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The Do’s and Don’ts of Altar Decor: A Guide to Inviting Prosperity and Abundance

The placement of an altar near a walkway is not advisable. Such a location can detract from the solemnity of the space and may impact the family's fortune. It is important to respect the sanctity of the altar and ensure it is positioned in a quiet, dignified area of the home.

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10 September, 2024

Altar Facing the Opposite Direction of the House

Having the ancestral altar face the opposite direction of the house can result in yin and yang contrast, leading to unfavorable situations.

According to feng shui, the ancestral altar should be placed in a “auspicious site and direction,” meaning it should be situated in a favorable location and face a favorable direction based on the homeowner’s age. This not only brings harmony to the family but also ensures luck and fortune.

The ancestral altar should be placed in an auspicious location and direction

Altar Direction According to the Homeowner’s Mien

The homeowner needs to determine their mien to choose the appropriate altar direction. If the homeowner belongs to the Dong Tu Trach mien, the altar should face the Khảm, Tốn, Chấn, or Ly directions. On the other hand, if they belong to the Tay Tu Trach mien, the altar should face the Đoài, Càn, Cấn, or Khôn directions.

Avoid Placing the Altar in a Traffic Area

The ancestral altar should be placed in a quiet and serene area. Therefore, it is not advisable to place the altar near a traffic area as it would disrupt the solemnity and affect the family’s energy flow.

Avoid Placing the Altar Directly Facing the Entrance

Directly facing the entrance can cause the escape of positive energy, bringing bad luck to the homeowner. If the house is small and this placement cannot be avoided, consider using curtains to create privacy and discreetness for the altar area.

Avoid Placing the Altar Near the Bathroom or Toilet

The altar is a sacred space and should not be placed near the bathroom or toilet, considered unclean areas. Doing so would disrupt the solemn atmosphere and affect the family’s energy flow.

Additionally, avoid placing the altar under a beam if possible. If there is no better location, consider installing a ceiling. It is also best to keep devices like air conditioners, exhaust fans, or speakers away from the area above the altar.

Arranging the Altar

The arrangement of the altar depends on the house’s size and the family’s lifestyle. Typically, the ancestral altar will have one to three incense bowls. The middle bowl is for worshipping local deities and land gods, while the side bowls are for worshipping ancestors and the husband’s late parents. Careful arrangement, respecting feng shui principles, ensures peace and luck for the family.

Frequently asked questions

An altar can serve as a powerful tool for inviting prosperity and abundance into your home and life. It creates a dedicated space for spiritual practice, meditation, and connecting with your higher self. Altars are often used to honor deities, ancestors, or a higher power, and can be a source of comfort, inspiration, and positive energy.

When selecting a space for your altar, choose an area that feels peaceful and comfortable. It can be a corner in your home that receives natural light and has a pleasant view. Ensure the space is clean and free from clutter to maintain a sense of tranquility. Also, consider the privacy of the area to ensure uninterrupted meditation and reflection.

Altar decorations can be personalized to your tastes and beliefs. Common items include statues or images of deities, crystals, candles, fresh flowers, incense, and personal tokens that hold spiritual significance for you. Avoid decorations that contradict your spiritual beliefs or feel inauthentic to your practice. It is essential to ensure that the items on your altar are meaningful and contribute to the positive energy you wish to cultivate.

Cleansing your altar periodically is essential to maintain its positive energy. Depending on your tradition or preference, you can use various methods, such as burning sage or palo santo, using sound cleansing with a bell or singing bowl, or visualizing white light surrounding your altar to purify it. The frequency of cleansing can vary, but it is generally recommended to do so whenever you feel the energy has become stagnant or after significant life events.

You can absolutely change the items on your altar to reflect different seasons, intentions, or personal growth. Your altar is a living, evolving space that can adapt to your spiritual journey. However, it is essential to maintain a sense of reverence and intention when making changes. Take the time to thoughtfully select new items and remove old ones with gratitude for their service.