HEALING
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CHILDHOOD TRAUMA
Reason/Purpose: This is the altar I keep to represent the protection of children from abuse. I was sexually abused as a child and although I went through intensive healing and recovery fifteen years ago I keep this altar working.
Location: On top of a bookshelf in my temple. It has moved a few times, but has been in its present position for about two years now.
Objects & Their Symbolism:
Colors: I used blue flowers and massive white ceramic candleholder to represent peaceful calming energy and the strength of powerful spirit.
Mother w/Baby: Stands behind the panther. Represents the mother lovingly adoring her child.
Panther: Large leather with fangs showing. During my healing time and in my recovery dreams I envisioned large muscular cats with fangs circling round to protect mothers and children from abuse. This is a deeply engrained image of protection for me.
Black Teddy: One of the bears I used to hang onto during the most painful of my flashbacks. Being black it felt like she absorbed much of my pain. I love and respect her for that.
Dream Catcher: I didn't originally put the dream catcher there on purpose. It was already on that wall when I set the altar up, but after several days I decided to leave it as part of the altar because it made sense that the catcher was another form of protection, catching the terrible nightmares and transforming them to strength and healing.
Chant/Prayer/Meditation: When I stand before this altar I light the candle. I remember how far I've come. I remind myself and my inner children that we are safe, that we are strong at the broken places, that not only did we survive, but in the end we healed, we recovered, we learned to thrive. I also send out prayers and energy for survivors everywhere to know healing and for the children still being abused to find a way to tell and gain their safty.
Betsy Foster
© October 2001
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