This Might Look Like I Worship Money
Borrowing Sacred Practices With Honor and Reverence
“An it harm none, do what ye will.”
— Wiccan Rede, Traditional Teaching
I was once guilty of accidental cultural appropriation. I came to school in junior high sporting the trendy, braided hairstyle from the movie 10, and my African American girlfriends were not happy with me.
Google this topic, and you’ll see clearly how delicate and tricky it is. And in my ministry studies, we’re now learning about the notion of spiritual appropriation — which may be even murkier.
The Question That Won’t Let Go
This topic is so complex that I couldn’t even find a clear, informative link to include here. Some examples, however, do emerge and make sense. For instance, smudging with white sage — “stolen” from Indigenous and pagan rituals — has become such a popular practice that it’s impacting the environment.
Learning that there is a “dark underbelly” in the use of sage prompted me to look more closely at all of my practices.
As a spiritual mentor, teacher, and author traveling the world in search of magic and sacred knowledge, this is a vital question for me. It might be important to anyone striving to be an ambassador for peace and harmony:
When is it okay to “steal” ideas and inspiration from other traditions, cultures, and religions?
Are you a member of a culture or religion and feel protective or possessive of its symbols and rituals?
What’s on My Traveling Altar?
I decided to use my current “traveling altar” as a starting point to look into these questions.
My altar is simply a collection of items that are sacred to me. It helps me focus and feel connected, inspired, and grounded in my daily spiritual practice. It’s a centerpiece for rituals and celebrations — alone or with my community on Insight Timer and Substack.
Each item holds deep personal meaning.
And yet, nearly all originated in cultures and traditions that are not my own.
Am I honoring these traditions, or am I borrowing in ways that could harm or disrespect them?
Feather Bundle
On the far right is a collection of memories — each feather found in my travels and gifted by nature. It’s secured with a beaded leather bracelet that says “Ireland.”
Feathers are used across the globe: by Indigenous people of the Americas, Celts, Hindus, Buddhists, and Wiccans. It’s sometimes called a feather wand or smudging fan. (I had to leave the feathers behind in Cyprus as New Zealand doesn’t allow anything from animals to enter the country. Interesting)
Crystal Headdress
This was custom-made by a local artist, inspired by The Adventures of Merlin and my own studies of crystals. The labradorite is said to bring mystical qualities: heightened intuition, divine connection, clarity of communication.
Headdresses like this are seen in Persian, Bedouin, and Indian ceremonies — especially for brides.
Peruvian Ocarina
A small wooden flute purchased at the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, England — to support the artist and honor my intention to add more music into my life.
Stones, Shells, Symbols
These belong to Mother Earth. I took them with permission and care, to remember where they came from.
There’s a Celtic Cross gifted by a Church of England Spiritual Director, jade from Ireland, an ayahuasca slice from a wanderer in Costa Rica, chakra stones inspired by Chinese medicine and Buddhist and Hindu teachings.
And finally…
Money on the Altar
What is the world to make of a spiritual teacher who includes money among the other sacred items on her altar?
This pretty little pile of bills and coins represents every country I’ve visited and the diversity I witness and celebrate wherever I go. Money itself is not an object of worship — it is a symbol of freedom and abundance.
We each get to decide what is sacred to us.
A Mosaic, Not a Theft
You see, I borrow from everywhere when crafting spiritual rituals and gathering sacred symbols.
Is any of this “wrong”?
Are we being disrespectful when we meditate and practice yoga and qigong, even though we’re not Buddhist or Hindu?
Are the artists who craft and sell ritual items guilty of “selling out” their own cultures and religions?
Ultimately, spirituality is a deeply personal journey, and our practices can always be shaped by our experiences and what speaks to our hearts.
For me, my altar is not a collection of “stolen” artifacts but a mosaic of meaning — an intentional blend of elements that connect me to Spirit, to the Earth, and to the diverse beauty of human traditions.
A Middle Way
I think I can be forgiven any accidental encroachment on values and traditions, as long as I remain mindful and reverent.
We each get to choose to be mindful, loving, kind, and respectful humans — and to treat all traditions with honor and care.
If something speaks to your heart and helps you feel more connected to all that is, you don’t have to avoid it just because another culture or group also deems it sacred.
When we honor the origins of these practices, learn from those who created them, and approach everything we borrow with respect and gratitude, all is well.
If we hold space for reflection and care, perhaps we can navigate this world of shared traditions with the grace and kindness it deserves.
Your Turn
What unique items live on your altar?
How do you honor the traditions they come from?
Do you witness and resent the world “stealing” practices from your faith?
What is the kind, gentle, open conversation we can have with each other that never divides but instead, unites?
Let’s talk.
Loving your shadows, and holding you in love and light.
Lauren
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