Sacred Spaces
By Johanna Pockar

Sacred is one of the most powerful words. It speaks of connection to divinity, of that which we perceive as holy, of dimensions of life that resonate with the vibrations of the soul. A sacred space is conducive to approaching the divine and that which elicits reverence. We call temples, churches and mosques – those places where we explore and celebrate what is most meaningful – sacred spaces. Whether describing a Gothic cathedral, a Native American medicine wheel garden, an energy center in unadorned nature or a home that reflects the light of a feng shui practitioner, the linked words “sacred space” zero in on the same vein of meaning.

Sacred spaces contain vibrant, flowing, creative energy. In feng shui – an ancient Chinese art of placement – this is referred to as good chi. There are enormous differences between Chartres Cathedral in France, the Muir Woods outside San Francisco and a Northeast Ohio home touched by the craft of a person who “does feng shui;” however, the similarities may be much more important. Under the arches of the cathedral, Muir's towering redwoods and the roof of the feng shui home, people are likely to be seeking to place themselves in the flow of positive life energy. The intent to concentrate their energies and elevate their consciousness is enhanced by their presence in a sacred space. Any space may participate, to a varying degree, in the sacred energy of human experience if it is conducive to elevating consciousness and concentrating intentionality.

Aside from visiting majestic cathedrals and towering redwoods, how can you create a space that imbues the sacred? Actually, this is fairly easy to understand. A constructed space with good feng shui is a clear mirror of natural balance; and good feng shui is one way of bringing nature into your home and work space. It involves design that incorporates the actual or symbolic (through color) representation of nature's five elements: water (black), wood (green), earth (yellow), fire (red/orange) and metal (white). It considers design that incorporates those elements in a harmonious and balanced way.

Before arranging the five elements and their representations through color in a design of harmony and balance, pay heed to clearing clutter. Clutter gums up energy and effects the stagnation of chi. The word “clutter” comes from the word “clot,” and one of the primary meanings of the former term is “a confused assemblage.” Clutter blocks the clear, lustrous light of clarity, which is – in the dictionary, in feng shui and in the process of concentrating intentionality – what we seek so that we can accomplish what we yearn to accomplish in a sacred space. Therefore, the prerequisite to the creation of a sacred space is the clearing of clutter from it.

Designing a space to include the five elements in harmony and balance is not altogether simple. To begin, you may call in a feng shui practitioner or read a book on the subject. You should, however, be aware that if you are exploring sacred spaces, there are notable differences that spring from culture and individuality. For example, Professor Lin Yun, feng shui teacher and the foremost feng shui master in North America, created a small Buddhist temple in Berkeley. This sacred space serves the professor's culture, traditions and particular intentions with rococo, flamboyant, punched-up red and gold décor including a forest of candles and clouds of incense. To contrast, consider the ancient Gothic chapel of the Carthusian monastery in Pleterlje, Slovenia. This church – which has existed for nearly 1,000 years – is an awe-inspiring sacred space, but the building is monochromatic and totally minimalist. The stylistic difference between these two structures amounts to apples and mangosteens, yet each works well to concentrate intention, elevate consciousness and put the seeker in the flow of positive energy.

A meditation room is an excellent place on which to focus your attention when creating a sacred space. Keep in mind that any space can possess the qualities of a sacred space, but your design and decoration of the room that is your spiritual center should certainly be different than the décor in rooms you use for other purposes. Similarly, there are variations to consider depending on who uses the sacred space. A person with strong fire chi, for example, or predominant wood chi, should use design elements and colors that work to balance her or his dominant element. For example, the person carrying a wonderfully heavy load of fire – energized and represented by the color red – may well want to work with the color blue to dial up the tranquility-enhancing character of the sacred space.

Your sacred space – be it a meditation room or a room that you feel is your spiritual center – is a particular mirror of you. Meaning that, in practice, the space is adorned with your artifacts, incense, photographs – whatever objects symbolically represent the general thrust of your intentionality and identity. There is no formula for that. You must express yourself clearly to make a space an effective vehicle for your consciousness and intentionality.

Some people choose to create an altar in their sacred space. Throughout history, people have built altars as a place for a spiritual ceremony to take place. They are a crystallization of your consciousness and intention. (In and of themselves, they are worthy of a separate and distinct article.) An altar may include various items to stand for each element, as well as personal items that touch your heart and/or items with symbols that represent your intentions.

These types of objects do not need to appear only on your altar. Throughout the room, incorporate symbols that hold meaning for you, such as a labyrinth, circles, a cross or a Star of David. Also use objects that have special meaning to you – perhaps things from your childhood or artifacts of loved ones/mentors who may have passed on (or not). Favorite photos are good feng shui, as are rocks from sacred places. (Keep in mind that it is not always appropriate to take rocks or other items from nature or other sacred places.)

Consider including sound in your sacred space. Sound can take the form of music, bells, crystal chakra bowls, cymbals or any other sound that relaxes you and that you find pleasing. Another significant way to include sound in your sacred space is to use the sound of your own voice by either chanting or toning.

Your use of light also will enhance your meditation experience. Subdued lighting is ideal, and candlelight brings in the element of fire. Candles can be used by themselves or in groups of three or nine, numbers that are significantly powerful in Chinese numerology. To bring in the element of air, light some incense or use essential oils, depending upon your need at the moment. The scent of lavender is calming while rosemary is energizing, and the fragrance of roses brings joy.

The color and design portion of creating a sacred space that is a spiritual harbor for you may be challenging, but if you take your open heart into silence and intuition, you will find a way that best suits you and your needs. Seeking to find or create a sacred space is a sacred endeavor, one that deserves the best of your attention and focus. Ultimately, your sacred space should be the embodiment of your hopes, dreams and intentions – a representation of your highest self.

Johanna Pockar is a feng shui consultant and interior designer who has traveled throughout the United States doing consultations. She is intrigued by balance of color, space, materials, textures and energy, and she is particularly attuned to creating harmonious environments. Johanna has studied with Professor Lin Yun, the foremost feng shui master in North America, and she continues to work with various teachers across the nation in order to refine her understanding of the ancient craft. For more information, contact Johanna at (216) 731-8996 or pockar@ameritech.net.