http://www.care2.com/greenliving/create-a-garden-altar.html
Create a Garden Altar
Adapted from The Essence of Incense, by Diana Rosen (Storey Books, 2001).
Every moment and every event of every man’s life on earth plants something in his Soul.
–Thomas Merton
Being in nature can nourish us in so many ways every day. Creating a garden altar is one way to honor the power of nature to soothe and uplift us. It is so easy and so completely satisfying to spend a little time creating a special spot outdoors. Here are some simple, inspiring ways to begin:
A garden altar can be without any traditional religious significance but can reflect, instead, the beauty of nature herself. Consider an arrangement of treasured pebbles, a sand garden dotted with bonsai, a koi pond edged with protective grasses. Anything that touches your heart and brings you peace when you look upon it can be considered a garden altar.
Planting trees or flowers to cherish the memory of someone you love needs no altar or labeling; the quiet loveliness of a rose, the vibrant color of a hibiscus, the strength of an oak tree–any of these marvels of nature is enough to remind you of that special someone.
Statuary of Buddha, the Virgin Mary, or other religious icons can be part of a garden altar, to which you can offer morning or evening prayers or your own personal spiritual reflections.
Or consider a garden altar in remembrance of someone who loved gardening or the outdoor life. A laminated photo of her, perhaps a spade or a glove she used while gardening, or her garden clogs, can be placed among the statuary or in front of a tree planted in her honor.
Add an incense burner or ash catcher to your garden altar and light incense when you visit. The scent will carry your thoughts and prayers to the clouds. Give yourself time to relax completely. Breathe in deeply and observe a note of gratitude for the pleasures of your garden.
For a garden altar with religious icons, a natural choice would be incense such as that used by temples and churches; to remember a friend, choose the scent of her or his favorite garden flower or plant or personal fragrance. And for your personal garden altar, select a scent that matches the favorite flowers in your own garden or of places nearby that you would like to commemorate. Many incense manufacturers now have scents that echo the sea, rain, mountains, and other smells that recall nature.
Go to the Source
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16 comments
add your comment »Wonderful article, a beautiful reminder to spend time in nature and give gratitude. I'm going home today to build my special place in my garden.
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Can you do indoor to create altar? Virgin Mary statues and what is best to do on the altar or table to make your own altar indoor. Like rosary prayer and candle and many things on the altar.
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What a wonderful thought...and one I had not thought of at all. Lost my brother last June and he loved flowers...I will make my covered swing a memorial to him..with his fav...morning glories. Thank you...
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Thank you so much! I love my garden, but you give me another vision of this place.I gonna work in some ideas.
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Great ideas ! I have been working in my backyard for a couple of years,while trying to incorporate the elements.I have a statue of St.Frances that will look good near the pond.Many thanks,for opening me up to a whole new can of worms.
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Wow what a wonderful Idea. I love Nature of corse I am Native American more in my heart then in blood but, An alter in a sacred lace for remembering our blessings and loved ones who have passed is such an awesome way to let them know we are still thinking of them. I would put an empty cross in mine to remember that Christ is risen. Thanks so much this was so awesome to read. i want to share it with many of my friends. Blessings Rain
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I have a quick question. In terms of feng shui, there are parts of the room that when a certain element or color is placed, it will enhance it certain part of your life. Do you know which direction of the room you should place this garden in accordingly? I remember there being something about earth and greens being placed in the far left, but I'm not sure.
In any case, many thanks for the ideas. Once I find this information I'll definitely incorporate them.
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This sounds way to cool. peace
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Thank you all for your wonderful ideas. We are getting ready to begin landscaping around the 1920's Craftsman cottage my daughter bought. My Grandfather is the one who taught me to love nature and a meditation garden will be a grand memorial to him and his form of worship-by-gardening. Thanks again.
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My Grandfather taught me to love nature and gardening was his way to worship. What is suggested in this article is very close to my heart because of him. We are getting ready to do the landscaping for our 1920's Craftsman style house and a meditation garden will be a perfect way to honor both him and Nature. Thank you all for the great suggestions!
Kate
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