Create an Altar for Peace
(This page was originally created during the war in Kosovo. 
It is truly unfortunate that we still are using it. Blessings to you all.-Kris)

In the midst of our frustration about the huge number of people that have been displaced by war or tortured by domestic strife, we decided to build a peace altar in our home to remind us to pray for the peace and safety of those all over the world. Please note that this is a nondenominational, nonpolitical activity, meant only to foster creation of collective healing thoughts for those affected by war (since we are all effected in some way, we can all benefit). Following is a description of the altar that was built by my family, much of it by my children and a friend of theirs. The children came up with ideas that hadn’t even occurred to me. Please take a moment to participate, even if you just light a candle and say a prayer. Prayer does change things…but only if you remember to do it.

Think of what you want to send to those in distress. Think of what they need. Use symbols that you feel confortable with. If you don’t have an item you can add, draw a picture of it. .Concentrate on what you want to send to those in distress. Young children are very good at this and can add things to the altar whenever they think of something since this is a work-in-progress.

Candles (we used a St. Cyprian, and Maria Milagro in glass jars) 

Scented oil (/Peace oil, Healing oil, and Free oil) or incense

Angel Figure

Holy Water

Cross, Star of David, Moon & Star, Buddha, Kwan Yin, etc.,
 symbols of religions

Little toy Sword (for Justice)

Bread, Potato, Beans (for the hunger)

Water (for the thirst)

Wine (for sacraments and for light-heartedness)

Honey and Candy  (for sweetness)

Bay Leaves/Laurel leaves (for the end of conflict)

Salt (for we are all of the earth)

Aspirin (to relieve pain)

Vitamin (for health)

A sliver of Soap (for cleanliness)

A piece of toilet paper and a tissue
 (think of all the simple things they don’t have!)

Band Aid (for injuries)

Happy Face (to return happiness)

Red Cross on white paper (to help those who help)

Statue of St Francis (patron of families)

Rice from a friend'sBuddist alter

Hearts (love)

Stars (the heavens)

Toy (for the children)

Balloons (for the return of celebrations)

Fire Truck (for safety from fires)

Little House (so they get a home)

Flowers (for beauty and to remember the dead)

Sage (herb used to purify)

Rosemary  herb traditionally used for remembrance)

Peace Powder (could be anything you choose that represents peace)… Surrond the altar with it
(a ring of corn starch or flour or cornmeal or glitter…whatever you are led to do)

Threads from warm clothes and a blanket

Penny (for money)

A prayer wheel.

An inspriational saying 
We used this from Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara:
 "When one’s heart is steeped in compassion,
 no dissension can bring disruption; 
if one heart is strengthened by compassion,
the mind enjoys sweet coolness, 
like a clear pool which no passion can agitate, 
no fire of anger destroy."

Some tears (for compassion)

Please take a moment to do something to add to the collective prayers and compassionate thoughts. Please send this to whomever you like. If you would like to share your altar ideas, email a picture or a list to kriskissner@grannysluck.com and I will post it on the Granny’s Luck website at www.grannysluck.com.

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