An altar for the land spirits

Every summer I have the honor of caring for a friend’s land and animals while she is off doing her own spiritual and ancestral work. I have formed a close relationship to the land spirits and energy of this magnificent place throughout the years. Because of the way my friend lives in alignment with her environment, the earth energies can be felt strongly here. This is something I feel we should all strive for. Living in balance with our homes, our lands, our environments.

Every year when I arrive I head to this corner for the property. She calls this the “Earth Shrine.” It is a cozy little structure where we place offerings, and light candles to honor the land spirits here. I love to dress it up with flowers when I come, of course! When I go to the shrine daily to pray, I ask that all beings who cross this land be blessed. The creepy crawlies, the winged ones, the swimmers, the four legged and two legged, the earth spirits and ancestors. I give thanks for all the blessings in my life, and for my friendship and connection to this magical land. I light a candle and incense and send a special energy connection to my friend (the owner of this land) as she is intensely in her own spiritual journey and the land and I like to send her a boost!

Some may be curious about the goat skull? Well, that is Billy, the goat. He is a protector of this land. He was born and raised on this very land. His story is closely linked to the space here. Now in his spirit form he remains, having become a guardian of his home. I have learned throughout the years that it is best to make friends with him, and to honor him. Otherwise he’s been known to be mischievous, and those who aren’t respectful of his energy here often wind up with bumped heads and stubbed toes during their stay here. Ha!

In many cultures throughout the world the honoring of land spirits and ancestors of place are very important. It is not a new concept that these spirits may like to play tricks on disrespectful humans who cross their paths.

When I arrives this year, I thought I might want to build a flower mandala on the land while I’m here, and I still might do so. But, after doing my usual decorating of the earth altar, I thought “Well, this is kind of a flower mandala in and of itself!” Certainly a ritual worth sharing….