Wherever an altar is found,
there civilization exists. 
—x
This is an invitation to create an altar dedicated to play and pray every day.
Our altar is our power point—the sacred centre of our ceremonial space. It marks the beginning and end points of the ceremony and imbues every action with meaning and power. It gives form to the formless and physically represents the divine. It is a beacon, drawing in powerful spiritual energies. It grounds and stabilises these forces then radiates them out into the space creating a vortex for us to use during our work.
We connect with all the people who have ever come together in this sacred way by taking the moment to recognise and invoke the sacredness of life, what was, what is, and what we call to be.
When objects with meaning are thoughtfully placed on an altar to physically represent thoughts, plans, ideas, or dreams—which by their very essence are invisible—this gives substance to our intentions, reflecting back to us our internal landscape. The outer reflects the inner. Our mind operates from images, and our discernment and translation of objects gives rise to feelings that flood the energetic pathways running through our body.
By playing and praying at our altar we practice exploring and connecting using our intuitive senses. We tune in, feeling the spirit of the altar calling to our spirit and this energetic alignment powers up the ceremonial vortex we are cocreating.
Our altar can be as simple as a candle lit with great intention.
A beautiful cloth can be laid down first, for all the objects to be laid upon. Lay your altar cloth down with an intention for it to serve as the foundation of your work. See it as the spiritual vessel holding and infusing, with love and gratitude, all the magical ingredients of the ceremonial meal you are preparing to cook.
The choices are near endless, the important ingredient is meaning. Any heartfelt, appreciated objects which you feel will support your integration. You can choose elements that honour your connection to nature and objects, pictures, and family heirlooms that connect you to loved ones, ancestors and helping spirits, and it is the perfect place for your journal to reside.
We have seen altars built from many sacred object and tools:
smudge sticks, cones, oils, water, mist and vapours, shells honouring water spirit, plant life, leaves, flowers, herbs, stone people (natural and carved), crystals, feathers inviting the spirit of air, tarot, oracle cards and runes, musical instruments, handwritten messages, invitations to spirits, jewellery, symbols, mantras, candles, figurines, deities, objects honouring the directions, inspired images, photos, memorabilia.
You can put representations of your sacred projects on your altar.
Some people choose to create their altars in the corner of a room, or at the centre, on a table, or a shelf on a bookcase, in the car (we have seen some excellent dashboard altars), even virtual altars on a device. Some altars, found in nature, are perfect as they are. The gift here is that you may have as many as you like. It is great to hold a space near your altar where you can play music and dance or reflect and just be.
The Crow Circus website is designed as an activated altar powered by acceptance, connection, exploration, communication, and communion. The words and images we use across the site are chosen with intention – as intentions. The site is, in and of itself, a spell; an invitation for us to embrace ceremony as medicine and continue exploring every day, how we play and pray our own way.
We can create altars that are dedicated to a particular purpose and have a “shelf-life”, where it is dismantled at the end. It serves as as a physical representation of your commitment to your purpose for this altar at this time. In this sanctuary, anything can come to the surface and be released, leaving space for new growth. Where you can practice your living, conscious connection with the sacredness of life and receive guidance from your own inner wisdom. Learn how to comfortably be in this space, how to give to, and receive from, it. Be in conversation with this channel. Intuit. Consider, what is sacred space for you?
Activating your altar
Choose, clear, and bless a cherished, dedicated sacred place for your altar. It could have great resonance to place your altar in a space you already use for daily work, play and/or prayer.
Gather your objects using your heart to guide you. Create your altar remembering that it is not to please anyone but you. Place everything intentionally, consciously, and with reverence. Intend for each object to be meaningful to you.
The care we give to our altar is symbolic of our intentions. It is the point and source of our inspiration, reminding us of our daily commitment to our intentions. It is a fluid expression. It’s a great way to integrate into life all the valuable lessons you are learning about yourself through your work.
Play at your altar
Quite literally, play here. Give it your boundless, joyful attention. Dance around it, sing to it, play music to it. Bring flowers and gifts from nature. Talk to the objects, listen to them, see and feel the spirits also playing here.
Feel free to move things around. Your mindset and your intention can change as your altar does. Clean your space with a smile, with love, as you would clean your spirit. All these generous, playful acts connect you to your inner child and reinforce the feeling that it is okay to play every day. To give thanks with joy, and to give power to your wishes. The interpretive dance of devotion to your dreams and desires!
Pray at your altar
Our most ancient, most powerful prayers, when led by our hearts, fuelled with gratitude and humility, lift us instantly out of our thinking minds, out of our ego, out of our limiting beliefs.
Pray for grace. Pray with grace.
It is not important how we label these direct conversations with the divine, prayers, blessings, meditation, or reflection; this spiritual exchange can exist outside of any religious framework. Surrender to the deep knowing that you are welcoming in the support of something bigger than you to co-create the change you want to see.
Send a humble message and be open to receive miracles.
Create a daily routine of altar time that deepens your alignment and connection in a meaningful way.
I won’t look back, I won’t look back, Let the altars shine.
—Meatloaf
In loving service 
