Laura’s Yellow Lotus Shrine
This is my shrine dedicated to Isis, Egyptian mother goddess as well as to Lady Bast, Lord Anubis and Lord Thoth. I see these deities as my celestial family that give love and support in my daily life. This temple is set up in my personal room and is used for daily prayer and meditation in the morning and evening.
While the shrine is dedicated to Egyptian deities, I am not a follower of the Kemetic path. Instead, my inspiration came from the writings in books: “The Mysteries of Isis” by DeTraci Regula, “Magic of Isis” by Alana Fairchild and Jimmy Manton plus many others. I have also borrowed many ideas from other teachers including Buddhists like Thich Nhat Hanh whose idea of “No Mud, No Lotus” has guided me through struggles I have had this past year. He likens suffering to the mud in which a beautiful lotus flower of happiness can grow in our lives. Without this sorrow and suffering we could not reach our beautiful potential.
My Yellow Lotus Temple shrine is set up with these and many other ideas in mind. First it needed to be a beautiful and peaceful place where healing could take place. It also served as a spiritual home that could be accessed anytime of the day or night and where I could be myself without expectations of others weighing in.
From the top: A yellow lotus ceramic ornament that represents the goal of growing to our full potential despite the challenges and set-backs we face in our personal lives. Below is a small metal medallion that states: “Through it all, the Lotus Flower Blooms”. On top of the shrine is a sleeping cat representing the peacefulness of the temple. The candle holder in the middle has ocean shells and represents friendship since it was a gift given to me many years ago. To the right is small chime bell with ringer for morning prayers. The picture to the left is a representation of Lord Thoth (yes he is enjoying a latte while contemplating his writings) and to the far right are temple musicians making the offering of music and sound to the Gods.
Hanging inside the shrine box is a gold medallion with a Ankh representing life and a reminder that the greater good should always be considered when making decisions in our daily lives. In front is a statue representing Queen Isis with smaller figurines representing Lady Bast and Lord Anubis to either side. At Isis’ feet is a meditation mala for focused prayer with beads comprised of sandalwood, lotus seeds and bluestone. The lotus candle holder below her is a representation of our inner potential that the Gods help us cultivate everyday if we ask for their help.
On the far left of the box is a sand timer for meditation timing without digital aids. The two taper candles on either side are Luminara battery operated candles that work wonderfully for lighting without wax drips. The two cat statues on either side are protective ornamentals that denote that this is a sacred space and is also protected by positive, powerful forces.
The bowl in the middle is a miniature koi pond complete with lotus flowers which adds a water element that is peaceful. It is also meaningful to remind us that to reach our full potential we must rise out of the mud of our lives and seek spiritual light. The two candles on either side are gold colored glass representing the inner spiritual light we can share with the outside world as the Gods have shared theirs with us.
It is my sincere hope that you may find peace and enlightenment on your chosen spiritual path and that my shrine has encouraged you to tap your inner creativity and personal truth.
With Blessings,
Laura
Corvallis, Oregon
