Spiritual Vault: what it is, what it's for, and how to set it up
The spiritual vault It is a spiritualist altar consisting primarily of glasses of water, a central cup, light, prayers, and other items used for spiritual guidance. It is used to connect with a person's guides, ancestors, and guardian spirits, to strengthen spiritual communication, and to ask for clarity, protection, growth, health, peace, and prosperity.
Its use is well-known in Cuba, Santería, Espiritismo Cruzado, and various Afro-Caribbean spiritual practices. Although many people associate it with the Yoruba religion or the Regla de Osha, the spiritual vault primarily belongs to the field of Spiritism and functions as a space for focus, spiritual elevation, and connection with each individual's spiritual realm.
Spiritual vault information sheet
| Element | Spiritual description |
|---|---|
| Name | Spiritual vault. |
| Main tradition | Spiritism, crossed spiritism and Afro-Caribbean spiritual practices. |
| Function | Attend to spiritual guides, ancestors, and protective entities of the spiritual realm. |
| Main element | Glasses of water and a central clear glass cup. |
| Most used color | White, because of its association with peace, clarity, elevation, and spiritual cleansing. |
| Common uses | Spiritual communication, protection, mediumistic development, elevation, health, peace and development. |
| Known positions | Rest, defense, attack and stepped vault, according to the practice of each spiritual house. |
| Warning | It must be treated with respect, cleanliness, prayer, and appropriate spiritual guidance. |
What is the spiritual vault?
The spiritual vault is a sacred space dedicated to honoring the spirit guides, ancestors, and protectors who accompany a person. In Spiritism, it is considered a point of spiritual concentration where energies are channeled, assistance is offered, prayers are raised, and communication with entities of light is sought.
It's not just a table with glasses of water. The altar functions as a personal spiritual center, linked to the guiding principles of the person tending it. That's why it's said to be a personal foundation: its configuration, number of glasses, position, and elements can vary according to each person's spiritual needs and the guidance they receive.
Water is one of its main elements because it symbolizes clarity, freshness, receptivity, and spiritual communication. The vessels act as points of focus, concentration, and assistance for the spirits that are invoked with respect.
The spiritual vault should not be used as a toy, decoration, or curiosity. It represents a spiritual workspace that demands cleanliness, discipline, faith, constant attention, and a high intention.
What is the purpose of a spiritual vault?
The spiritual vault serves to attend to a person's spiritual picture, strengthen communication with guides and ancestors, ask for protection, elevate spirits, develop spiritual faculties and work for peace, health and development.
It can also help to harmonize energies, calm charged environments, support mediumistic development processes, and create a dedicated space for prayer within the home. For many people, the altar represents the place where they sit to speak with their spirits, ask for guidance, give thanks, and seek clarity.
Among its most common uses are:
- Listen to spiritual guides: They are offered water, light, prayer, and respect.
- Honoring the ancestors: We pray for peace, rest, light, and evolution for the deceased.
- Request protection: Shelter is requested from burdens, enemies, disturbances, and heavy environments.
- Seek development: Clarity, open paths, and spiritual improvement are requested.
- Develop spiritual sensitivity: It helps to create discipline, prayer, intuition, and connection with the guiding painting.
- Working for others: It can be used to request assistance for the sick, family members, or people in need, always from a charitable perspective.
The altar should work with spirits of light, charity, and elevation. It should not be used to feed selfishness, evil, domination, excessive ambition, or desires to harm others.
Who should have a spiritual vault
A person may have a spiritual vault based on the recommendation of a consultation, a spiritual mass, a spiritual reading, spiritual research, or guidance from their spiritual elders. It can also be set up on one's own initiative when the person wishes to begin a path of honoring their guides and ancestors, provided they do so with respect and responsibility.
In many homes, it is recommended that the altar be guided by a spiritualist, medium, godparent, or someone experienced in this type of practice. This is important because not all altars are set up the same way, and not all spiritual objects have the same needs.
Some people need it to balance spiritual burdens, attend to deceased family members, harmonize their mediumistic sensitivity, strengthen their protection, or open a space for spiritual development. Others receive it as part of their path within Spiritism, Osha, Palo, or cross-spiritual practices.
When there are doubts about the spiritual imagery, the guides who accompany the person, or the correct way to care for the altar, many houses recommend conducting a spiritual massThis ceremony allows one to investigate, elevate, and better guide the relationship with the spirits, especially before setting up a shrine or when signs appear that are difficult to interpret.
The important thing to understand is that having a spiritual altar doesn't automatically make a person a medium or guarantee direct communication with spirits. Often, the altar marks the beginning of a long path of discipline, study, prayer, and inner growth.
How to prepare the spiritual vault for the first time
Setting up a spiritual altar for the first time should be done calmly, cleanly, and respectfully. Ideally, one should receive spiritual guidance before setting it up, especially if the person is unfamiliar with their spirit guide or has no experience working with spirits.
Before placing the glasses, it's a good idea to clean the space, choose a suitable table, cover it with a white tablecloth, and select a quiet spot in the house. The glass dome shouldn't be set up in a dirty, cluttered place, or one prone to teasing, constant arguments, or disrespect.
For a simple first preparation, you can start with:
- A clean table.
- A white tablecloth.
- Clear glass cups.
- A central glass cup.
- Fresh water.
- A cross or crucifix.
- A white candle.
- White or light-colored flowers, if desired.
- Prayers of elevation and protection.
After placing the elements, it is recommended to pray sincerely, ask God for permission, invoke only spirits of light, and present the vault as a space of peace, assistance, and spiritual development.
If a person is unsure how many glasses to place or what position to use, it's wisest to start simply and seek spiritual guidance. Many houses use 7 or 9 glasses, but the number can vary depending on the spiritual framework and practices of each lineage.
How to set up a spiritual vault
Setting up a spiritual altar involves creating a space for spiritual care with water, light, prayer, and symbolic elements that allow one to work with guides and ancestors. It is usually placed on a rectangular or square table covered with a white tablecloth.
The basic setup usually includes several glasses of water, a central cup, a cross or crucifix, a white candle and, in some cases, flowers, perfumes, spiritual images or elements indicated by the guides.
A simple way to assemble it is as follows:
- Choose the place: It should be a quiet, clean and respected place within the house.
- Clean the table: Before placing the vault, physically clean the space and remove unnecessary objects.
- Place the white tablecloth: It represents clarity, peace, and spiritual order.
- Locate the central cup: It can be placed in the center or at the back, depending on the working position.
- Place the glasses: Distribute them according to the position of rest, defense or attack, according to the spiritual guidance received.
- Fill with fresh water: The water should be clean and changed frequently.
- Place the cross: It can go at the back or in the middle, depending on the custom of the house.
- Light a white candle: Do it with respect, prayer, and vigilance.
- Pray and present the vault: Ask for light, protection, clarity, and assistance from high spirits.
The spiritual vault should not be set up out of fear or improvisation. If it's your first time, it's best to start with a simple structure and avoid strong positions until you have sufficient guidance or knowledge.
Elements of the spiritual vault
| Element | Spiritual function |
|---|---|
| Glasses of water | They represent clarity, spiritual receptivity, assistance to guides, and a channel of communication. |
| Central cup | It usually represents the main spirituality or the center of energy concentration of the vault. |
| White tablecloth | It symbolizes cleanliness, peace, respect, elevation, and spiritual order. |
| Cross or crucifix | It is used as a symbol of faith, protection, elevation, and connection with God. |
| white sails | They bring light, prayer, clarity, and spiritual strength during the services. |
| Flowers without thorns | They serve as an offering of freshness, harmony, beauty, and elevation for the spirits of light. |
| Perfumes or essences | They are used in some homes to refresh, harmonize, and strengthen spiritual awareness. |
| Spiritual images | They can be placed according to the spiritual line, the guides of the painting, and the guidance received. |
In addition to these basic items, some altars may include tobacco, cigarettes, cards, walking sticks, handkerchiefs, dolls, hats, special glasses, colorful flowers, or items specific to a spiritual mission. This does not mean that every altar must have them. Each item should serve a specific spiritual need, not be a decorative accumulation.
How many vessels does a spiritual vault hold?
The number of vessels in a spiritual vault can vary depending on the house tradition, the person's spiritual background, and the guidance received during spiritual research. However, the most common quantities are: 7 glasses o 9 glasses, accompanied by a central cup.
The seven-glass dome is often associated with a basic and widespread structure within popular spiritualist practices. The nine-glass dome can be used in homes where a broader configuration is used or where the spiritual numerology of the chart so requires.
It's not advisable to obsess over quantity if there's no clear direction. More vessels don't necessarily mean more power. What's important is that the altar is well-maintained, clean, prayed over, and connected to spirits of light.
A simple, clean, and respected altar can be more spiritually effective than an altar filled with objects without order, care, and discipline.
Meaning of the vessels of the spiritual vault
The vessels in the spiritual vault represent points of concentration and assistance for the spirits that accompany the person. Each vessel of water functions as a symbolic receptacle of clarity, freshness, communication, cleansing, and elevation.
In some homes, each glass may be associated with a spiritual commission, a guide, an ancestor, a deceased relative, or a line of work. In others, they are understood more generally as points of light and assistance for the complete spiritual picture.
The water should be kept clear because it represents the purity of communication. If the water becomes dirty, evaporates too quickly, turns cloudy, or changes in appearance, many people interpret this as a sign of spiritual movement, environmental stress, or a need for attention. However, natural causes such as dust, temperature, humidity, water quality, or lack of cleanliness of the glass should also be considered.
The meaning of each vessel should not be assumed without guidance. If a person wishes to know what each point on their altar represents, the ideal approach is to consult a spiritualist through a spiritual mass, research, or the guidance of an experienced spiritualist.
How to care for the spiritual vault
Attending to the spiritual altar means keeping it clean, fresh, well-lit, and spiritually active. It's not enough to simply set it up and forget about it. Constant attention is part of showing respect to the guides, ancestors, and spirits invoked there.
The service may vary depending on the spiritual house, but it generally includes changing the water, cleaning the glasses, lighting a candle, praying, speaking respectfully, and checking that the space remains tidy.
Change the water in the glasses
The water should be changed regularly. Some people do it daily, others several times a week, and others as directed by their guides. The important thing is not to leave the water dirty, stagnant, or unattended.
When changing the water, it is recommended to wash the glasses, remove any residue, dry the table if there is any moisture, and refill with fresh water. This act is not only physical cleansing; it also symbolizes spiritual renewal.
Light a white candle
The white candle is lit to provide light, elevate prayer, and strengthen spiritual communication. It should be placed in a safe location, away from fabrics, papers, or drafts.
It is not mandatory to have a candle lit all the time. Many people light it during a specific act of devotion, a petition, a prayer, or a particular moment of spiritual work.
Pray and speak respectfully
The shrine is tended with prayer, pure words, and sincere thoughts. One may pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, prayers of elevation, or personal prayers, according to one's beliefs.
The important thing is to speak respectfully. One should not shout, curse, mock, or use the altar to vent uncontrollably. Words spoken before the altar should seek light, clarity, protection, and compassion.
Place flowers or perfumes
Fresh flowers, especially white or light-colored ones, can be placed as an offering of harmony and upliftment. They should be removed when they wilt, because a rotten or neglected flower disrupts the purity of the space.
Some homes use perfumes, essences, or spiritual waters to refresh the altar. This should be done in moderation and according to one's own spiritual practice.
Keep the table clean
The altar should not become a place filled with dust, accumulated objects, candle remnants, dried flowers, or neglected vases. Its spiritual power also depends on the order and respect with which it is maintained.
A clean altar signifies spiritual discipline. An unkempt altar may reflect disorganization, inattention, or a loss of connection to one's guiding principles.
How to talk to the spiritual vault
Communicating with your spiritual altar doesn't necessarily mean hearing voices or receiving immediate answers. Often, it involves sitting before it, praying, expressing a concern, asking for guidance, and then calmly observing any dreams, intuitions, signs, or inner changes that may arise.
To communicate with the altar, it is recommended to do so in a moment of tranquility. The person can light a white candle, place fresh water, pray, and then speak to their guides as one would address a respected presence.
A simple way to do this is:
- Clean the space and change the water if necessary.
- Light a white candle carefully.
- Pray a prayer of protection and elevation.
- Greet the guides, ancestors, and spirits of light.
- Clearly explain the situation or request.
- Ask for guidance, not imposition.
- Remain silent for a few minutes.
- Thank you and close respectfully.
Answers may come through dreams, feelings, clear thoughts, repeated signs, advice from loved ones, or changes in the environment. Communication should not be forced, nor should one become obsessed with receiving immediate signs.
What is asked of the spiritual vault
The spiritual vault is invoked for health, protection, prosperity, peace, clarity, spiritual elevation, assistance for family members, spiritual growth, and help in difficult situations. Requests should be made with charity, faith, and good intentions.
| Petition | Spiritual sense |
|---|---|
| Health | Spiritual assistance is requested for the sick, strength, relief, clarity and accompaniment. |
| Protection | Shelter is sought from enemies, burdens, bad influences, disturbances, and heavy environments. |
| Development | It helps to open paths, improve personal situations, and move forward with greater clarity. |
| Spiritual peace | Tranquility, emotional balance, harmony in the home, and rest for the spirit are requested. |
| Elevation of spirits | We pray for guides, ancestors, and spirits who need light, rest, forgiveness, and evolution. |
| Mediumistic development | It helps strengthen sensitivity, intuition, dreams, spiritual perception, and discipline as a spiritualist. |
| Clarity | Guidance is sought for making decisions, understanding signals, and sorting out confusing situations. |
| Spiritual charity | The vault is also used to ask for help for other people, always with kindness and light. |
It is not recommended to ask from base feelings such as hatred, revenge, selfishness, envy, or excessive ambition. The spiritual vault must work with light, not darkness.
Spiritual Vault Positions
The positions of the spiritual vault are ways of arranging the vessels and the cup according to the type of spiritual work one wishes to perform. The best known are rest, defense, and attack. There are also stepped vaults, used in particular cases when the spiritual lineage requires it.
| Position | Spiritual use |
|---|---|
| Resting Time | This is the basic position. It is used for focus, balance, prayer, spiritual development, and everyday communication with guides. |
| Trade | It is used when spiritual protection is requested, protection from enemies, cleansing of burdens and strengthening of the spiritual framework. |
| Attack | It is used in some homes to ask for spiritual guidance in the face of a difficult situation, conflict, harm or disturbance, always with guidance and responsibility. |
| Staggered | It is mounted in steps when spiritual research or the guiding frame line so requires. |
Spiritual vault at rest
The resting position is the basic and most stable form of the spiritual vault. It is used for regular attentions, prayer, balance, spiritual development, and ordinary communication with guides.
In its resting position, the vault is not directed toward a specific conflict situation, but rather toward maintaining the spiritual framework. It is the safest position for those who are beginning, because it allows them to attend to, cleanse, and strengthen without having to confront difficult situations.
From this position, one can ask for health, peace, clarity, development, the elevation of ancestors, and general protection. It is also the position to which the vault usually returns after having been in defense or attack.
Spiritual vault in defense
The spiritual vault in defense is used when it is necessary to ask for protection, safeguarding and spiritual strengthening against enemies, burdens, disturbances, bad influences or situations where the person feels attacked or vulnerable.
In this position, the primary intention is not to harm anyone, but to protect oneself, clear the path, and ask the guides to act as a shield. It can be accompanied by a white candle, prayers of protection, and a clear request placed with respect.
The defense must be approached calmly. If it stems from fear, anger, or despair, the person may misinterpret the situation and further inflame the atmosphere. The right thing to do is to ask for guidance, justice, protection, and clarity.
Spiritual vault under attack
The spiritual vault in attack is one of the positions mentioned in many spiritual houses when it is necessary to ask for movement in the face of a strong situation, a disturbance, a conflict, a spiritual damage, an injustice or a pressure that requires intervention from the guiding staff.
The term “attack” may sound aggressive, but it should not be understood as permission to do evil, dominate people, or unjustly harm someone. In responsible practice, this position should be approached with knowledge, guidance, and a clear intention: to seek a solution, defense, justice, an end to disturbances, and a restoration of balance.
Some households maintain this arrangement for a limited period, such as nine days, and then return the altar to its resting place. This type of arrangement is not recommended for beginners without guidance, as it involves moving conflicting energies and requires knowing how to close, cleanse, and restore the altar to balance.
If someone lacks experience, it's wisest not to place the altar in an attack position on their own. It's best to consult with a spiritualist or elder who can advise on whether that placement is truly necessary or if defense, prayer, and cleansing are sufficient.
What to do if a glass in the spiritual vault breaks
If a glass from your spiritual altar breaks, the first thing to do is remain calm. Not every broken glass signifies tragedy, harm, or a serious omen. Sometimes it happens due to physical causes: improper placement, a blow, temperature, weak glass, or carelessness.
However, within spiritual practice, many people interpret it as a sign of movement, a burden, protection, or a need for attention. Therefore, it is advisable to act with respect.
A prudent way to proceed is:
- Pick up the glass carefully to avoid accidents.
- Do not handle the remains with anger or fear.
- Dispose of the wrapped glass safely.
- Clean the table and floor with clean water.
- Pray a prayer for light and protection.
- Place a new glass with fresh water.
- Observe if there are other signs or if it was an isolated accident.
If the breakdown occurs repeatedly, during spiritual work, or alongside other strong signs, it's advisable to seek guidance from an experienced person. However, one should not succumb to paranoia or invent unfounded spiritual diagnoses.
What does it mean when the water in the vault becomes cloudy?
When the water in the altar becomes cloudy, many people interpret it as a sign of spiritual charge, energy movement, the presence of disturbances, or a need for cleansing. It can also indicate that the altar is working and that the vessels are absorbing density from the environment.
But there are also natural causes: dust, heat, humidity, poorly washed glasses, low quality water, deteriorated flowers near the glasses, or too many days without changing the water.
It is recommended to change the water, wash the glasses, clean the table, and pray calmly. If the water becomes cloudy again very quickly and this happens frequently, it may be a sign that the person needs deeper spiritual attention, a spiritual mass, cleansing, or consultation with a qualified professional.
Not everything should be interpreted through the lens of fear. The spiritual vault should bring clarity, not constant anxiety.
Precautions and prohibitions regarding the spiritual vault
The spiritual vault should be treated as a sacred space. Arguing, shouting, cursing, having sex, walking around naked, mocking, placing dirty objects, or committing acts of physical or verbal violence in front of it are not recommended.
The altar should also not be used to fuel obsessions, harass others, ask for harm, or open communication with dark spirits without knowledge. Proper work should be directed toward spirits of light, guardian guides, and entities acting out of charity.
Some important precautions include:
- Keep the glasses clean.
- Change the water frequently.
- Remove wilted flowers.
- Do not leave any accumulated candle remnants.
- Do not use the table as a common space for objects with no spiritual connection.
- Do not place the vault in disrespectful or clutter-prone locations.
- Do not do strenuous work without knowledge or guidance.
- Do not invoke spirits out of curiosity or for fun.
Respect for the vault is not empty superstition. It is a way of nurturing the relationship with the spiritual image and with the space where one seeks light, protection, and evolution.
The spiritual vault in Santería and the Yoruba religion
The spiritual vault is widely used within environments related to Santería, the Regla de Osha, and Afro-Caribbean spiritual practices. However, it's important to clarify that it's not strictly a Yoruba foundation, but rather a tool of Spiritism that has been incorporated into many religious houses due to the importance of venerating the dead, ancestors, and spiritual guides.
In Osha, the importance of the ancestors (eggun) and the dead is recognized. The phrase “Ikú lobi Osha,” understood as “the dead gave birth to the saint,” expresses the relevance of ancestors and spiritualities within the religious path. Therefore, although the shrine (vóveda) is not an original Yoruba foundation, its use can coexist with the practices of many houses of worship.
The way it is used will depend on the branch, the house, the elders, and the spiritual guidance received. There are houses where spiritism is practiced extensively before the initiation into the priesthood; others handle it more discreetly; and still others clearly separate the worship of... eggun of the spiritualist vault.
Therefore, it's not accurate to say that everyone in Santería must have a spiritual altar in the same way. The relationship between the altar, Spiritism, and Osha depends on the specific tradition in which the person is developing.
Prayers to tend to the spiritual vault
Prayers are an important part of tending to the spiritual altar, but it's best to work on them in a separate guide to avoid mixing the setup, placement, and care of the altar with lengthy prayers. In daily practice, simple prayers, prayers of elevation, the Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and prayers to invoke spirits of light are commonly used.
What matters most is not the number of words, but the sincerity of thought, the purity of intention, and the elevation of the heart. Prayer before the vault should be offered with faith, charity, and respect for God and the spiritual traditions that accompany it.
To see the complete prayers, you can consult the guide of prayers for the spiritual vault, where opening, invocation, assistance and closing prayers are gathered.
The beginning of spiritual development
Setting up a spiritual altar doesn't mean a person immediately becomes a medium or automatically starts communicating with spirits. Often, the altar is just the beginning of a spiritual journey that requires discipline, study, patience, and guidance.
Spiritual development cannot be forced. It is cultivated through prayer, charity, inner purity, respect for guides, attendance at spiritual masses, constant attention, and observation of the signs that appear over time.
It's also important to remember that not everyone develops the same abilities. Some receive messages in dreams, others sense energies, others have intuition, others perceive changes in the environment, and others simply find a space of peace and upliftment in the vault.
The goal should not be to "see things" or demonstrate powers. The healthiest purpose of the spiritual vault is to aid moral growth, protection, connection with spirits of light, and the evolution of both those who provide the service and those who receive it.
Frequently asked questions about the spiritual vault
What is a spiritual vault?
The spiritual vault is a spiritist altar consisting primarily of glasses of water, a central cup, light, and prayers. It is used to attend to spirit guides, ancestors, and protective entities of the spiritual realm.
What is the spiritual vault for?
It is used to ask for protection, health, clarity, development, spiritual growth, elevation of spirits, communication with guides, and attention to the person's spiritual state.
How to set up a spiritual vault?
It is set up on a clean table with a white tablecloth, glasses of water, a central cup, a cross or crucifix, a white candle, and prayers. The number of glasses and their placement may vary depending on the spiritual guidance received.
How to prepare the spiritual vault for the first time?
It should be prepared with cleanliness, respect, and calm. It is recommended to begin simply, with glasses of water, a central cup, a white tablecloth, a cross, a candle, and prayer, preferably with guidance from someone experienced.
How many vessels does a spiritual vault contain?
The most common quantities are 7 or 9 glasses, accompanied by a central cup. However, the quantity may vary depending on the spiritual house, the guiding figure, and the spiritual research conducted.
What do the vessels of the spiritual vault signify?
The vessels represent points of concentration, clarity, and spiritual assistance. They can be related to guides, ancestors, spiritual commissions, or lines of work, depending on the practices of each house.
What are the positions of the spiritual vault?
The most well-known positions are rest, defense, and attack. There are also stepped vaults. Each position has a distinct function and should be used with knowledge and respect.
How often should the water in the spiritual vault be changed?
It depends on each household's practices. Some people change the water daily, others several times a week. The important thing is not to leave the water dirty, stagnant, or unattended.
What to do if a glass in the spiritual vault breaks?
It should be carefully collected, the space cleaned, a prayer said, a new glass of fresh water placed, and it observed whether it was an isolated accident or if it is repeated as a sign of spiritual movement.
What does it mean when the water in the vault becomes cloudy?
It can be interpreted as a spiritual charge, energetic movement or a need for cleansing, although it can also be due to natural causes such as dust, heat, poor quality water or lack of cleaning.
Does the spiritual vault belong to the Yoruba religion?
Not in its original form. The spiritual vault belongs to Spiritism, although its use was integrated into many Santería houses and Afro-Caribbean practices due to the importance of the cult of the dead and spiritual guides.
Where is the spiritual vault placed in the house?
It should be placed in a clean, quiet, and respectful location. It is not recommended to place it in areas with clutter, constant arguments, lack of privacy, or disrespect.
Essential guides on spiritualism and spiritual development
The spiritual path requires knowledge, respect, and conscious practice. In this section, you will find guides related to the spiritual vault, the spiritual mass, prayers of attention, mediumship, and the fundamentals of Spiritism, to better understand how to work with guides, ancestors, and spirits of light.
