The Altar

The concept of the warrior has long been tied to both physical prowess and spiritual depth. Across time and cultures, warriors were not just soldiers fighting on battlefields, but protectors, guardians of the sacred and the profane, deeply connected to higher principles that guide their actions. In modern times, we have moved away from the purely physical aspect of being a warrior, recognizing that the true path of the Protector requires more than just strength and skill—it demands a connection to the spiritual realm, where purpose, integrity, and higher consciousness reside.

For the modern Protector, creating an altar or sacred space within their training environment serves as a powerful practice that helps to anchor their spiritual side. This altar becomes a personal gateway, linking the mundane aspects of training—pain, repetition, discipline—with the transcendent ideals of honor, wisdom, and protection. It is a reminder that the path of the warrior is not simply about fighting; it is about becoming a better version of oneself, channeling inner strength, and embodying higher values.

The Sacred Altar: A Gateway to Consciousness

The altar is not just a decorative element in a training room; it is a powerful symbol and tool for transformation. When a warrior steps into the training space, they are not merely stepping into a physical room but crossing a threshold into the sacred. The altar serves as a focal point of this energy shift. It helps the Protector recognize that their training is not only for the body but for the spirit as well.

Every time you approach your altar, you are reminded that you are a Protector, a guardian of not only the physical world but the metaphysical as well. It becomes a place where you meditate on the virtues of a warrior—courage, humility, honor, and loyalty—while sharpening your physical skills. In doing so, the sacred merges with the profane, and the training room transforms into a temple of personal growth.

The altar helps the warrior create a mental and emotional gateway to higher consciousness. It invites mindfulness, asking the warrior to be present not only in their body but in their spirit. Every weapon, every movement, and every breath is infused with greater purpose. The ritual of approaching the altar before training creates an important psychological shift: you are not just exercising, you are preparing for a deeper engagement with your mission as a Protector.

Throughout history, warrior castes across various cultures integrated spiritual practices into their training regimes, often using altars as sacred focal points. These altars were not merely places of worship but sanctuaries where warriors could align their physical training with the divine or cosmic forces they believed in. In many cases, the altar was a critical element in reinforcing the warrior’s sense of purpose, duty, and honor.

Personalizing the Altar: Honoring Belief Systems

The beauty of the altar is that it can and should be designed according to the belief system of the individual warrior. There is no one right way to create a sacred space, and its elements can reflect the unique spiritual or cultural background of the person who trains there. The altar becomes a deeply personal manifestation of your values, beliefs, and spiritual aspirations.

Here are some suggestions for items that can be included on the altar, depending on one’s spiritual path:

1. Weapons

• Symbol of Strength: Whether it’s a sword, a dagger, or a bow, placing weapons on the altar can symbolize the warrior’s strength, discipline, and readiness to protect.

2. Sacred Plants and Herbs

• Sage or Palo Santo: These herbs are often burned to purify the space and cleanse negative energy. They serve as reminders to clear both the physical and spiritual clutter before each training session.

• Incense: Lighting incense creates an atmosphere of calm and focus, allowing the Protector to center themselves before beginning physical practice.

3. Candles

• Symbol of Enlightenment: Candles represent the light of consciousness, the eternal flame of wisdom, and the inner fire that drives the warrior’s purpose. Lighting a candle before training can signal the transition from the mundane to the sacred.

• Colors and Symbolism: Choose candle colors based on what you wish to invoke—red for strength and courage, white for purification, blue for protection or black for destruction.

4. Statues and Images of Deities or Sacred Figures

• War Gods: Many traditions honor deities associated with war and protection. In Norse mythology, you might include statues of Odin or Thor, gods of wisdom, battle, and protection.

• Archangel Michael: In the Christian tradition, Michael is regarded as the protector and leader of God’s army, a warrior archangel who fights against evil forces. His image can be a reminder of divine protection and the righteousness of the Protector’s path.

• Personal or Cultural Figures: For some, ancestral figures or heroes of their own culture may embody the virtues of the warrior. Including images or icons of these figures provides a deep connection to heritage and personal identity.

5. Sacred Geometry and Symbols

• Mandalas or Yantras: These geometric symbols are used in many spiritual traditions to focus meditation and embody the structure of the universe. Placing a mandala on the altar reminds the warrior of the larger cosmic order they serve to protect.

• Runes or Sigils: In pagan or Norse traditions, runes can be carved or drawn on the altar, representing different aspects of protection, strength, or wisdom.

• Templar Cross a reminder of the warrior monk that unifies the art of war and the inner transformation.

6. Spiritual Texts or Quotes

• Sacred Writings: Having a passage from a spiritual text, whether it’s the Bible, Bhagavad Gita, Tao Te Ching, or any other revered scripture, can be a source of guidance. Reading or meditating on these passages before training brings clarity of purpose.

• Personal Mantras: The altar can also hold written reminders of personal mantras or affirmations that align with the warrior’s mission.

7. Personal Items with Deep Meaning

• Family Heirlooms or Tokens of Protection: Some warriors may choose to place family heirlooms or personal tokens that have been passed down, symbols of protection, guidance, and continuity with one’s lineage.

• Crystals: In some belief systems, crystals are considered to hold different energies. For example, black tourmaline may be used for protection, while amethyst symbolizes spiritual growth.

Why It Matters for the Modern Protector

In the fast-paced world of today, it’s easy to get lost in the purely physical aspect of life. Many warriors may focus solely on building strength, honing their skills, or preparing for battle without considering the importance of balance. But the path of the Protector is one of integration: balancing mind, body, and spirit. The altar serves as a constant reminder of this balance, helping the modern Protector stay connected to a higher purpose.

When a warrior combines their physical training with spiritual reflection, they are no longer just reacting to external forces—they are moving from a place of inner strength, clarity, and wisdom. This leads to more mindful action, sharper intuition, and a deeper sense of responsibility as a Protector. It cultivates the internal qualities needed not just to win battles, but to protect and serve others with honor.

Ultimately, the altar is not about changing one’s belief system; it’s about using those beliefs to transform oneself into a better Protector. Whether you are inspired by ancient warriors, deities, or spiritual texts, your altar reflects your own sacred journey as a warrior. It is a symbol of your commitment to the path of protection, not just of the body, but of the spirit, and it stands as a testament to your growth and dedication on that journey.

From the past we have many examples of warrior castes that were understanding the importance of the spiritual real.

The Roman Legionnaires and the Altar of Mars

The Roman legions, known for their extraordinary military organization and discipline, also had a profound connection to the spiritual realm, particularly through their worship of Mars, the god of war. Before battle, Roman soldiers would often conduct rituals at altars dedicated to Mars, praying for strength, courage, and victory.

These altars, known as ara, were frequently part of the Roman military camps. In every new location where the Roman legions set up camp, they would create an altar to the gods, often focusing on Mars or Jupiter, the supreme god. Sacrifices, prayers, and invocations were standard practice before heading into battle.

The altar served not only as a religious focal point but also as a psychological tool, reinforcing in the minds of the soldiers that they were instruments of divine will. It provided them with a sense of invincibility and protection, knowing that they had the favor of Mars, making them more fearless in battle.

The Vikings and Their Sacred Groves

The Vikings, fierce seafarers and warriors from Scandinavia, also integrated spirituality deeply into their warrior culture. They worshiped a pantheon of gods, including Odin, the god of wisdom and war, and Thor, the god of thunder and protection.

Vikings did not often build traditional altars in the way other cultures did, but they venerated the gods in sacred groves or at stone circles, where they offered sacrifices and performed rituals before setting out on raids or warfare. These groves served as natural altars, where Viking warriors would seek blessings for their journeys and battles.

In many cases,it was always important for the Vikings to be on good terms with the gods. In order to ensure that this was the case they made “blót” sacrifices. The blót was an exchange, in which they sacrificed to the gods in order to get something back in return. For example, this might the gods’ goodwill regarding weather, fertility or luck in battle. Blót (sacrificial rituals) were performed to ensure the favor of the gods. Weapons such as swords and axes, often adorned with runes, were offered at these sites. The Vikings believed that connecting to their gods and ancestors through these sacred rituals made them more formidable warriors, invoking divine protection and strength.

Knights Templar and Christian Altars

The Knights Templar, a medieval Christian military order, provides a fascinating example of how spirituality was woven into the training and life of a warrior. These knights took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, dedicating themselves to both spiritual and physical warfare.

In their commandery chapels, Templars maintained altars where they performed Christian rituals, including Mass and prayer, before embarking on their military missions. Their training was not just focused on martial skills; it was also steeped in spiritual devotion, as they saw themselves as fighting for God.

The altar in these chapels was central to their religious and martial life, representing the intersection of divine service and military duty. By engaging in rituals at the altar, Templar knights connected with their mission to protect Christian pilgrims and holy sites, making their battles spiritually meaningful.

Dojo Altar: The "Kami Place" in Martial Arts

In many traditional martial arts dojos today, the concept of the altar is alive and well in the form of the "kami place" or shrine. This area is usually located at the front of the dojo, and it is a space dedicated to spiritual reverence and respect for the martial arts tradition. It often contains a kamidana, a small Shinto shrine, and other symbols relevant to the martial arts lineage being practiced.

In many Chinese or Japanese traditional martial arts, students are required to bow towards this shrine at the beginning and end of every class. This ritual isn’t just about respecting the space; it’s an acknowledgment that martial training is a path to personal and spiritual development. It’s a way of recognizing that the dojo is not merely a training hall but a sacred place where both the body and the spirit are refined.

This tradition parallels the practices of ancient warrior castes, where altars were places of offering, prayer, and divine connection. The kami place in modern dojos serves as a living reminder of the ancient warrior’s connection to something higher—whether it be tradition, spirituality, or the universal principles of martial arts.

From a young age, you have been shaped by your family, culture, and community. The spiritual beliefs and values that you grew up with have become an integral part of who you are. Whether these beliefs come from a specific religion, philosophy, or cultural tradition, they have likely played a key role in how you perceive the world, your purpose, and your responsibilities.

These beliefs are not just intellectual concepts—they are deeply embedded in your subconscious mind. Over time, they have influenced your emotions, reactions, and mindset. They form a fundamental part of your identity, affecting the way you make decisions and how you connect to higher ideals. When you suddenly attempt to switch to an entirely different belief system—one that you have not grown up with or internalized over the years—you may encounter mental and emotional resistance. Many of you that are part of the IC Tribe 13 are knowing that Tribe 13 has a special unique esoteric knowledge but I was also advising many of you to try to implement in your warrior path your own believe system and only if your mind can accept different way to implement also this.

The Psychological Barrier of Changing Beliefs

Imagine a warrior raised in a Christian household, who has spent years engaging with their faith—going to church, praying, reading spiritual texts, and perhaps even viewing Archangel Michael as a symbol of protection and divine justice. Now, if this same warrior suddenly attempts to adopt a new system of beliefs, such as working with Nordic gods like Thor or Odin, or practicing magical sigils, they may feel discomfort or even guilt. Why? Because their subconscious mind may interpret this new spiritual framework as a threat to what it has always known to be true. This will be a blockage in connecting with the specific powerful energies represented by the Norse gods.

This isn't a reflection of the validity or power of the new belief system, but rather the way the mind has been "programmed" over the years. A brain that has been wired to see certain practices, like the worship of pagan deities or the use of magic, as incompatible or even wrong according to their established worldview, will naturally resist accepting these new beliefs. This creates a psychological obstacle that can undermine the warrior’s focus, spiritual connection, and overall effectiveness.

For example, a Christian warrior may instinctively associate Norse war gods with paganism, something their belief system has taught them to avoid. Their mind might automatically reject or mistrust these practices, creating a disconnect between their physical training and their spiritual engagement. This dissonance can be detrimental to their progress on the warrior path, as it can make spiritual rituals feel hollow or conflicting rather than empowering.

The Power of Aligning with Your Own Belief System

The key to spiritual growth and personal power as a Protector is alignment. You must be in alignment with the beliefs and values that resonate with the deepest parts of who you are. By staying true to the spiritual framework you’ve grown up with and accepted over the years, you maintain a harmonious relationship between your mind, body, and spirit.

• Christian Protector: If you’ve been raised in a Christian tradition, for example, it would be far more effective to draw upon the symbolism of Archangel Michael, a warrior angel of protection and divine justice. You can create a powerful spiritual altar using icons of saints or angels that represent your connection to the divine forces you’ve always known and trusted.

When you are in harmony with your spiritual beliefs, the rituals, symbols, and deities you connect with will have a much more profound effect on your path. This alignment empowers you by removing doubt, guilt, or resistance and allowing your mind to fully engage with the practices that are meant to enhance your warrior journey. It makes your spiritual practices natural, rather than forced, and builds a deeper connection between your consciousness and the divine energy that fuels your protector role.

Open to Expansion, Not Replacement

That being said, personal growth often involves expanding your understanding of different spiritual perspectives. If, after some time, you feel comfortable and at peace with exploring new belief systems, you can incorporate other elements alongside your core spiritual framework. The key is to do so gradually and with discernment, without completely abandoning the belief system that has shaped you.

For example:

• A Christian warrior can integrate the concept of mindfulness from Zen Buddhism, as it doesn't conflict with Christian values but rather enhances spiritual awareness.

• A Norse warrior, grounded in Odinic traditions, may find wisdom in certain Stoic teachings, which align with virtues of strength, discipline, and resilience.

• A practitioner who feels drawn to Shamanism can respectfully incorporate practices like working with nature spirits, while still maintaining their core spiritual traditions.

It is possible to replace a believe system? Yes but first you must deconstruct the one that you have and this is a very hard process.

This approach of integrating rather than replacing allows your mind to accept new practices without feeling the need to abandon what it has already learned to trust. It becomes a process of spiritual growth, where you build on the foundation you already have, rather than trying to dismantle and rebuild something new from scratch.

Understand that what really unites us under the Tribe 13 banner is the archetype of the warrior Protector and the goal of becoming a better version of ourselves. Believe systems are tools, methods to achieve this and this tools can be used for bad or for good. Choose to use them for good because any extreme view leads to bad outcomes.

No I will show you also how my personal altar in my training area looks like.

About the symbology and meaning behind every item I will talk in other post.

Stay safe all!