Pentecost Altar: Red Candles, Flames, and Dove Symbols

BY NICOLE LAU

Creating a Pentecost altar is an act of inviting the Holy Spirit, honoring divine fire, and creating sacred space for inspiration and transformation. Unlike altars dedicated to other purposes, a Pentecost altar is vibrant, fiery, and focused on communication with the divine—it's a beacon for the Spirit's descent and a declaration that you are open to receive divine inspiration. Whether you're practicing solo or with community, the altar serves as a focal point for Spirit invocation, a shrine to divine communication, and a physical manifestation of your readiness to be filled with sacred fire.

The Purpose of a Pentecost Altar

A Pentecost altar serves as:

• An invitation to the Spirit: Creating a welcoming space for the Holy Spirit to descend
• A focus for meditation: Where you sit to receive inspiration and guidance
• A symbol of transformation: Visual reminders of the fire that transforms
• A communication center: Where you speak prayers, write inspired words, and listen for divine messages
• A celebration of Pentecost: Honoring the descent of the Spirit upon the apostles

Core Symbols and Tools for a Pentecost Altar

1. Red Candles (Essential)

Red candles are the heart of a Pentecost altar:

• Use multiple red candles (at least three, ideally seven for the seven gifts)
• Red represents the fire of the Holy Spirit
• Red also symbolizes passion, transformation, and the blood of martyrs
• Arrange candles in a circle, triangle, or line
• Light them during prayer, meditation, and Spirit invocation

2. Dove Symbol or Image (Essential)

The dove represents the Holy Spirit:

• White dove statue, image, or figurine
• Dove in flight (representing the Spirit's descent)
• White feathers (real or decorative)
• Place the dove as the centerpiece or above the altar
• The dove represents peace, purity, and the Spirit's gentle presence

3. Flame Imagery

Tongues of fire are central to Pentecost:

• Images or artwork depicting flames
• Flame-shaped decorations
• Fire symbols or sigils
• Orange and yellow accents to represent fire

4. Red Flowers

Fresh flowers in red:

• Red roses (love, passion, the Spirit's fire)
• Red carnations (admiration, divine love)
• Red tulips (perfect love)
• Red geraniums (comfort, the Spirit's presence)
• Arrange in a vase on or near the altar

5. Bible or Sacred Text

Scripture is central to Pentecost:

• Open Bible to Acts 2 (the Pentecost account)
• Or to John 14-16 (Jesus's promises about the Spirit)
• Or to Joel 2:28-29 (prophecy of the Spirit's outpouring)
• Place prominently on the altar

6. Incense

Fragrance for the Spirit:

• Frankincense: Sacred, purifying, elevating
• Sandalwood: Spiritual, grounding, sacred
• Cinnamon: Fire, inspiration, energy
• Burn during prayer and meditation

7. Crystals for Inspiration

Stones that support divine communication:

• Carnelian: Creativity, courage, inspired action
• Citrine: Inspiration, clarity, joy
• Blue lace agate: Communication, eloquence, truth
• Clear quartz: Clarity, amplification, divine connection

8. Writing Tools

For inspired writing and prayer:

• Journal and pen
• Blank paper for automatic writing
• Prayer cards or intention cards
• Place on the altar as tools for divine communication

9. White Cloth

Altar covering:

• White cloth as the base (purity, the dove)
• Red cloth overlay or runner (fire of the Spirit)
• Or alternate: red cloth with white accents

10. Symbols of the Seven Gifts

Optional: Represent each gift of the Spirit:

• Seven candles (one for each gift)
• Seven stones or crystals
• Seven cards with the gift names written on them
• Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, Fear of the Lord

Altar Layout and Design

There's no single "correct" way to arrange a Pentecost altar, but here's a suggested layout:

Center

• Dove image or statue (elevated if possible)
• Central red candle (largest)
• Open Bible

Left Side (Fire)

• Three red candles
• Flame imagery
• Carnelian or citrine crystals

Right Side (Air/Communication)

• Three red candles
• White feathers
• Blue lace agate
• Writing tools

Front

• Red flowers in vase
• Incense burner
• Prayer cards or intentions

Back

• Artwork depicting Pentecost or the Holy Spirit
• Additional flame imagery

Activating Your Pentecost Altar

Once your altar is set up, activate it with this ritual:

1. Cleanse the space: Burn frankincense or sandalwood to purify the area.
2. Light the candles one by one, saying with each: "Come, Holy Spirit, fill me with your fire."
3. If using seven candles, name each gift as you light it.
4. Pray: "Holy Spirit, I invite you to this sacred space. Descend upon me like tongues of fire. Fill me with your presence. Grant me your gifts. Transform me with your power."
5. Read Acts 2:1-4 aloud.
6. Sit in meditation before the altar for at least 10 minutes, opening yourself to the Spirit.
7. Declare: "This altar is a beacon for the Holy Spirit. This space is sacred. I am ready to receive."

Using Your Altar During Pentecost

During Pentecost season (and year-round), use your altar to:

• Daily prayer: Light candles and pray for the Spirit's presence
• Meditation: Sit before the altar in silent receptivity
• Inspired writing: Write prayers, poetry, or automatic writing at the altar
• Spirit invocation: Perform the rituals from the previous article
• Study: Read scripture about the Holy Spirit
• Offerings: Place written prayers or intentions on the altar

Special Pentecost Altar Additions

For Pentecost Sunday specifically, you might add:

• Extra red decorations: Ribbons, fabric, banners
• Images of the apostles: Honoring those who first received the Spirit
• Wind chimes: Representing the mighty rushing wind
• Fan or pinwheel: Symbolizing the wind of the Spirit
• Globe or map: Representing the Gospel going to all nations

Maintaining Your Altar

• Keep it clean: Dust regularly, keep candles trimmed
• Refresh flowers: Replace wilted flowers with fresh ones
• Engage daily: Light at least one candle each day and pray
• Respect the space: This is sacred space dedicated to the Spirit
• Seasonal changes: You can keep the altar year-round or create it specifically for Pentecost season

Minimalist vs. Elaborate Altars

Minimalist Altar

A simple altar can be just as powerful:

• One red candle
• One white feather or dove image
• Open Bible
• One crystal (carnelian or citrine)

Elaborate Altar

If you prefer a more complex setup:

• Seven red candles (for the seven gifts)
• Multiple dove images and feathers
• Abundant red flowers
• Multiple crystals and sacred objects
• Artwork, banners, and decorations

Both approaches are valid. Choose what supports your connection to the Spirit.

Portable Altar for Travel

Create a small portable altar for when you travel:

• Small red candle or tea light
• White feather
• Prayer card with Acts 2
• Small crystal (carnelian or citrine)
• Red cloth to create sacred space

This allows you to maintain your practice anywhere.

Next in the series: Pentecost Spiritual Celebration: Modern Practices for Divine Fire.