What Is an Altar?

Altars are basically living, breathing portals to the spirit world. They’re your designated space to commune with your spirit, your guides—to ask for support, to listen, and to feel seen.

Growing up, we had altars all throughout our house. And even now, I keep several. Today, we’re going to focus specifically on spirit guide altars.

Alright, let’s build your spirit guide altar.

Step 1: Choose Your Space

Find a designated area. This could be a table, a shelf, a tiny corner of a room—anywhere that feels right. This is your place to connect.

Step 2: Set an Intention

This part is powerful. Simply say:

“I intend for this to be an altar—a portal for me to connect with my spirit guides.”

That conscious intention is what activates the space.

Step 3: Choose Your Elements

There are a few core elements I love to include on an altar, but remember—this is your sacred space. Let your intuition lead.

✨ Sacred Items

Things that are meaningful to you.

✨ Statues

Maybe a statue of Kwan Yin or Mother Mary. I personally love both—they represent divine feminine energy, compassion, and nurturing, which is how I feel when I’m with my guides.

Do you have a statue at home you love? Just a suggestion!

✨ Elementals

Objects that represent the elements—earth, air, fire, water, and spirit. These help balance and ground the energy.

✨ Oracle Cards

A beautiful tool to meditate with and receive guidance.

✨ Anything That Brings You Joy

Anything that lifts your heart, that makes you smile—that’s altar material.

What’s On My Altar?

Let me share a few of my favorite things:

• Yip. My little joy guide. He’s silly, fun, and always makes me laugh. Humor is so connected to the spirit world—don’t underestimate it!
• Candles. The flame, the scent—these light your senses and bring your focus to the present.
• A bell. I use it to open and close my altar time.
• Sage, Palo Santo, and a shell. Sensory tools to shift the energy and prep for connection.
• Crystals. Selenite to clear, feathers for air.
• Photos of loved ones and pets who’ve passed. These bring me into my heart space.
• A rock from my grandfather.
• Chocolate! Because my guides bring me sweetness, and I bring it right back.
• Fresh flowers. Always a lovely, high-vibration touch.

But Most Importantly…

It doesn’t matter what specific items you include. What matters most is:

Does it feel good?

Does it lift you up? Make you feel loved? Connected?

Your altar is a sacred, living space. The more time you spend with it—in prayer, meditation, journaling, lighting incense—the more powerful and alive it becomes.

Think about how you feel walking into a church, mosque, or temple. Even if you’re not affiliated, the energy is tangible. That’s what you’re creating in your own home.

Connect & Ask for Guidance

Use your altar to connect with your spirit guides, your higher self. Ask for help. Ask for clarity. Tune in.

Let it evolve with you. Switch out items seasonally or as your energy shifts. Keep it alive.

Whether it’s statues, feathers, chocolate, or little joyful Yips—this altar is a physical manifestation of how deeply you are loved and supported.

Light your incense. Ring your bell. Start simple. Start small. But start.

You’ll begin to see and feel the support that’s always around you.

If you’ve made an altar, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @soniatullyofficial or email me a photo at hello@soniatully.com.

And hey—if you’re ready to go deeper, explore more on soniatully.com—readings, mentoring, and my weekly podcast with my mom.

Thanks so much for being here today.

I hope you have so much fun creating your beautiful altar.

Sending you all my love,

Sonia