About Rituals

I often advise my friends who are seeking closer communion with God to light candles of intent, and to set up personal altars containing receptacles for written prayers and aspirations, and perhaps, incense burners and other personal items that bring hope and inspiration. I believe these altars serve a useful purpose in advancing our soul's purpose, and that they are honored by our celestial guides. I have found, since establishing this place within my home, that uplifting vibrations now inhabit the area around my altar. And the scent of the incense that I burn, particularly lavendar, which I have everywhere in my home, reminds me of my prayers and the loving consciousness that pervades these thoughts. The presence of my altar can be felt the moment I arrive home, reminding me that I am not alone, never have been, and never will be. Its presence also invites me to serve others through the promotion of loving thoughts, and to invite the love from others into my own heart.

It is important to remember, however, that altars are only tools and no attachment should exist. The loving thoughts they help to create have purpose and meaning, but our true temples of God reside within our bodies where our spiritual life force is housed. Holy communion--what the Hindus call yoga and what Jesus called The God Within--that place where we feel our eternal life force (our chakra centers) join with the Divine Source--is the true path to enlightenment. And the more we seek, the more that is given. We will never be given more than we can hold, as each of us is guided and lovingly supported by higher entities who know us well. So in truth, we carry our altar around everywhere we go. Regardless of which method we choose--praying at a physical altar at church or at home, or through deep yoga meditation--it is the sincerity of the seeking that is most important.

I do not hold strictly to ritual. That is, I do not believe that we should become a slave to time schedules or fret over the physical manifestations of Godly communication. We are far better off listening to our stillness and peaceful inner guidance, which is always on time and always appropriate. Blind ritual without purpose and without meaning is not the way. The intuitive creative power of our higher selves lights our path. We should strive for a kind of walking meditation. And for that, we must surrender our will completely to God.