Editor’s Letter:

“How do we define sacred space?”

Since antiquity, our ancestors already have a clear idea on what sacred space is. During the time when nature was seen as divine, and harmonious man-environment relationship was maintained, all objects and places in the natural world were held sacred. And so they erected temples in mountaintops, forest groves, springs, and most importantly, on places designated as spiritual “nodes” of the earth.

Sacred space is a place where one feels in perfect alignment with the universe. It is an integral part of all religions and spiritual cultures around the world, a place of refuge and a perfect space where man and the divine can meet in perfect trust and love. It could be elsewhere: in nature, any part of the home, work place, temple, our physical body and even our inner world. Any space, hallowed with the right intentions, becomes sacred.

But with the rapid growth of urbanization, sacred spaces have become increasing rare especially for the urban folk. It is even more uncommon for busy people to maintain their own sacred space. In a city of high-rise buildings and industrialized roads, the natural landscape is often beyond the commoner’s reach and sacred spaces have now become limited to the confines of temple walls and churches.

This month, Manggagaway proudly presents its delayed-yet-labored-with-love special issue devoted to sacred space. We bring you stories and articles that may help inspire sacredness into your own homes and personal spaces: from setting up your personal altar to creating a harmonious living environment. We also feature an interview with the Philippines’ finest feng shui expert and a spiritual pilgrimage within your cyber reach.

Light & Love,
Ishilta
Editor-in-Chief

Associate Editors:

An Arian who is a firm believer in equality for all; Barbie is dedicating her efforts to the advocacy for Wiccan recognition, Lesbian and Women’s Rights, and the fight against injustice everywhere. A solitary Kitchen Witch of the Dianic tradition for more than six years already, she uses the pen name FIRECHILD. She works as a freelance writer and editor, Contributing Editor of ICON Magazine, and has had her work published in varied publications such as the Philippine Graphic and The Manila Standard.

A claustrophobic Virgo, SAPPHIRE SOUL is currently pursuing graduate studies in environmental science, and edits newsletters in her spare time. Because of her eclectic mix of beliefs ingrained since childhood, she sees no contradiction between Catholic and indigenous belief systems (as well as Wicca), and have found a way to seamlessly blend the two in her life.

SELFSHIFT profoundly describes himself as a sentimental cool, a beach fan, a mountain jogger, an anime'ted being, a book-sale hunter, a pet admirer, a life wonderer, a restless thinker, an esoteric enthusiast, and an archetype reader. But all of these pseudo-identities change – shift; hence his name.

Contributors:
Andrew Esguerra

Aldrin F. T.
Ishilta
Jeffrey de Castro
Kathael
Kether W.

Rene Espinosa
Weatherlight


Special Thanks:

Christopher See of Lightnet
For lending me once again his book on Creating Sacred Space With Feng Shui and for giving me my first reiki attunement

Ven. Dr. Axel Deutschmann & Rev. Victorio Hua Wongsentian of the Sheng Lian Temple
For taking part on the interview and for giving us the necessary materials

Don Brina
For lending me his digital camera

Rici Teves of SUFI-ISIS
For the very kind accommodation given to me on my visit to SUFI-ISIS’ main office

Orlando de Guzman Jr. of The Peacemakers’ Circle
For all the help spent on the December workshop and this Sacred Space Issue

and

To all my lovely editors & contributors for sharing your talents