Have you ever driven up to an estate and noticed on the pillars on either side of the driveway? You might have noticed a pair of guardians sitting atop those pillars. Those guardians might have been lions, they might have been gargoyles, or they might have been archangel Michael defeating the demon, and they are there for protection and good luck.

The idea behind this is that as people enter into your space, be it your estate, your home, or even just your room, that they respect and honor your energy, your intentions, and your heart. By placing guardians at the gate, you’re sending a message which says, “This is the place where the energy of the outside world slows, and merges with my own. This is an apartment, or a house, or an office, which is filled with people, or things that are important to me.” And by placing these symbols of protection, you’re asking people to respect your space.

So what if you don’t have an estate, a driveway, or pillars to put guardians on to? Well, you can put them along your front walkway. You can put them in potted plants outside your door, or on either side of your door, or above your door, or just inside your door. You can put foo dogs, a mezuzah on the doorway, or you can put a piece of paper or cloth that says “God bless this home.” You can put angels, or ferocious beasts, or little army soldiers with their weapons ready to protect your door; it’s up to you.

It’s less important what the item is, and more important the intention behind it. Reflect what you believe.

—Ariel Towne