"Instead of dwelling on what could have been, or what should be, instead focus on what can be, remember that your destiny is not predetermined, but only placed on a path, if you choose to follow that path then you allow for mendacity to rule you, but if you stray off that path and create your own, you then can control your own destiny.
Thereby live each day as if it were you’re last, create your own path in life, seek adventure, ignore pain and find laughter in all things." ~ Jafira Dragon
Dragons Valley :: View topic - Outdoor Shrine Project Update
Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 7:33 am Post subject: Outdoor Shrine Project Update
I've always wanted an outdoor shrine and magical work space, some place where I could leave offerings, meditate, do spell work closer to nature than in my living room, etc. Ever since we got the new arbor I've been working on putting everything together. I just got a nice terracotta pot to fill with sand to be used as a large censer. It'll be able to accommodate incense sticks and cones as well as charcoal for loose incense and resin. I just need to walk down to Collin's Cove to get some beach sand to fill it with and it'll be ready to go. Next I want to get a nice outdoor rated "lantern" style candle holder so any candles burned outside will be protected and secured.
Eventually, we're going to pull out all of the grass surrounding the arbor and replacing it with decorative stone or maybe some pretty glass "mulch." I'll post pictures once it gets closer to being finished. I have a big, beautiful red "witch ball" hanging from the center, a couple of nice hanging flower pots on either side as well as to flowering clematis vines planted next to it that will eventually climb and cover the top of arbor. Once it's finished, it'll be a nice addition to the yard. _________________ EbonDragon Productions (main) Gift Shop Clan of the Dragon
The outdoor shrine is pretty much finished. There are still a few things I hope to add to it in the future, but for right now it is done. In the preceding post is the initial picture. Below are the latest pictures:
The candles are protected from the wind by inexpensive lanterns you can find almost anywhere. These were purchased at our local A.C. Moore Crafts store for about $5 each. The candles represent the spirits of the Goddess and God. The bricks they are sitting on are granite pavers purchases from Lowes Home Improvement store for $2.50 each. The bowl is a terracotta planter I got for $9 and filled with sand to use as an incense burner.
The only "exotic" items on the altar are a small geode on the left to symbolize Earth, a chunk of coral my husband brought back from Florida to symbolize the Sea, and a piece of lava rock brought home from Hawaii (after leaving appropraite offerings to Pele in exchange) to represent Fire. The incense in the bowl is the representative of Air as is the small dragon flying above the altar in front of the red glass ball.
The glass ball is an old fishing float and is also known as a type of "witch ball." The purpose of the witch ball is to capture and contain any harmful or destructive energies that may enter our property until it can be burned off by the power of the sun. It also looks really pretty
The most costly and complex part of the shrine is the actual arbor which cost about $200 at Lowes. The lattice on the back were bought at the Home Depot for $20 each. The lattice on the back and sides will, by the end of summer, be covered with flowing vines, but until then it provides a good amount of privacy from the street on its own.
The purpose of sharing this is to illustrate a point that setting up an outdoor shrine/magical work space can actually be fairly simple and relatively inexpensive. I have heard many people talk about wanting an outdoor worship area but not being able to afford it or not having enough space. Total investment for the Shrine itself was $280. Also, it takes up a very small area of our yard. You don't need something like you'll fine at Circle Sanctuary. You don't need solid silver candle sticks and marble statues. Effective altars and work spaces do not have to be big, elaborate productions costing thousands of dollars. They don't have to be established in some secluded woodland glade. All they have to do is come from your heart and speak to you.
This outdoor altar shrine can even be replicated on a small deck or patio. Just replace the arbor with a simple concrete or wooden bench, or a small patio table. Using subtle accessories and no one except you need even know it is anything other than a bit of outdoor decoration holding a couple of lantern candles, a dish of decorative sand with some pretty stones, and a couple of potted plants. Intent is what is important. Not materials. Let your heart and your imagination be your guide and you will never go wrong! _________________ EbonDragon Productions (main) Gift Shop Clan of the Dragon
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