White Table Tarot: A Deeper Look (4 of 6)
Bóveda vs. Mesa Blanca
The bóveda is a beautiful ancestral altar rooted in the Afro-Cuban Espiritismo and Santería traditions. It is similar in many ways to the Puerto Rican Mesa Blanca, as both are typically draped in a white tablecloth to represent purity and light.
Where they differ is in structure and purpose. The bóveda often includes pictures or statues of Santos (Saints), the principal guide, and other Protectores (protecting spirits) such as indios, gitanos, congos, or madamas. These are not worshipped but honored as part of one’s Cuadro Espiritual, your personal spiritual family tree consisting of ancestral and guiding spirits.
Another distinction is that the bóveda traditionally features nine colorful paños (cloths) hanging beneath the white covering. The number nine holds deep meaning in Afro-Caribbean spirituality. It is the sacred number of the dead and connects to the practice of las Novenas (nine days of prayers for the departed).
Offerings may also be placed on the bóveda, though this varies by lineage and personal tradition. For instance, my Cuban ex-husband maintained a bóveda, while I personally continue to keep my Mesa Blanca, a more simplified altar of spiritual light and prayer.
Setting Up Your Mesa Blanca
Your Mesa Blanca (White Table) is a sacred space dedicated to your spirit guides, ancestors, and elevated beings of light. It serves as a place for prayer, meditation, and communication with your spiritual court.
1: Choose the Right Table
Select a table or flat surface in your home that feels energetically familiar. It could be something that has been with you for a while, such as an old dresser, nightstand, or family table. Avoid brand-new furniture, as it hasn’t yet absorbed your personal vibration.
Clean the table thoroughly using Florida Water, holy water, or your preferred cleanser, then dry it with a clean white cloth. You may smudge the space with frankincense, myrrh, tobacco, or lavender, but avoid burning cedar as it is considered a sacred Tree of Life and not typically used for this purpose.
Cover the table with a brand-new white tablecloth, symbolizing purity and openness to divine communication.
2: Prepare the Goblets (Fuentes)
Arrange your clear glass goblets, bowls, or wine glasses on the table. You can start with pairs of two, four, six, or eight, plus one larger glass at the center to represent the source of divine light. The glassware should be thin, transparent, and without decoration.
Wash them gently in cold water with mild detergent, then fill them with ice-cold water, which absorbs and balances spiritual energy.
I personally prefer to keep one main goblet, but I’ve used up to nine at times, depending on the purpose of the mesa.
3: Add the Elements of Light and Devotion
On each side of the smaller fuentes, place a white seven-day candle and a vase of fresh white flowers to elevate the vibration. Add an incense burner and a silver bell for prayer work and spiritual communication.
Remember: in the beginning, keep your Mesa Blanca simple. More does not mean better. Spirit responds to sincerity, not excess.
Your Mesa Blanca is a living altar and it evolves with you, your faith, and your relationship with Spirit.
Approach it with reverence, cleanliness, and love, and it will become a place of immense peace, clarity, and guidance.
Luz y progreso
White Table Tarot
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