Sacred Space: Crafting Cosmic Connection

What are the theological or cosmological concepts underpin the way you create sacred space? - From Dark Mirror by Yvonne Aburrow

A mandala done in chalk pastels. Circle and spirals.

Prior to my experiences in Wicca, I would say I started developing the skill of "creating space" in my music therapy work. That often consists of being aware of who is in the room and what kind of support is needed in the moment. I tune into the energy level of the room whether it is more humorous or maybe a bit more somber. Then I do my best to collaborate with the patient and whoever is with them to select the music they feel will most supportive to their needs in the moment. I try to imagine that all of us present are in a bubble with a thread of awareness and energy connecting us. It can be a lot to balance!

As a Wiccan, I believe that we can connect with otherworldly "sacred" energy through liminality, or being at the threshold of our reality and that of the divine, astral, unseen realms. It is much like the state we experience between being awake and falling asleep or coming out of a dream. Some places in nature are innately liminal because they contain a transition point, such as the shoreline where water meets land.

Now that I have had several years practicing Wicca, I feel there are many similar concepts in "creating sacred space." In some ways they are exactly the same. When I create sacred space for myself, I typically cast a circle to create a sense of liminality between myself and higher realms. I am intentional about "who" or "what" I will be inviting or placing into the space, for what purpose, the type of energy to be raised, how we will be working together, and the barrier or bubble we will be working in.

I do consider myself a religious person! So for me, I really only cast a circle when I am calling in the Gods and Goddesses I work with. To create a protected circle, or sphere really, I invite all of the elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. I imagine Earth and Water below me, much like the Earth, and Fire and Air above me like the sun in the sky. Then I imagine a sphere around my space to block out the mundane world and create a sacred space for the Gods to enter (much like a church or temple, but I can do this anywhere!).

When I create sacred space, I am also very intentional about it and always have a reason to do so. The purpose always involves honoring the Gods and working with them either through ritual or spells. Depending on the work and time of the year, I raise energy in different ways through sound and or movement. I will be creating a different post to further explain casting a circle and raising energy. But all that I have explained above is why!

I might place decor- candles, crystals, herbs, music, statues, etc.- in my space corresponding to whatever I am working on, especially when celebrating the sabbats. This helps with ambience and gets your mind and heart focused on the tasks at hand.

I feel that I am also creating a scared space within myself when I do chakra alignment. I check in with each chakra from root to crown and imagine energy from the earth funneling from the bottom and energy from spirit or highest self funneling into the crown.

I don't always cast a circle to find a sense of sacred space, sometimes it is found within myself during meditation or daydreaming. Sometimes the Gods do come to you through signs throughout your day. I try to find some stillness to observe what is within me and what is around me. I believe you can find sacredness everywhere.

There are sacred sites and places all over the world because many people have poured there energy into communing with the spirit or deities of that spot. But I also feel wild nature is very sacred because it has not been touched by humans often. It is Mother Nature or other earth deities in full manifestation! There is sacredness within all across the cosmos. In my work and magic, I hope to find connections between.