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A Gratitude Altar For Thankfulness Rituals and Spells

It is the season for giving thanks, and there is no better way to do it than to create a ritual. The Divine -- whether you think of it as a god, many gods, the spirits in your life, or the energy of nature -- is responsible for all good things. Giving thanks is the best way to make sure that those things keep coming to you.

Starting a Gratitude Ritual

If you have a group of friends or loved ones you can perform this ritual with, it will be all the more powerful. If not, you can also perform it just as well by yourself. The Divine will hear your thanks no matter how many people you are with.

The first step to creating a ritual for giving thanks is to put together a list of all of the things you have to be thankful for. Even mundane things, like good health, a job, a roof over your head, clean water, or a car that runs are all worth being thankful for.

For best results, perform these rituals on a Sunday. It is the day associated with the sun, success, vitality, creativity, and optimism, and is great for rituals that lay the groundwork for your future happiness. If you are in need of a little more to be thankful for, perform these rituals on a Thursday -- it is associated with Jupiter, and good for bringing you more of whatever you already have.

Thankful Candle Spell

This ritual is simple. All you will require is a gold candle, two white candles, frankincense incense, and frankincense oil. Dress the candles with the oil, and set them on a table in a safe, peaceful spot. Light the incense, light the candles, and quietly pray or meditate on all you are grateful for. You can say some simple words, like, "I am here to give thanks for all that I have," or read your list of things to be thankful for out loud. When you are done, snuff the candles.

Setting a Gratitude Altar

Keeping an altar devoted to being thankful is a great way to remember to appreciate what you have, give thanks regularly, and keep all of your roads to success unblocked. This altar does not have to be large or fancy, just a pleasant place for you to return to to sit, give thanks, and honor those who have made your success possible.

Anoint your altar with Altar Oil to cleanse and prepare it. Set it with gold candles, a holder for incense, and a clear quartz point or tower, arranged behind a pretty plate or bowl to hold offerings. (If you can, keep a vase full of camellia flowers on your altar -- they are associated with gratitude.)

To use the altar, write down all of the things you are thankful for. Light the candles and some frankincense incense, place the list under the crystal, and place an offering in the bowl to show your appreciation. Food, honey, or flowers are all good offerings. Sit, meditate, and be happy for all of the good things in your life.

When you are through, say "thank you," snuff the candles, and go about your day with happiness in your heart. Return to your altar as often as you need to to keep the offerings and/or flowers fresh.

A Short Thankfulness Ritual

If your life keeps you too busy for a formal ritual, you can still express your feelings of thankfulness. Find a fireproof vessel, and take it outside. Then, write a list of things you are thankful for on a piece of paper in non-toxic ink. Anoint the list with jasmine or vetiver oil, and light it on fire. Place it in the vessel, say a few short words of thanks, and let it burn. The smoke will carry your thanks to the Divine.

Being Thankful Every Day

A ritual is great for expressing your thanks, but it should not stop there. Do small things to keep a grateful feeling in your heart. Keep a journal of all of the things you have to be thankful for. Whenever you can, pay your good fortune forward -- donate money, food, clothes, or even just your time whenever you have more than enough. Instead of saying "I have to," say "I get to." You get to cook dinner, because not everyone has food. You get to go to work, because not everyone can earn money.

Showing your appreciation for everything you have is important. It helps make sure that you keep it, and tells the universe that you are worthy of more. Perform these rituals to give thanks, but make sure to show your thankfulness in small ways every day.