“In Her Image” Project – October 2009

"In Her Image" Project - October 2009

This month’s altar is very different from what I might have done in year’s past during the thinning of the Veil. Last month’s altar, if you recall, had more dark Samhain symbols and was all about transformation, so this month’s altar is about empowerment through positive, feminine community energy.

The center candle represents my new Pagan women’s group, The Red Temple, which meets every new moon. Beside it is a gourd decorated with bird images on it that my mother-in-law gave to me when she returned from a trip to Mexico. Inside the gourd are small tokens that I have gathered over the years at open Pagan rituals. You can also see the collage I made at the last Red Temple gathering with lovely glass tea light holders in front of it. The puzzle piece tea light holders represent how each one of us has a place and a purpose in our spiritual community. There is a small hand mirror on the altar, which is part of a special meditation the Red Temple will be doing next month.

In the center of the altar is a piece of multicolored braided yarn. This yarn was collected from an activity a couple of years ago at Beans, Leaves and Deities. To me, this braid represents past community events and kinships. In the very back of the altar, practically hidden away, is my ritual broom that I purchased a couple of years ago at a Pagan Pride event. My chalice represents the Goddess and the Cauldron of Creativity. In front of the chalice is a homemade bracelet with beads and charms that Sue, Karen, Bonny, and I recently made together as a ritual tool. I also have my deck of Juicy Living cards, which give me daily inspiration as well as a red tea light to represent my personal feminine power. Lastly, I have  included my very first mask. This mask represents Aster, one of my spirit guides. I’ll write more about her someday.

I hope everyone has a safe Samhain!