A Book of Women's Altars: How to Create Sacred Spaces for Art, Worship, Solace, Celebration

Cunningham, Nancy Brady/ Geddes, Denise (Photographer)

ISBN 10: 1590030117 / ISBN 13: 9781590030110

Published by Red Wheel/Weiser, 2002

About this Item

176 pages. 7.25x7.25x0.50 inches. In Stock.

Seller Inventory # __1590030117

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Book of Women's Altars: How to Create Sacred Spaces for Art, Worship, Solace, Celebration
• Publisher: Red Wheel/Weiser
• Publication Date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1590030117
• ISBN 13: 9781590030110
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: Brand New
• Weight: 0.55 kilograms

About this title

Synopsis

Altar (noun): an elevated surface upon which one displays meaningful objects.

Any surface can become an altar. Geddes and Cunningham, with beautiful, inspirational photos and text that's both instructive and poetic, show us how. For women, they say, an altar can become a sacred space upon which to place symbols of her true self. Whether indoors or out, permanent or fleeting, an altar helps you to quickly focus on the spirituality inherent in common things the flicker of a candle flame, the heady scent of freshly picked lilacs.

Part One of A Book of Women's Altars explains the cultural and historical background of the altar and why to create one. Making and using an altar literally clears a path for a woman through the clutter of her world. She creates a place where she is free to make her inner journey, where healing is abundant. Cunningham describes the process of selecting a theme, choosing a place, finding the right objects, and knowing when to change the altar.

Part Two focuses on what to do with altars on special occasions. The author and photographer have created and illustrated with photographs and stories sixteen special altars. There are altars for the seasons of the year and the seasons of our lives including loss, remembrance, celebration of new life, and many more. Each has its own purpose, story, and ritual.

About the Author

Nancy Cunningham is an accomplished poet, author of A Book of Women's Altars, and workshop leader in yoga, meditation and ritual for more than 30 years.

Denise Geddes is a professional photographer, whose work is featured in A Book of Women's Altars. She teaches photography in Massachusetts.