Having a small shrine or altar in your home allows you to focus your spiritual energy, meditate or pray, and communicate with the higher forces. A personal shrine is useful for people of all religions, and serves as a reminder and reassurance to the devout. Shrines are also constructed for holidays, like the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos, to honor deceased family members. A wooden shrine is a classy and conversation-starting element to a home, and you can construct one with some basic materials.
Things You'll Need
Small table
Plywood
4 butterfly hinges
Screws
Screwdriver
Paint or stain (matching the table)
Shadow box (optional)
Sacred objects of your choice
Instructions
- Cut a sheet of plywood into three equal-sized panels; these will form the backdrop of your shrine. Paint or stain the plywood so that it matches a small table of your choice. Let dry completely according to the instructions on the paint.
- Screw four butterfly hinges onto the plywood panels to allow them to open outward; you're aiming for a finished shape like a child's science fair backdrop. Two hinges on each side of the center panel will add stability to the piece. Set the finished backdrop on the back of your shrine.
- Decorate your shrine with sacred objects. Flowers, candles and incense are common to many religions, as are offerings to the gods. If your shrine is meant to honor a specific person or deity, center an image of them in the shrine to focus your spiritual energy.
For more info:
http://www.ehow.com/how_8673870_make-wood-shrines.html
http://www.keen.com/documents/works/articles/spiritual/creating-a-home-altar.asp
