Fascinating post! I have for a long time had the concept of "sacred space" ... a time, a place, an activity that calms me and connects me with very positive, empowering emotions. Arranging my workspace carefully, as if I were about to do something important, and then approaching my personal art there in a very focused frame of mind, for example, is sacred space ... it creates a feeling of flow and being connected with my own source, for lack of a better term. I think doing anything of personal significance mindfully and without distractions tends to do this for many people.

As for symbols ... water, trees and infinity I find to be very powerful.