ππ’π‘π¦πππ₯ππ§π ~ π‘π ππππ π πππππ
This is the altar from our opening circle on our recent Himalayan Yogini Pilgrimage in a hotel in Kathmandu..
Wherever I go, I create a temple. I set up an altar, even if I am there for one night only. This comes so naturally I donβt even think about it!
I always travel with a small bundle that includes a piece of cloth (this silk cloth from Bali is essentially weightless!); a small but long-burning candle in a jar, a lighter, and a stick of palo Santo – a holy wood used for smudging.
I light the palo Santo to cleanse the room as soon as I walk in.
This ritual really supports my sensitivity to energy and helps me to relax into the space. When you consider the number of people who have stayed in your hotel room before you, it is important to clear your space! – and while we were trekking in Nepal we literally stayed in a different tea house each night.
I always locally source incense and other items unique to the place I am visiting, helping me connect to the resonance of the land.
Creating the altar, including the gathering and placement of the items that go on it, is a ritual act in itself. My altar usually includes:
π Prasad – or blessed food.
Pomegranate is one of my favourite fruits ever and has long been associated with the Goddess – it is easily sourced in Nepal, much to my delight!
We ate this at the end of our opening ceremony after it had been charged up with the intention and energy of the altar.
πΉ Anointing Oil
I discovered an incredible oil blend of Himalayan herbs and flowers along with a little roll-on bottle of Himalayan Rose that came with us on our travels. These became the βsignature scentsβ of our journey!
Scent alters our consciousness and oils help to connect with the plant spirits of the land. All my circles include the ritual of anointing.
π Bells – symbolising the power of sacred sound vibration. These Tibetan prayer bells served as cymbals for our chanting as travelling with a harmonium or drum was a bit much to carry!
πΈπ½ Statue – I sourced this little brass statue of Parvati in Kathmandu after years of searching as I feel such a strong resonance with this mother Goddess. This Yogini is Queen of the Mountains, Shivaβs Shakti. She was absolutely a guide for me on this pilgrimage.
πΈ Offerings – to me, Bhakti or devotion is second natureβ¦
Making offerings connects my heart to the stream of Divine Grace and reminds me of my inner power and connection to all of Life.
For our travelling altar on this journey I found a beautiful hand-rolled Tibetan lotus incense to burn, and gathered many flowers along the way (marigolds are prolific in Nepal!)
I carried of these things on my back the whole trek because for me they are essentials so I donβt mind the weight!
For me, travel is almost always a pilgrimage⦠I choose places that pulse with life force, that are rich in devotion, places that call my name until I follow irresistible pull to visit and partake in the medicine of the land⦠and now I am blessed to be sharing these journeys with women who feel the call.
The next one will be in October 2019. Details coming soon – contact me to receive pilgrimage updates by email.
