The Lunar Altar
Along with “working the phases” of the Moon, I encourage you to consider creating a Lunar Altar each month. Your lunar altar is a place to help you focus your intentions, seek spiritual support to achieve your goals (the lunar work of that month), and demonstrate your value and respect for this work. It should be placed in a relatively private, “psychically clear” place where you alone have access to it, and where you will be in its energy on a daily basis. The Lunar Altar and its pieces are based on your purely subjective choices. Throughout the month, your altar may change or evolve as consciousness of the emotional work in progress grows. I suggest that your altar initially include the following: Using the colors, rulerships, and associations with the sign of the New Moon, an altar might include: An altar cloth; An altar candle; Fragrances, Oils, Herbs ruled by the New Moon sign; A Goddess symbol of the Feminine Principle of that sign; Metals, Gemstones or Rocks ruled by the sign; The element (real or symbolic) of the sign (Fire, Earth, Air, Water) [**Note: Many believe that symbols of each element should be included on every altar.]; Specific objects of personal meaning that help you connect with the sign and its lunar work.
The following ideas may help you to create a meaningful altar for The Pisces Lunation:
Color for altar cloth/candle: Muted pastels and patterns merging & blending with vague boundaries.
Fragrance/Oils/Herbs: Melissa (lemon balm), subtle unobtrusive fragrances; water plants (i.e. lilies).
Goddess: Kuan Yin (Hindu Goddess of Compassion); Christian Mary; Egyptian Isis
In Tarot: The Moon (Pisces) and The Hanged Man (Neptune)
Metal/Stones/Gems: Chrysolite; Coral; Amethyst & Aquamarine (Neptune);
Element of Emphasis: Water (like the ocean depths and torrential rainfall)
Specific Objects: Chameleons; fish (a pair); any ocean creatures; moving fountain; water plants (i.e.
bamboo, lilies, etc.); Symbols that have spiritual meaning or connection for you; Symbols that
represent your “ideal” or “dream come true”; Symbols of “healthy escapism” like meditative
practices, spiritual retreat, prayer beads, mindless & joyful productivity; a burning bowl for
written notes explaining points of unresolved emotional pain (i.e. unhealthy addictions, regrets, shame, resentments) as they emerge in conscious awareness; Symbols of mystical creatures to whom you are drawn (i.e. angels, mermaids, fairies, etc.).
“Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what’s on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, and only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we’ve been told, and some choose to believe it,
I know they’re wrong, wait and see.
Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.
Who said that every wish could be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that, and someone believed it,
Look what it’s done so far.
What’s so amazing that keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we’ll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.
(“The Rainbow Connection”, from The Muppet Movie, lyrics by Paul Williams & Kenneth Ascher)
By Kim McSherry
