This can be daily, weekly, or once a month. Rising smoke forming two columns means loss of sanity. that will be used solely for the purpose of honoring your ancestors. You have your ancestor altar set up, but now what? Do you think its ok to have it covered on the altar? Other offerings to ancestors include handmade items, poetry, song, artwork, and just about anything youre moved to offer them. Clean up the altar. An ancestor altar is a place to join forces with your special loved ones and to work together in spell crafting, divination, shadow workings, past life explorations, and anything else to help you reach your goals. The purpose of this is to create a space for your ancestral line to commune near you, but not necessarily on top of you. The respect and belief in an afterlife as well as honoring ancestors can be traced back to paleolithic mankind. Construction of the Ancestor Shrine. ), The Problem with Juicing + The Importance of Symbiosis. If you want them elevated, but you don't have room/funds for a table, use another elevated surface for a makeshift table. When you invite your ancestors to engage, you can source from their wisdom and experience. Congratulations! Create an ancestor altar and/or shrine. You dispose of the food by either throwing it away or putting it in your compost. These beliefs continue to encourage the living and meditatively change our fortunes, families, marriages, jobs, and more. Over time, youll learn what your ancestors appreciate most. This scent is not just in one area. One way of doing this is by looking through old family scrapbooks. I have dirt from several graves; some of them, as you can see below, are kept in the sort of gold- and silver-papered cardboard boxes that jewelers sometimes pack rings and earrings in. If you have questions about a specific aspect of your life, from love to starting a project, ask your ancestors. What you must make sure is that your cloth should be able to hold all your items. What really matters is the energy and intention that goes into making it. It's close enough, and the spirit may guide you there. However, I am very sure that I am being led to hoodoo through my ancestors in a strange way, during a very convoluted spiritual quest. Ancestor altars are an important part of honoring your ancestors. My example altar is just the things I want to include in mine. Have you been giving regular offerings, prayers, and burning ancestor money? This may be a silly question, but my family (both sides) are very Christian so I am unable to speak to them concerning these matters. Ancestor altars are an important part of honoring your ancestors. Or, it may just be a peaceful repose. this,i am adopted and I was just telling Even the ancestors you may not know of, or somehow feel but can't place, are still connected to you and will come when called. Strengthening that bond with your ancestral army will help you stay not only grounded, but properly guided. I highly recommend that its not in your bedroom. Place photos of Ancestors that resonate . Likewise, you can add your ancestors favorite foods or sweets to your altar. Burning ancestral money also helps dissolve financial debt that they incurred while being alive. Right now I just started my altar in room because my sister and her children live with me. Its a journey of recognizing and accepting death, healing the past, and building respect for your ancestors. You are there to listen, ask questions, strengthen your will and get to know . It was a difficult hurdle for me. When you approach your altar, show respect, ask forgiveness if you have done wrong but also tell them your troubles and dont hesitate to express yourself. I hope this is acceptable. Knock three times and call out their names (if you know the names). I know this may be impossible for some of you for various reasons like adoption, death, or needing to consciously separate from family for the sake of mental health and wellbeing. Set Up an Ancestor Shrine - Ancestor Altar. He was a very angry person, an alcoholic, and believed that the entire world revolved around . You can lay a clean cloth (white is best) on a flat table or floor to form such a space dedicated to sacrifice. Look into the depths of your soul and show honesty. You leave your offerings on your Altar. You can set up photos and other items to represent your ancestors on your altar to invite them into your magickal workings and spell craft. You should start with small offerings, and then gradually start going bigger. The underlying principle is that of letting go of an unconscious identification with the ancestors and assuming instead a stance of relationship. I have a relative that passed in the summer of 2022. If you're using it for ritual or spellwork, you will complete that work at your altar. And id like to know how to channel my ancesters spiritsBecause i have an Great-Aunt whos now passed awayBut she had a wealth of knowledge in Cinjure & Rootwork.I was visited in a dream and was shown where a piece if her jewelry was It was a ring that she wore on her finger That was supposed to have been given mebut cousin gert passed away before giving it to me.She lived in New Orleans, La And was well knownAnd I want to channel her spirit to help aid me in my endeavors.Please help! But without any further ado, here are a few of my ideas and suggestions: Lastly, remember that you can honor anyone whos passed at this altar. It serves as a reminder that your ancestors are present. You don't need a ritual for removing the food, y'all. In certain traditions and religions like Wicca, there may be a set pattern to follow; however, if youre solitary and doing this on your own set it up how you like! My phone number is 707-714-7091. Keep the altar tidy for the next festival worship. Why You Should Work With Your Ancestors. Liquids can be poured into the earth as a libation. 304 London NY 10016 Or is this your first ancestor altar? Because I put food on the table on a daily basis, I put the food that I typically eat - along with things they might eat like white bread and bacon. You can offer food, fruit, and flowers to your ancestors. My question is, is this possible?. ), A drawing of your family tree(this is a great idea you can use with the activity I discuss later when learning more about your ancestors.). When you decide to build an altar, make sure you are using a heavy and solid foundation. The basics are photos or your ancestors. When you first set up your ancestor altar, focus on the energy you put into it. Flowers, plants, and foods can be offered to nature or composted. Hi, I really appreciate this postthank you. I would love to make a post if you're interested. I want to address a few of the questions left in the comments. I also have a book, which details one particular branch of my family tree pretty far back. And your ancestors will be happy to have a physical place to visit. Thats why Im here now contacting you, maybe its just curiosity but maybe its something deeper. Heirlooms from your ancestors. That there is no growth, that to look to the past is to ignore the future. Put your ancestors favorite foods on a plate. Decide on a time to do this work. Would you suggest what do to given that I keep it in my room? Burning ancestral money also helps dissolve financial debt that they . Of course, items the ancestor loved during their lifetime are also allowed. The respect and belief in an afterlife as well as honoring ancestors can be traced back to paleolithic mankind. Therefore, creating an ancestor altar is an important part of honoring and establishing that connection. Ive communicated with her, but done little more with ancestor work back then. Reassemble your altar on top of this with a glass of fresh, clean water. Sit quietly and be in the energy of Spirit and your ancestors. I love this! But remember to put it in a place where it can be undisturbed anyway because then the spirits of your ancestors can gather there undisturbed. Saturday is the traditional day for working with the dead. This post is designed to be a quick, multi-tiered guide on the . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. No matter what method or reason you use for ancestor veneration, the altar is the place where many people do this work. And regular offerings are a great way to grow closer to them. There are different methods of cleansing your altar, including smoke-cleansing, asperging, or simply wiping the surface and tools with a cloth. Is it advisable to have altar in it? No matter what your ancestor altar looks like, its a good practice to keep it clean and fresh. How do you suggest going about it if it is an older sibling who you never met, who died before being born into the world? Each and every one of their actions resulted in you. Ancestor work is a way of working with those who came before you. This means nothing else will be set on top of it. Ask if they remember anything their parents might have done to treat common illnesses, predict the sex of a baby, plant better crops (youll find a rich source in the Farmers Almanac). It's easier with Ancestors. I myself have been working with mine for about 4 months and will continue to foster the connection through some of your suggestions above. My parents are but they are in a mausoleum. This is the first altar that I would encourage people new to ritual to begin to work with because its just so incredibly vast and integral to the person you are yet in being as such also often taken for granted to the degree that ones Ancestors are not in the picture at all for many who may even have very active spiritual lives and elaborate practice/rituals. Its OK to get your BMW on (Bitch, Moan, Whine). Any advice will help me. For example, if it is a fruit with skin, you need to peel off the skin. Cleansing Your Ancestors. Thank you . Digital products deliver immediately via email. As mentioned previously, one of the first ways to connect with your ancient ancestors is to study ancient history. Some questions you can answer yourself using logic, your personal experiences, your intuition, and your beautiful mind. By PNS Buthelezi. Get a clear glass that stays on the altar for water. 3. Would we want to be able to share our wisdom with others? Water is cold and wet, and it breeds humility and calmness. I would like to know, I am working on my ancestor alarm one can u put your ancestor along with your boyfriend/husband ancestor on the same table, I am asking because I have hem both vising me anyways lol in dream and just being around. Begin by inviting your ancestors to "sit" at your altar. And play the song at least once, just to be sure. Instead of flowers I would like to put plants on my altar. After I set everything back on, I invite my ancestors presence back to the space. I have recently did an altar for my ancestors. These may be requests for particular offerings from your ancestors. Afterward, youll want to dedicate the space with some sort of blessing or incantation. To be Heathen is to be an animist, meaning that in addition to worshipping the Gods and Goddesses, we also honor our deceased ancestors as well as the land wights. Required fields are marked *. You can even do this with a small figure of a skull there is no better symbol of the dead, after all. This is an excellent stone to use to connect with your ancient ancestors and their wisdom. It is believed that the dead don't die, but rather ascend to another level of being, from which they can look on and assist us. Get the names of your grandparents, if they were decent people. Over time, your ancestors will begin to tell you what offerings they prefer and what they dont. Work with them to provide what you need in the spaces you cleared in time for Samhain. I just wanted to extend some gratitude to you for offering information to people who may otherwise not hear of such things as they can (and usually do) become a very important and powerful part of your connection to your lineage bloodlines and to the loving, kind, wisdom of your well, healthy and healed Ancestors. like I offer you this water to quench . Lady J, start with a white candle and a glass of water and an empty photo frame. The purpose of the altar is to serve as a place of remembrance for those ancestors whose wisdom and understanding has improved the quality of your life. A bowl of water can provide the element of water in an ancestral altar. It is a note made for the sole purpose of being burnt and offered to your ancestors. Ask yourself these important questions while doing this work, because it's truly personalized for you, your needs, and what you have access to. Provide Offerings. Once their debts have been paid your ancestors will start to help you more with the things you need in the form of sending you blessings. Some offering ideas include flowers, fresh water, a candle, wine, coffee, food, etc. If you arent familiar with ancestor veneration or the practice of honoring ancestors, you can read a great introductory article here. Thank you for this. Is my Granny reaching out to me? Food should not be consumed again because the ancestors have already enjoyed them. Do you have a practice of ancestor veneration? Thanks! Ive put my fathers favorite foods out for him, but when everything gets cold and hangs out for a while, then what? (Read more about working with Blackhawkat the Independent Association of Readers and Rootworkers.). Select a small plate and cup which will be used only for your altar, and within which you might share small amounts of your own food and drink with your ancestors. Pay attention to unusual food cravings and earworms tunes running through your mind that you cant get rid of. Ive felt the presence of my ancestors my entire life but recently is when Ive been able to start truly venerating them in the way they deserve. When you approach your altar, show respect, ask forgiveness if you have done wrong - but also tell them your troubles and don't hesitate to express yourself. Leave out a cup for rain water, or leave a water bottle on the grave overnight to absorb some of the cemetery's energy. You start by making offerings. You can spend time meditating and honoring them instead of spending effort rearranging a space each time you use it anymore. In this article, we will learn how to build an altar in your home step by step. If that didn't make sense, then I guess the message isn't for you. Especially steps to take to remove offerings of food and drink when its needed to be done. What is the proper way to clean up after an offering? A great idea at this point is to provide an offering for your ancestors. Ive been wondering how to dispose of food/liquid and non biodegradable offerings as well. Make sure this area has a table or other flat, sturdy surface. Connecting with our ancestors can literally change, protect, and better our lives on a substantial . Offerings include: a fresh cup of water, flowers, incense, candle flame, drinks like wine and coffee, fruit, and food in general. You do not need to put a whole meal out for them unless you want to. The Department of the Interior provides a guide to tracing your Native American heritage ( PDF, Download Adobe Reader). Again, for those who do not know their lineage, do not let this inhibit the . A small piece of bread and meat or a scoop of veggies or piece of fruit is fine. Attract the spirits of your ancestors and provide them with the power of life. While others might only give once every other week. This will be my first time, I dont have table yet. Ancestor Altars. Ive wanted to work with ancestors and set up an altar for some time now, so this will definitely get me started in the right direction! Before you can make offerings to your ancestor, you must first have an Ancestor Altar. He was one of my abusers. I work with several spirits of the dead who are not related to me, and each one has his or her particular requests. Retrieve the stories from your family. You can energetically clean the table, cloth, and area if you'd like with your preferred medium. You then tell them why you have come (to honor them). I am adopted, it was a closed adoption with no records of my family. There are aa few of these basic offerings to add on an ancestral altar: Do you want to learn more about what things you can do with your ancestor altar? Can I set my items on plate on the floor, I purchased just for them? This is great information by the way, so first and foremost thank you!! How to Create an Ancestor Altar: 1. Take a toothpick and think about your ancestors and what you want to clean or heal, then with your breath blow on the toothpick all that information, three times, hand it over there. When my kids do some really cool art work at school I will place thise on it for a while. Ancestor Work is the process of learning who your ancestors were, what their wounds are, and working together toward collective healing. Petrified Wood. Many cultures practice a form of ancestor veneration. But not everyone has scrapbooks like these. Other trinkets, mementos, and objects that represent your ancestors. This is especially true because my grandma was an avid gardener and florist. Speak out loud or in your mind, it doesnt matter. Perhaps you use it to give offerings to your deities, ancestors, or loved ones. From ways the dead were buried to views of the . Things that instantly bring to mind people and places. Say a prayer to invite fresh energy to this space and to honor those who helped shape who you are today: "I ask my ancestors for protection. Ancestors dont want to see what you do in your private time. Ancestral crops/agriculture like cotton and sugarcane are nice additions if your ancestor table calls for it. Let me know in the comments below. So clean up before setting up the ancestor altar. So the blank frame works well for me, plus adopting My father has African American and Cherokee Native American roots and my mother is full Sicilian. Should I keep them on my altar or put them somewhere else? Right now I feel like they are keeping me up! Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. 2: How do you handle the presence of the decease if your children become afraid? They also impact the state of existence of our children and grandchildren. Finally, remember that you should be conscious of each time you walk past the altar. If your children get scared, a traditional remedy is to go to the deceased relatives grave and bring home a little of the dirt. Cigarettes, Chewing Tobacco, Cigars, and other Tobacco Products. For water, be sure to refresh the glass regularly. In many Pagan traditions, the ancestors are honored, especially at Samhain. It can be done to honor or worship your ancestors (both physically/biologically and spiritually) or to help them pass from this world into the next. I dont have any elders (that I know of) who can walk me through connecting with them so Ive been relying on intuition, which although has been great, its not always as clear and direct as the word of an elder or a super clear article like this one. Because a messy and dirty place is a disrespect to your ancestors. Creating an ancestor altar that you regularly work with is a powerful ritual that powers spirit work. Great overall article as well. 2. This was so thoroughly written and I appreciate that. An enjoyable soul exchange should take place in an atmosphere of solidity and comfort, and the life energy provided by food can also satisfy this. Your email address will not be published. It is usually built in a higher place, such as a table or a fireplace. Its officially Samhain, and if you havent already, now is the perfect time to set up an ancestor altar. The space can be a particular building, a special room, a special table, or, in the simplest way, a clean cloth to provide this space. Its a topic that I feel isnt covered by most witchcraft books Ive read and Im excited to see what I learn in time. You've Got Free Shipping! Still yet, there are those who may know names of ancestors but nothing more than that. No one ancestor altar is better than another. How do they pray with Bible verses? How often should It be cleaned? This is a great set of questions to consider if youre wondering why ancestor work is valuable for your practice. Ancestor worship is a time-honored humanistic custom. One likes his area of the altar particularly clean; another likes offerings of soft, sweet cake; others like shiny things on their altars. The photos of those who have passed away are carefully placed in the center back of the altar. Show respect as you approach the altar and prepare to communicate with your ancestors. a few people works very well. Put together an altar or shrine that you can centre your practice around. Thanks so much again I am so happy I stumbled across this blog youve got a permanent subscriber in me :) <3. It is a very informative topic and it is one of those things, that at the very least, you want to know the basics on. A shrine is another name for an ancestor altar. Dont forget invite your ancestors to this space! i have heard of bubbles representing spirits partaking of the water. how to know if your ancestor altar is working. At the same time, the smoke from the incense will reflect the ancestors mood at the time and some of the messages he wants to convey. Here are ten ways to connect with your ancestors. The knowledge given to me is that I am of Colombian decent. Get names and pictures. So, I rented a 55 storage unit specifically for this and nothing else. I have a marine spirit Ring to attract money please can you help me to activate it and how to talk to him. Cleanse the items going onto your altar. Thank you for offering clear, concise and succinct advice to help people set up a area in their home that is likely to quite quickly become of great significance and importance to them in ways they had not ever imagined or envisioned. Some of these items may cause you to actively sit with your ancestor altar, or tend to the items on a daily basis to ensure items do not spoil. Our ancestors arent just our blood line. They will reveal themselves in your thoughts and dreams. If you offer gifts of food, leave it for an appropriate amount of time and then dispose of it. If you dont have a family crest that you know of, you can always make your own! Say a prayer out loud to them. It's officially Samhain, and if you haven't already, now is the perfect time to set up an ancestor altar. Thank you! If you accidentally do something wrong, ask for forgiveness. So make sure that the altar table is not shaky when you worship your ancestors. Lele, have you read Martin Colemans Communing with the Spirits? They need a separate room to be in, so you can have some uninterrupted peace. Working with your altar will look different to different people. Youll also want something to represent each of the elements- a candle, glass of water, seashell, essential oils/perfume, sand, dirt, bells, feathers, whatever. Learn how to set up your ancestor altar here with our step-by-step process. Without their exploration of this planet in the early days, we would not be here and living a convenient life. Hi Miss Michaele, is there any way that I can speak with you?? Use what you have. Can I put it into my office? Neither of the plants were anywhere near at the time, of course . Today, substantial ancestral halls may be rare, but ancestral worship is still an activity that human beings should value. Creating an Ancestor Altar. Learn how your comment data is processed. Inviting them aloud is most effective but if you need or choose to do it silently, it will still work. If you use it for meditation then you will spend time at your altar meditating. But my grandma did more than that, she outlined a huge part of our family tree on Ancestry. And creating an ancestor altar is a great first step in connecting with your ancestral guides. Find brands that you know passed family members used if you know them. Read and research about ancient civilizations, for example Ancient Egypt, the Celtic Empire, the Mayans, the Romans, Greeks, Nubians, Aborigines, Hebrew, etc. But maybe in your living, dining room or kitchen. The Library of Congress offers local history and genealogy reference services. Our ancestors are powerful spirit allies. Handmade spiritual tools can take up to 7 days to ship. Once youve decided on a surface and gathered your supplies, its time to cleanse. The Clan of Tara: Ancient Ancestry and Mitochondrial DNA, Bastet Altar: How to Set Up An Altar for the Egyptian Cat Goddess. Alternatively, if you are at a stump, I would suggest asking your ancestors what they would have you do. Im a beginner . Then once you have built a relationship with them, ask them to be a bridge to the benevolent and righteous ones that THEY KNEW. Or do I have to get rid of it? It is a very ancient element that contains powerful energy. It also ensures that those who came before us are never forgotten and are strong enough to continue to protect and guide us. I want to be remembered. Click the link above to read our full policy. Ancestor Altar: An easy way to begin this work is to set up an ancestor altar. An item they enjoyed using during their lifetime, or an heirloom and a family book, are good choices. Place the tablecloth on the altar and sprinkle it with a few drops of Ylang Ylang. And creating an ancestor altar is a great first step in connecting with your ancestral guides. As to food offerings: If you have a craving for a food you dont normally eat, it might be a request from a family member who has passed. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); To learn more about the Otherworldly Oracles website Privacy Policy, visit our Privacy Policy page here. If you want other ideas on special things you can offer your ancestors at your ancestral shrine, you can include more personal items you may have or even prepare ayou may want to include more personal family items to your ancestral shrine: No matter if you simply offer cool water to your ancestors, or elaborate meals, regular tending an ancestor table can help strengthen relationship with guides. Some people give daily offerings. To begin calling in your ancestors you'll want to consider doing so in the efforts of building an altar, prayer or ritual work. If so, may I place my ancestor photos on the altar with Oshun? Know yourself, know where you come from then tell your story. Working with the Ancestors. This may be a crazy question. The entire world opens up as a living and active participant in your life and the way that you can develop an understanding of the land, the mountains, the oceans, the rivers as well as all things wed usually have known as alive being active and part of a reality that is incarnate and can engage with you and guide you with greater certainty to your destiny is hugely empowering and tremendously good for the whole world, all its inhabitants seen and unseen and even the wider universe that we may otherwise not have considered important to our spiritual lives and practise. Instead of complaining about the pressure of time and fewer holidays, we should incorporate the happiness and power of our ancestor worship into our daily lives. Spirits burdened by their past deeds on earth cannot be punished indefinitely. The process is more or less the same for either one, though. Fang Adornments. Simply begin acknowledging your ancestors, learn their names, [and] say them out loud. These may be requests for particular offerings from your ancestors. If you plan to communicate with your ancestors frequently, you may wish to include a dedicated divination tool here such as tarot cards or a pendulum. Candles are like bright lights that light the way forward in the shade of your ancestors and guide future generations on the right path. What elements are needed: space, air, earth, fire, water, spirit, living. It gives you a physical place to commune with those who have come before you. So on the 20th of last month I was doing a bit of last minute running around before a flight I had to catch out of town and directly in between the oil store where I have recently started visiting for essential oils and dvds and the nail salon I have recently started visiting for my nails and eyebrows, there is a (for lack of better terms) a botanical store where you can purchase many different spiritual artifacts. Also for those wondering about an altar in the bedroom, its where my altar is and its totally fine. They can help you refine your research skills and find new sources. When you're doing this type of work, your intention is everything. Oftentimes, these plaques are on concrete sidewalks. This Sabbat, after all, is the night when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its most fragile. We all come from somewhere. Place it at the childs bedroom door, so they an both look in on the child and have an easy way to get back to their grave once theyve had their visit. Sometimes your ancestors just want to hear their favorite tunes in your house. With questions like these, you can calmly and respectfully learn from religious folks about things that carry spiritual power. How do you know if your ancestor altar work is working? All rights reserved. where you will set up the altar. Finally, remember that you should be conscious of each time you walk past the altar. You can provide stability to the ancestral altars by adding stones. There are many ways to do this, Susan Starr covers a brief practice in creating a small and personal ancestor altar.3. Malaka Gharib/ NPR. You may receive an instant knowing, an image, a feeling, inner light, love, or even words. My apologies for not clarifying any further. Whether you're a beginner or already have an altar you work with, you'll find inspiration and direction that can help support your spirit work and ancestral work. By setting up an ancestor shrine or altar, you can honor the people of your bloodline-your kinfolk and clansmen who have helped to shape . It is a space to honor and pay respect to those who made it possible for you to be alive. Speak to them when you need guidance. My advice is to start with what you have and build from there. Offerings include: a fresh cup of water, flowers, incense, candle flame, drinks like wine and coffee, fruit, and food in general. I take everything off, dust the altar and my supplies, then cleanse using smoke or blessed water/spray. An ancestor altar is a way to honor and give reverence to your ancestors and loved ones; to honour their lives, and the paths they paved before us. The importance of ancestor altars and the . 6. Likewise, while I think a quiet and calm area of the house is ideal for an ancestor altar, it can be created just about anywhere youd like. The bit about not keeping altars in rooms was especially helpful, eye-opening, and affirming lol! I provide weekly offerings. About this app. Create an ancestor altar, and really work with your ancestors, or focus on a relative. and/or working magical craft. If you are ever so inclined, work with and talk to your ancestors about any small special offerings in that can be included. Use this altar as a safe space to connect with those ancestors who are willing and able to do the work with you. If it is a fruit with a peel, you also need to slice it. Alternatively, you may choose to create a permanent ancestor altar if you plan to work with your ancestors more frequently. A shrine is another name for an ancestor altar. In Southern African indigenous spirituality it is believed that humans are on a journey the objective of which is union with God. Create a suitable environment for the arrival of the ancestors. In a year or so, your ancestors, known and unknown, will have found you and your altar and will be ready to stand by you. An amazing article Miss Michaele! Now you can do this for one ancestor in particular, or encompass them all in one altar, either way this is your choice. Talk about folk medicine. An even stronger connection than a photograph is a little dirt from your ancestors graves. The air element grants perception and insight. The set-up is entirely up to you. They can also be hung directly on the wall if your altar is against a wall. Can your ancestor alter be outside? Many years ago, people would perform divination by the shape of the smoke when burning incense. When it comes to where you place your Altar, its really about where YOU feel Its best. The importance of ancestor altars and the altars themselves vary from culture to culture. Introduce yourself to your ancestor. If you have a spare shelf, fireplace, bookshelf, or other flat surfaces, then you have a perfect space for an ancestor altar. Ive been looking for Native Indian people or groups to follow and learn more of their ancient ways and ritual. Once week, sit down in a quiet moment and offer your ancestors a white candle and change their water. For me, flowers and herbs are my go to. The rules are fluid because we are all different, so please keep that in mind. You can see candles in almost any ritual setting. Your altar or shrine can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. Do you work with your ancestors? I recommend you using something similar - a chipped plate for a small offering of food and a chipped mug for coffee. Then place the items afterward on the altar cloth. Its a connection we shouldnt lose sight of. Dont forget to cleanse your ancestor altar every once in awhile. It provides light to chase away the darkness and warmth to chase away the cold. Dont leave any dirt on the altar. Ancestral Veneration is one of the most ancient religious and spiritual practices. The ancestor altar can become an all-purpose altar and be used for meditations, ceremonies, etc. Firstly, when getting started with ancestor work, you may not know the names of your ancestors. You need to provide the earth element for your altar. If, however, you arent part of a specific tradition or want an easy way to do it, you can follow this simple method. Do not consume or keep food on the altar. The exchange becomes a 2-way relationship. Ancestor Altars. Lol. 5. Learn their lifestyles, careers, likes, dislikes, patterns, dispositions, love lives, if they died tragically, etc. Ancestor worship has been practiced to varying degrees in cultures around the world and has accompanied the development of human civilization. I thank you for protecting me, my family and my home. Some things cannot be explained too much to the uninitiated. Many evangelical Christians love to use the Prayer of Jabez to safeguard themselves, their families and their financial well-being. This is where you have to use your own creativity and mind. I feel so relived to know that I was hearing them after reading this. Trust me, youll hear their voices soon. A few basic recommendations: a photo(s) of your ancestors, heirlooms, a cup and bowl for offerings, incense and incense burner, candles and candle holders, and seasonal decorations (optional). If I place treasured Jewelry, can I still wear it? The pictures I have are the ones I and my partner known personally. After all, you dont want your ancestors to gather around a dirty table. Building out an altar is a strong method to connect with them. One lasting question. It's also a place for them to gather. (As you probably know, I love houseplants. Many have said I have to wait a year and a day please clear this up for me, and thank you in advance. Honestly, it doesnt matter what you put on your ancestor altar. I didnt know what I was doing but I believe they were speaking to me, for i already have an empty picture frame, a statue of a day of the Dead mother carrying a child and have been offering food and drink. Liquor is often given to ancestors, but please be mindful with the history of alcoholism in so many families, it may not be something you want to add on your table. It is a very comprehensive book and treats the subject of necromancy (working with the dead) very seriously. Griftah's All-Purpose Embellishing Powder. Ancestors were already living with the land and getting the resources to survive from it when they came to this planet first. When you get home, put the graveyard dirt into an attractive, appropriately sized container. Very fortunate to have found this site. We do not simply fade into ether and non-existence, but grow and take the next step in a larger journey. But most of all, its a reminder that our ancestors are always present in our lives. In chapter 4 , Coleman says, While learning how to work with spirits of the dead is an opportunity for you, being able to work with a necromancer is an opportunity for the spirit. Likewise, when communicating with your ancestors, remain reverent. Once it's washed, let it dry in the sun. Make sure these words are heartfelt. What you do is approach the altar, knock three times, call on the ancestors and tell them who you are. Set up an ancestor altar, offer some tributes, ask them questions with a devout heart, connect with your ancestors and ask for their help. I've seen that done many times before, even though that is not the way I was taught, it makes sense. Because on my altar is for my dad, grandparents and my partners parents. If you have attended an event or party, leave a piece of cake on the altar. A wall shelf, empty book shelf, or small accent table is great. Now, this is not to say there is no speaking ill of the dead. Its really awesome that you put this together so finally people have a solid go to article for how to put together an altar. My reasoning is those are their grandparents and if they were alive they would be over joyed in seeing what their babies did. They already know you and want to work with you, something you should never take for granted with Deities. a suggestion as to long distance grave keeping? Yours will be unique from the restbecause it is yours. It is an essential item in the ancestral altar because it provides the element of fire. Two books changed my opinion on altars within the last year: Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind and Spirit by Queen Afua and Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals by Luisah Teish. Also, I keep my crystals on my altar as well and take a few off that I keep on my person. Listen with full attention in your heart, mind, and body for any messages. The difference between using a shrine for your ancestors and the altar is that magickal workings are done at the altar. Thats up to you. There are some very inspiring quotes you may have heard about the concept of our ancestors and how they watch over us. Currently, I still need to talk with my mom to find a good space for a permanent ancestor altar/household altar. What to do with my offering the next day. If they would have guilt-tripped you and caused drama in life maybe they dont deserve a place on your altar. You can also perceive your ancestors instructions by observing the smokes shape. Its been a while since I used ancestry to expand on my family tree and learn about parts my grandma didnt cover, but I do remember that there were tons of interesting things to find from it. Its in my bedroom now because I was lead to set it up there. You can put any type of food you want. In Hoodoo, the ancestors exist in a plane beyond our own but are very capable of touching our lives on a regular basis. I let my intuition guide me. The first step is of course to cleanse the space. Petrified Wood is the remains of ancient trees which have been fossilised and mineralised over time turning them into crystal. Snuff out your candle. If you have a spare room, you can use the whole room to set up an ancestor altar. 8 01 2016. landofkam (01:46:16) : Hetep Martha. I will then show you which items symbolize which elements. I promise that with a little time and thought, youll figure out exactly whats right for you. As you develop a consistent practice with your ancestors, allow them to speak to you. Ancestral customs abound in the Northern Tradition (those cultures that had a common worship to Odin/Woden from Ancient Germania, to Scandinavia and Anglo . If you have a statue or image representing your psychopomp, bathe it in incense smoke or anoint it with oil. For example, Ching Ming Festival in China, bon festival in Japan, Pitru Paksha in India, All Saints Day in Europe, Day of the Dead in Mexico. Although our ancestors have died, their spirits still exist and influence the present world. If the smoke is thick, it means financial success. If so, let me know in the comments! Ancestor worship reflects universal ancestor worship, or respect for ancestors, which is an ancient custom. Altar. And souls will, in turn, help you eliminate all the depression and worries of reality. To petition your ancestors, simply call forth all the ancestors you know and don't. If you know their names, feel free to say them. If you dont even have that, you can over a period of time call the spirit of your ancestors, even if they are unknown to you, into ordinary dirt. It will also remind them they no longer belong in the living world. First, decide where to put your altar. Also provide regular offerings. A plant that represents your family tree/the world tree. I read Queen Afua's book first, and she introduced me to using an altar as a way to set positive intentions and direct spiritual energy toward positive . The next day, dismantle the altar and place one of the books on the clean surface, draping the white cloth over it. Through them, we can understand the past, heal from generational trauma, and recognize our own mortality. Thank you for all the help and guidance. The more you learn about ancient times, the . I just moved into my new place. It would help if you lighted the candles to call on your ancestors. It gives you a place to connect on a regular basis. Keep in mind you can make this as elaborate or understated as you like or need given your current situation. Next, choose a surface of a table, buffet, shelf, counter, etc. Hope this helped. So what could I do instead of getting dirt from t the grave. Dont hesitate to talk or commune or pray as you make your weekly offerings. An important step in your ancestral work journey is dedicating a small space to your ancestors. Can it be changed around or does it need to be kept a certain way? If you don't have room for an altar, you may have to find other ways to connect and venerate your folks. If you dont have photos of your ancestors, things that represent them and link you to their energy work great. Tell then your concerns, what you're working on, the challenges you're facing . What other plants can I place on my altar? If you can only set up in the bedroom, at least ensure you are not disturbed during the ceremony. What's up beautiful souls, we created this episode on how to set up your ancestor altar because sooo many people ask about this. Thank you so much for this information. Both past and future sight are necessary, and both are anchored . Which is to say that when you are able to connect with your ancestors, they have very good reasons to meet you halfway. Keep at least . In my weekend ancestor trainings, I've often joked that if you don't have an ancestor altar, you become the altar. Get a white tablecloth. Next, decide what you want on your ancestor altar. I have 4 roommates so my bedroom is the only personal place where I can keep it. The importance of ancestor altars for this work cant be stressed enough. Choose the table, mantle, dresser, etc. You can also recruit new ancestors those who have passed on and succeeded in the things you wish to accomplish, even if they are not related to you. It is believed that honoring our ancestors was the first religious and spiritual form of ritual work. 1. Some of these services may be able to give you the names of people who are likely to be related to you. Traditionally, you take the offering outside for the local wildlife. I think they have a free trial. I stay in a single rented room and I would like to have an altar in it, Lay the altar cloth you prepared in advance on the place where you want to build the altar. It can be as simple as a photograph and a glass of water, or as elaborate as the spirits direct. Because I havent decided on a space yet, I havent really figured out exactly how I want to lay it out. For some people, that can be as often as everyday or every week. For more advanced offerings, there are other offerings that can require more attention or regularly tending. First, it provides a degree of protection upon your house and everyone who lives in it, because now your home is also your ancestors' home. Or do they have to be separate? Buffs other Toxified pieces of gear, increasing their effect by 100%. I would enjoy a post about more ways to utilize an ancestor altar. An ancestor altar is a place where you can connect with your ancestors. Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media! Check out our wide range of products! Meditate with your ancestor table, and if any ideas come to you on offerings that would be relevant to your shrine, write them down and fulfill when possible. Day 1- at your altar, try to imagine the faces of those who have passed and the moments of joy you might have had with them. If you have it, spray the Dead-Drawing elixir around the altar. . [] Ancestor Altar: How to Create Sacred Space for Your Ancestors []. The Nationwide Gravesite Locator can help you find burial locations of veterans. Find an area in your home besides your bedroom (unless you have no other place available,) and cleanse that area with Florida Water or Holy Water. Same with food. Thats all there is to it. I leave offerings of flowers, incense, or moon water. For a more structured education, you might want to apply for miss cat yronwodes Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence course, based on her own experience and learning from hoodoo practitioners over a period of fifty years (she started very young at fourteen!). Here, you can meditate and do spirit work, you can leave offerings, or simply venerate your ancestors here. Creating an ancestor altar is the first step in getting to know your ancestors. Oct 31, 2020 | Spirit Work, Witchcraft 101 | 0 comments. I have a question, though. Ancestor altars may vary from place to place, but look closely, and you will see that they are all made up of the same elements. Would this be acceptable? You might find that they ask you for specific things as your bond strengthens. Honestly, your ancestors will truly appreciate that there is a space for them in your home. Additionally, our ancestors are still with us. Before setting up an altar to any other deity, one should set up an altar to their Ancestors first as a sign of respect. I also just set up my first ancestor altar and would love a detailed post. can you put people you do no know much about as both my boyfriend parents died by the time he was ten I suppose if i call hem they will talk o me since hey were visiting me without me waning them too, also he reason i ask is because if i dont know hem much or my own ancestor for that mater what kind of food to put or object to put on altar. At the center of the altar, place a chalice filled with water in which you will sprinkle a little perfume. Just throw it away, either before you go to bed orthe next morning. Thank you, Amen, Aho and so it is. Pick four stones or crystals for the four corners (the corners of the world). Keep this table outside of your bedroom or places you sleep. Your ancestors are then able to get things they need in the spirit world. I would also recommend at least one person who dedicated his or her life to good works and/or justice. Creating an Ancestral Altar Whenever you want to engage with something on a spiritual level -- whether that is a god, or a concept like love or abundance -- it helps to create an altar. Im just starting out and I bought all this nice stuff to build my altar but the thing is, I dont have room for it in my apartment. Take joy in the journey and allow these experiences to reveal new truths and information. Gives your spells a chance to deal extra Arcane damage or healing. After you have your dirt, and attractive container, and your statue, leave offerings just as you would for an ancestor known to you, as described above. Be creative, make it fun. You mentioned that your altar should be in a room separate from you. Take a few deep breaths, center yourself and then invite your well ancestors to join you at the altar. Many cultures throughout the world use ancestor altars for protection and . Ancestor Money, also commonly referred to as spirit money, ghost money, Hell notes, heaven notes, among others. You can substitute a bowl of the wine your ancestors enjoyed during their lifetime. If you put jewelry on the altar, you should avoid wearing it unless absolutely necessary for a ritual of some sort. An ancestor altar is where we can remember where we came from and connect with the generations to come. That being said, you can do whatever you feel. Can these altars be together? With your hands open a bubble surrounding the altar and you. This is the first thing I did when I became more interested in hoodoo and wanted to really find my spiritual base. For anywho wants to know how to discard food, just throw it away like youd regular throw away old food and its typically a day or two after youve placed it there. So, now that you know what an ancestor altar is and why you need one, how exactly do you create one? Hi Ms Michaele. An ancestor altar (or shrine) can be set up specifically for Samhain. Sincerely invite his spirit to come to you and establish a connection between you. Traditionally, what are some ways your culture venerates those who have gone before us? Maybe you want to bring their values into your daily life . I smell it at home, in the car, even now that ive moved to another city and for some unexplained reason, no one else smells it, except me. A special kind of scent of cooking food, someones home, or perhaps someones favorite perfume. Its a relatively new development. This can be done with incense, full moon water, or any method you desire. But most of all, it's a reminder that our ancestors are always present in our lives. My bloodline ancestors are pretty quiet. My two concerns that are making me pause for now are: 1: Will they expect me to deliver on requests that I cant give because of my mores like meat (Im vegan) or tobacco smoke (I have children in the house and dont smoke)? In the Heart of the Woods walkthrough. It gives you a physical place to commune with those who have come before you. Luckily, there are other records you can find! How do i go about doing this, Ms Michaele?..Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks, I have a question my ancestors are not buried close to me. Remember always to respect our ancestors so they can guide us to a happy future. Some elements that are generally a good idea to have on this altar are: A map of their homeland, photos of historical markers, etc. Its also a place for them to gather. This was so insightful. second can does can you put a step mother there along with the birth mother if the birth mother died when u were a baby and he step mother raised you? Once you have it up, this is the space where you will commune with your ancestors, pray to them, honor them, and offer gifts to them. Your Ancestral Altar is also a place to meditate, communicate with your lineage, learn and receive clarity. And about decorating the altar I would try different things and listen with your heart for your familys opinion and suggestions. Everyone will have their own choice, but you need to remember that your ritual cloth is one that you have carefully chosen. Darius, have you seen the Lucky Mojo Forum? As you cleanse, visualize white light from above illuminating the altar surface and each item. Clean up any burned-out candles and incense. Honestly, your ancestors will truly appreciate that there is a space for them in your home. If you choose to wipe them down, use a little lemon juice mixed into water. Even if you don't know your ancestors, due to things like adoption or estrangement from family, don't be discouraged! It is a great way to connect with your ancestors as well as yourself. 7.1 Steps to the Fire Prayer for the ancestors. I posted steps on setting up a simple ancestor altar in this post, but to get started, all you need is a small table, ideally covered with a white table cloth. Now, in the real world, you can research your ancestors just talk to your parents about straight-up genealogy.
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