A Book of Women's Altars: How to Create Sacred Spaces for Art, Worship, Solace, Celebration

by Nancy Brady Cunningham, Denise Geddes (Photographer)

Altar (noun): an elevated surface upon which one displays meaningful objects.

Any surface can become an altar. Geddes and Cunningham, with beautiful, inspirational photos and text that's both instructive and poetic, show us how. For women, they say, an altar can become a sacred space upon which to place symbols of her true self. Whether indoors or out, permanent or fleeting, an altar helps you to quickly focus on the spirituality inherent in common things the flicker of a candle flame, the heady scent of freshly picked lilacs.

Part One of A Book of Women's Altars explains the cultural and historical background of the altar and why to create one. Making and using an altar literally clears a path for a woman through the clutter of her world. She creates a place where she is free to make her inner journey, where healing is abundant. Cunningham describes the process of selecting a theme, choosing a place, finding the right objects, and knowing when to change the altar.

Part Two focuses on what to do with altars on special occasions. The author and photographer have created and illustrated with photographs and stories sixteen special altars. There are altars for the seasons of the year and the seasons of our lives including loss, remembrance, celebration of new life, and many more. Each has its own purpose, story, and ritual.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very basic look at creating altars, so it might be useful if you’ve never made one before. I’m not entirely sure why “Women’s” is in the title of the book, because it wasn’t really a focus of the content. And while I theoretically agree that any thoughtfully-created space can be an altar, and definitely agree that ordinary space can be sacred space, I didn’t come to this book looking for black-and-white photos of bookshelves and vanities.

I suppose what I wanted was artistic photos of spiritual altars as well as deeper content about creating and working with altars, for people who are already using altars and just want more information on how to take the practice to a deeper level and how to make their altars more beautiful, elegant, and creative. That was very much _not_ this book. My rating might therefore be skewed by not being their target audience.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent guide for women of all denominations. If you are seeking a way to create a domestic sacred space, this book could be very helpful

There are many black and white photos; they are quite striking.

I've read and re-read parts of this book for several years and you may as well. It helps in creating a personal spiritual space. I especially like to revisit this book at the change of seasons or for a particular church season.

Highly recommended.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good basic book on how to create spaces in your life that celebrate who you are and/or who you want to be.

[mzmarvil · Rating 1 out of 5]

Won it off a blog contest, gave it a quick read not really my type, bit too simple. but know someone who could use it, so will be passing it on.