collected sticks, rocks, feathers, and other priceless treasure. My mother DID NOT understand! I now have formal and informal altars in my home, car, and studio. My dear wife somewhat understands but is very understanding🙂. I remember seeing a little girl a few years ago walking down the beach with her parents, carrying a handful of small sticks like they were gold. I thought, “I know more about that child than some people I’ve known for years!” I am fascinated how I am drawn to a particular rock, for example, and find comfort in holding it. I really love this expanded definition of altars. These experiences are so real, yet hard to describe to someone, and you, Carrie, have done as fine a job doing as I have ever read. And I am grateful to be among kindred, understanding spirits in this community.
Yes! Some rocks just beg to be held and feel just right!
Ohhh, and I LOVE Henry Moore!!!
I recognized an altar a thousand miles from my home of origin. Bam....there is was, the feeling quietly sunk in. Here's the beech trees of the East coast in a quiet cul de sac,, off the trail many walk. I called it the inside trail. I went there when feeling troubled or loved. Always felt the hug of my hometown. What is a beech forest doing in Northern Utah anyway? A gift of memory for me.
When my husband and I go on vacation or just for a walk we collect rocks. They are like little altars through out the house. We try to write on them to remember where we have been . We look at them and it takes us back to where we were and what we are doing. In the Bible altars are referred to as "God's table" where gifts are offered to God. I like for the rocks to remind me to pause and be thankful for the gift of the beautiful walk or the amazing trip we were on. Thank you Carries....I love how you reminded me to spend some time with my altar rocks.
how lovely...thank you Robin for this wonderful description of collecting rocks and stones as a reminder of gratitude.
Carrie, love this story about altars everywhere! My late partner Linda Lee did exactly the same thing as we hiked in various places around the country. She would see a piece of wood that she liked, pick it up and carry it home to be placed somewhere in or near our house. Sometimes the pieces were quite large! She would haul a chunk of wood or even a rock for miles as we continued our hike. Her little altars and displays were delightful to look at. Also, I too carry little items with me when I travel to stay focused and grounded on what is central to my life.
what a wonderful way to remember the places you and Linda traveled. I do remember someone asking in gest what was so heavy in my carry on...its like a sack of rocks. I just smiled and said, "Pretty much." thanks Ed
I too have little altars all around my house. Most from times in nature. I also have an altar of my spiritual journey. A statue of the Holy Family that was my grandmothers and over 100 years old. I have my rosary beads from childhood. I have left my Catholic roots behind but realized it is a part of who I have become and becoming. I have feathers, rocks from spiritual places, a picture of a hand holding a shuttle. I am a weaver and have always looked at weaving as spiritual and meditative. . This altar speaks of my life journey and is special to me.
I love being in a community where adults can say “feathers and rocks are deeply important and spiritual to me”, and others understand.
Amen my friend!
such beautiful images. thank you Michele.
Thanks for the expanded definition of "altar"; to me it coheres well with the notion of the sacred ordinary, in that there can be many altars serving as reminders of the many threads of connection of the human story.