Every culture throughout civilization has created altars and shrines in special places to express devotion and appreciation to the guiding forces in our lives.  In the Indian science of Vastu, a system of architecture that dates back more than six thousand years, altars are used in various locations in the home to bring our attention to certain energies that we want to enhance.  Any area can be set aside as an altar, just designate it with a pretty scarf or shawl, and set it with items that have meaning to you.  It’s traditional to include things from nature, which represent the elements: a candle, a stone, a shell, a flower, or a feather for example.  Of course, the most important factor in creating an altar is to infuse it with your emotion.  Your intention will make it all the more powerful!