Creating a Liberation Altar: Supporting Resistance and Calling for Justice
+ Prayers and Incantations for Inner and Collective Liberation
The Altar Within Newsletter —notes on life, magic, and liberation. (Exclusive offerings for paid subscribers: learn more here )
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Hello community, can we all take a moment to ground ourselves?
Relax your shoulders and release the tension in your face, neck, and heart space. Take a deep breath in and exhale the heaviness of the world. Bring your hand to your heart and envision your heart space lighting up with a bright, golden light, warm and gentle. Take another deep breath in and exhale the heaviness of pain. See? That wasn't too hard, was it? Remember to check in with yourself throughout the day.
There is so much happening all at once: pain, fear, sadness, rage, and many more emotions as we continue to witness the atrocities being committed against our relatives in Palestine, Sudan, Congo, Tigray, West Papua, and so many more places under occupation and oppression. We are awakening our spirits, unveiling truths, unlearning, healing, and supporting the movements all at the same time. It’s hard, really hard, but together we are more powerful than they want us to believe. You are powerful REMEMBER that.
Creating a liberation altar is an act of solidarity and resistance. It is a space dedicated to honoring the struggle for freedom and justice for all oppressed peoples. This altar can serve as a focal point for meditation, prayer, and action, channeling energy toward liberation and amplifying the voices of those fighting for their rights. It’s not just a physical space but a spiritual and emotional touchstone, designed to protect, disrupt, and call for the fall of colonial powers. Fostering a personal and communal space for reflection, action, and faith. By creating and maintaining this altar, you actively participate in the global movement for liberation. However, let’s not forget that prayers alone do not serve us; action is vital in making change happen. It’s about integrating body, mind, and spirit, not focusing on just one aspect. We must embody the revolution in every facet of our being to dismantle whatever stands in the way of inner and collective liberation.
Throughout history, altars and sacred spaces have played a pivotal role in the struggle for liberation and have been essential for cultural preservation, spiritual nourishment, and community resilience. For generations Altars have been integral to various cultures and traditions around the world as physical embodiments of spiritual beliefs, cultural identity, and communal values. For many oppressed communities, these spaces are sanctuaries where individuals can seek guidance, draw strength, and connect with their ancestors. Our Ancestors often dedicated altars to deities and spirits believed to protect and guide their people. They were focal points for community gatherings, spiritual ceremonies, and acts of resistance against the brutality from colonizers and oppressors. They provide a tangible connection to the past, grounding individuals in their cultural and spiritual heritage while inspiring collective action.
Steps to Create Your Liberation Altar (A reminder that these are suggestions)
1. Selecting the Right Space - Choose a quiet and respectful spot in your home where your altar can be a focal point without interruptions. This could be a small table, a shelf, or even a specific corner of a room. Ensure this space is accessible for regular interaction and reflection.
2. Cleansing and Preparing the Space - Before setting up your altar, cleanse the chosen area to remove any negative and stagnant energy. You can use herbs, incense, or any other method that resonates with your spiritual practice. As you cleanse, focus on your intentions for the altar, imagining it as a beacon of liberation and resistance.
3. Gathering Meaningful Items - Your altar should reflect the essence of liberation and resistance. Consider including:
- Photos and Symbols: Images of freedom fighters, revolutionaries, and symbols of resistance. Revolutionary artwork, paintings, and crafts are some of my favorites to add.
- Candles: Use candles to symbolize hope and the enduring spirit of those fighting for justice. Lighting a candle can be a daily ritual to renew your commitment to the cause.
- Crystals and Stones: Choose stones like black tourmaline for protection, amethyst for spiritual insight, and clear quartz for clarity and amplification of your intentions.
- Sacred Texts and Writings: Include books, quotes, and writings from people who inspire resistance and liberation.
- Offerings: Place offerings such as water, food, flowers, or items of personal significance. These can be symbols of your support and respect for the struggle.
4. Personalizing Your Altar - Add items that have personal significance to you and your connection to liberation movements. Family heirlooms, cultural artifacts, or personal mementos can make the altar more meaningful and strengthen your connection to it.
5. Setting Intentions - Write down your hopes and intentions for liberation and justice. You can also write the names of people, movements, or causes you wish to support and place these notes on the altar. This practice helps solidify your commitment and focus your energy.
6. Maintaining and Engaging with Your Altar - Interact with your altar regularly. Light candles, say prayers, meditate, or perform rituals that align with your spiritual practice. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and cleansing is important to keep a good flow of energy.
7. Fostering Community Engagement - Invite others to contribute to your altar or join you in rituals. Sharing the stories and struggles of oppressed peoples can raise awareness and foster solidarity within your community. Your altar can become a communal space for collective action and reflection.
May your liberation altar serve as a powerful reminder and catalyst for action, connecting you with the broader struggle for freedom. Through this practice, you contribute to the collective energy of resistance and justice, standing in unity with all who seek liberation.
Prayers and Incantations for Inner and Collective Liberation
Prayers and incantations can be powerful tools to foster inner strength and collective unity. These words can help focus our intentions, strengthen our resolve, and amplify our magic. Here are some prayers and incantations to guide and inspire you.
Morning Prayer for Inner Liberation: As the sun rises, so do my hopes for a new day of resilience and strength. I call upon the power within me to face today’s challenges with courage and grace. May my heart remain open, my mind clear, and my spirit unyielding. I am a vessel of love and justice, and with every breath, I align myself with the path of liberation. So it is, and so it shall be.
Evening Prayer for Collective Liberation: As the sun sets, I reflect on the collective struggles. I honor those who have fought before me, those who fight beside me, and those who will carry on after me. May our collective efforts weave a tapestry of resilience and compassion. I send strength and love to all oppressed peoples, knowing that our spirits are intertwined in the fight for liberation. Together, we rise. So it is, and so it shall be.
Incantation for Strength and Resilience: I call upon the spirits of resilience and strength, To fortify my heart and embolden my actions. With each breath, I draw in courage, With each step, I walk the path of justice. I am unbreakable, I am unwavering, I am a force for liberation.
Prayer for the Ancestors: To the ancestors who walked this path before us, We honor your sacrifices and your strength. Your legacy lives on in our hearts and actions. Guide us as we continue the fight for liberation. May we carry your wisdom and courage, And may our efforts honor your memory. So it is, and so it shall be.
Prayer for the Future Generations: For the generations yet to come, We pray for a world free of colonial powers. May our struggles pave the way for your liberation. May you inherit a world where compassion and love reign. We fight today so you may have a tomorrow. So it is, and so it shall be.
These prayers and incantations are meant to be spoken with intention and sincerity. Feel free to adapt them to better fit your personal beliefs and practices. By incorporating these words into your daily routine, you can strengthen your resolve, connect with the broader movement for justice, and contribute to the collective energy of liberation.
With love, Juliet
Want to learn how to craft your own incantations? I have the perfect book for that! Incantations Embodied - Rituals for Empowerment, Reclamation, and Resistance by Kimberly Rodriguez. Kimberly is the first author published by my publishing house, Spirit Bound Press. Her new book is a unique offering that combines her writing, art, activism, and magic. Incantations Embodied invites readers on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. It seeks to dismantle the oppressive narratives ingrained in our collective consciousness, urging us to question and challenge the colonized structures that have kept us disconnected from our own truth. In these dark times, this book is the nourishment and empowerment we need right now.
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This is wonderful. Thanks for sharing this. I have had an altar for Palestine liberation since November and put real Palestinian police oil, fresh coffee with cardamom, and sweets on there and some rock crystals and the flag (in a heart shape) I think I’ll add some words too. 💋 It’s so nice to have some more creative input. 🕊️🍉
I've been wanting to do this, thank you for such detailed info to help me get started 💜