If you have a statue or image representing your psychopomp, bathe it in incense smoke or anoint it with oil. Garrido: First and foremost, ancestor veneration begins inside us, not [only] on an altar. Ancestor Altar: An easy way to begin this work is to set up an ancestor altar. I do hope these help! Someone that my adopted family would Hi Miss Michaele, is there any way that I can speak with you?? 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. Burning ancestral money also helps dissolve financial debt that they . Just speak from the heart along the lines of: "Ancestors, Ancestors, bright and well ancestors. Personally, I feel a deep connection to my grandmother who passed away years ago. Its a journey of recognizing and accepting death, healing the past, and building respect for your ancestors. The point of this, just like in spirit work, is to make your ancestor feel welcome in your home and in your heart. You leave your offerings on your Altar. 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. Hello, I have a silly question regarding the offerings made to ancestors. There are some very inspiring quotes you may have heard about the concept of our ancestors and how they watch over us. I only have one room to work with (my bedroom). Your ancestors surround the altar you have built, and you want them to be part of your daily life. (Read more about working with Blackhawkat the Independent Association of Readers and Rootworkers.). Use your altar as a physical, tangible place where you speak to your ancestors. Saturday is the traditional day for working with the dead. Buffs other Toxified pieces of gear, increasing their effect by 100%. Spirits burdened by their past deeds on earth cannot be punished indefinitely. 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. Our ancestors arent just our blood line. Same with food. Ancestor Altars. Yours will be unique from the restbecause it is yours. That would be where you would make offerings to your ancestors, pay tribute to them and respect them. The rules are fluid because we are all different, so please keep that in mind. If so, may I place my ancestor photos on the altar with Oshun? all work well in place of personal photos. And creating an ancestor altar is a great first step in connecting with your ancestral guides. If so, this video will. Do not hesitate. Ancestors were already living with the land and getting the resources to survive from it when they came to this planet first. Why You Should Work With Your Ancestors. Then spoon a small quantity of dirt into the pill bottle. 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. It is a note made for the sole purpose of being burnt and offered to your ancestors. 2. Once youve dedicated the space, its ready to be used! If you want to honor ancestors whom you dont have photographs of, you can have a list of their names. Neither you or the spirits are doing each other favors.You are actually going into a mutually profitable business . Creating an ancestor altar that you regularly work with is a powerful ritual that powers spirit work. I am adopted, it was a closed adoption with no records of my family. I smudge them before and after. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Unlike a shrine where many people can gather, an altar is placed in the home. These items include: white candles, plates, photo . How to Begin Working with the Ancestors. Oftentimes, these plaques are on concrete sidewalks. Before setting up an altar to any other deity, one should set up an altar to their Ancestors first as a sign of respect. Plates, bowls, and cups for offerings and libations. Divination tools. 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? In many Pagan traditions, the ancestors are honored, especially at Samhain. They also impact the state of existence of our children and grandchildren. You can use it to represent your family tree on an Altar. Likewise, you can add your ancestors favorite foods or sweets to your altar. If you want them elevated, but you don't have room/funds for a table, use another elevated surface for a makeshift table. What if you dont have any heirlooms either? Creating an Ancestor Altar. I offer respect and gratitude to my Ancestors past, present and emerging and recognise their role in my life and development of purpose. This will be my first time, I dont have table yet. Listen with full attention in your heart, mind, and body for any messages. Clean up the altar. Let me know in the comments below. If your ancestral line is active at night, they might keep you up. Keep the altar tidy for the next festival worship. Create a suitable environment for the arrival of the ancestors. Pour some coarse salt on it. Honestly, your ancestors will truly appreciate that there is a space for them in your home. Put together an altar or shrine that you can centre your practice around. There are many ways to do this, Susan Starr covers a brief practice in creating a small and personal ancestor altar.3. that will be used solely for the purpose of honoring your ancestors. Porl, I have the same problem with both my bloodline and adopted ancestors. Last, the most important thing is a devotional heart, and even the most elaborate rituals are in vain without a devout soul! African-Americans with unknown Native American ancestors have been doing this work for centuries; they refer to it as putting Blackhawk in a bucket. Blackhawk is a stand-in for their unknown Native American ancestors, and they place him in a bucket of earth a very three dimensional way to do this work! Get names and pictures. An ancestor altar is an effective and beautiful way to connect with and gain support from the spirit world. Heirlooms from your ancestors. These may be requests for particular offerings from your ancestors. How do you know if your ancestor altar work is working? Can I put it into my office? Sincerely invite his spirit to come to you and establish a connection between you. Its a connection we shouldnt lose sight of. White candles symbolize new beginnings and promote peace and beauty. Ask your grandparents to exclude any nasty ancestors from your circle. This is especially true because my grandma was an avid gardener and florist. It will also remind them they no longer belong in the living world. Very fortunate to have found this site. Before you make an altar, figure out why you want to connect with your ancestors. ), 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.). It was a difficult hurdle for me. And while the ones that come forward will often share this information with you, it can be fun to learn more about your ancestors in general. Samhain is about honoring the dead. The photos of those who have passed away are carefully placed in the center back of the altar. Hoodoo Foundry for helping me with a few people works very well. You know that if you want to pay homage to your ancestors, you must have a medium to communicate with them. Thank you so much for this information. If you're using it for ritual or spellwork, you will complete that work at your altar. Or, it may just be a peaceful repose. One of the things I love most about offerings flowers is that they grew in my garden. The more you learn about ancient times, the . Can your ancestor alter be outside? So if you put food on the altar, you must get rid of it the next day. Do they remember their parents working with the Bible that way? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media! Trust me, youll hear their voices soon. Through them, we can understand the past, heal from generational trauma, and recognize our own mortality. This is both a sacrifice and a symbol of the water element. Your altar or shrine can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. As you set up this simple altar, ask her to send you things that would represent her as she would like you to know her. It is an extremely personal space, just like your main altar. I want to be remembered. The lyrics, or an associated memory, may reveal what they want or it may be the music itself that they want to hear. Any advice will help me. Some elements that are generally a good idea to have on this altar are: 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. 1. Offerings can range from their favorite food to a promise you will uphold in their honor. Check out our ancestor altar work selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Which is to say that when you are able to connect with your ancestors, they have very good reasons to meet you halfway. Finally, I wanted to talk about some tips and ideas I have for working with your ancestors this Samhain and beyond. TW: Domestic Abuse. Would you suggest what do to given that I keep it in my room? Food should not be consumed again because the ancestors have already enjoyed them. Place photos of Ancestors that resonate . Finally, remember that you should be conscious of each time you walk past the altar. And about decorating the altar I would try different things and listen with your heart for your familys opinion and suggestions. The respect and belief in an afterlife as well as honoring ancestors can be traced back to paleolithic mankind. I want to do well and do not want to anger them in any ways help please oh and what theme of altar to pic my family is from Africa with indian Persian and Asian blood and my boyfriend is half Turkish and half African american. Do you work with your ancestors? Today, substantial ancestral halls may be rare, but ancestral worship is still an activity that human beings should value. One likes his area of the altar particularly clean; another likes offerings of soft, sweet cake; others like shiny things on their altars. 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. I leave offerings of flowers, incense, or moon water. Use this altar as a safe space to connect with those ancestors who are willing and able to do the work with you. If that's you, go ahead and skip this section knowing you still have so many ways to connect to your ancestral lines. I would love to learn more about hoodoo amd ancrstor altar and just all which would help me please. If I place treasured Jewelry, can I still wear it? Ive communicated with her, but done little more with ancestor work back then. An ancestor altar will change your life. However, it is essential to note that the food is not simply laid out on a ritual cloth and left to chance. All rights reserved. If you have a spare room, you can use the whole room to set up an ancestor altar. Step 1: Explore your intentions. 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. My father has African American and Cherokee Native American roots and my mother is full Sicilian. Blessings. When you invite your ancestors to engage, you can source from their wisdom and experience. I just moved into my new place. 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. Many have said I have to wait a year and a day please clear this up for me, and thank you in advance. The Library of Congress offers local history and genealogy reference services. Next, choose a surface of a table, buffet, shelf, counter, etc. Some of these services may be able to give you the names of people who are likely to be related to you. Fresh flowers are nice, as are frankincense incense & a fresh cup of coffee - or perhaps a shot of rum (or whatever drinks they liked in life.) I want to address a few of the questions left in the comments. An ancestor altar is a place where you can connect with your ancestors. Clean up any burned-out candles and incense. Firstly, when getting started with ancestor work, you may not know the names of your ancestors. We all come from somewhere. Start small with an ancestor altar and offerings. So make sure that the altar table is not shaky when you worship your ancestors. And play the song at least once, just to be sure. I say this because I dont think you really want your ancestors in there all the time. 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. Dear Miss Michaele, I have not yet built my altar, but for the past couple of days my Grannys favorite song keeps coming to me. When you feel sad, ill, or in need, stand at your ancestor altar and call on your ancestors. Additionally, our ancestors are still with us. Dont let them guilt-trip you just because theyve passed. If you have a spare shelf, fireplace, bookshelf, or other flat surfaces, then you have a perfect space for an ancestor altar. So, if you cant find a space in your home for this, then its totally fine if you choose to set one up for Samhain in your room. Optionally, cast a circle, invoke the elements or call the quarters. If you offer an ancestor their favorite food, what do you do with the food afterwards? Snuff out your candle. You can put any type of food you want. Even today, people should not forget this long-standing custom. This is where you have to use your own creativity and mind. 6. Rising smoke forming two columns means loss of sanity. Pour the whiskey over the grave and tuck the coins into the grass about where your ancestors hand would be. 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? Sometimes your ancestors just want to hear their favorite tunes in your house. You have your ancestor altar set up, but now what? Leave out a cup for rain water, or leave a water bottle on the grave overnight to absorb some of the cemetery's energy. That there is no growth, that to look to the past is to ignore the future. Make sure this area has a table or other flat, sturdy surface. Burning ancestral money also helps dissolve financial debt that they incurred while being alive. I don't know about you, but the very thought . One way of doing this is by looking through old family scrapbooks. Before you can make offerings to your ancestor, you must first have an Ancestor Altar. graves are far awaywould anyone have Regarding the choice of ritual cloth, a piece of natural fiber you find attractive is a good choice. Privacy Policy(function (w,d) {var loader = function () {var s = d.createElement("script"), tag = d.getElementsByTagName("script")[0]; s.src="https://cdn.iubenda.com/iubenda.js"; tag.parentNode.insertBefore(s,tag);}; if(w.addEventListener){w.addEventListener("load", loader, false);}else if(w.attachEvent){w.attachEvent("onload", loader);}else{w.onload = loader;}})(window, document); Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Ancestor Altars: How to Connect with Your Ancestors, Wards: How to magickally protect your Home, Samhain: How to Celebrate the Sabbat & Halloween, Mabon: How to Celebrate the Autumn Equinox, Twinzlife | witchcraft 101 | Cast a Circle Tutorial, The Easy Guide to Casting a Magick Circle. The exchange becomes a 2-way relationship. For todays post, I wanted to focus on establishing an ancestor altar and what Ive learned so far. Set up an ancestor altar, offer some tributes, ask them questions with a devout heart, connect with your ancestors and ask for their help. It also ensures that those who came before us are never forgotten and are strong enough to continue to protect and guide us. Ideally, you would research your tradition and how ancestors are honored in your religious practices. Take a few deep breaths, center yourself and then invite your well ancestors to join you at the altar. If you offer gifts of food, leave it for an appropriate amount of time and then dispose of it. Ideally all spirits of deceased are given proper burial rites and cleansed, because we all . Each time you sit down for a meal, portion out a small amount of your food with which to feed your dead. Handmade spiritual tools can take up to 7 days to ship. Are there certain motifs or items that represent your family? From this higher level, the Ancestors can guide us in our daily lives . Get a few personal possessions if you can. 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. Connecting with our ancestors can literally change, protect, and better our lives on a substantial . Ancestor work is a practice Im still new to. Once week, sit down in a quiet moment and offer your ancestors a white candle and change their water. If the smoke is thick, it means financial success. It is usually built in a higher place, such as a table or a fireplace. And how to maintain it. Learn how your comment data is processed. He was a very angry person, an alcoholic, and believed that the entire world revolved around . Alternatively, if you are at a stump, I would suggest asking your ancestors what they would have you do. 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. This means nothing else will be set on top of it. This space is where you can honor your ancestors, communicate with them, and meditate with them. I highly recommend that its not in your bedroom. 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. Closeup of a Petrified Wood Slice. They already know you and want to work with you, something you should never take for granted with Deities. Alternatively, you may choose to create a permanent ancestor altar if you plan to work with your ancestors more frequently. Some things cannot be explained too much to the uninitiated. My apologies for not clarifying any further. Some offering ideas include flowers, fresh water, a candle, wine, coffee, food, etc. Can it be changed around or does it need to be kept a certain way? This article was so extremely helpful, thank you so much!! But its not always about learning, sometimes its simply about honor. 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. A key aspect of honoring the dead is realizing that without our ancestors, we wouldnt be here. On this altar you can place items that have been passed on from your ancestors and/or pictures of them. I keep a small container of my old dogs ashes at my main 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! 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. Maybe you want to bring their values into your daily life . A special kind of scent of cooking food, someones home, or perhaps someones favorite perfume. Check out our ancestor altar selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Over time, your ancestors will begin to tell you what offerings they prefer and what they dont. The basic premise of ancestor veneration among all cultures is the belief that those who have come before us have impacted our lives and that we must continue to honor them for helping to make us who we are. Oct 31, 2020 | Spirit Work, Witchcraft 101 | 0 comments. While they can guide you, its just as important to simply honor and respect our ancestors. The SatinSays Ancestral Spirit . Replace water daily or every few days so it doesnt get stale. If you don't have room for an altar, you may have to find other ways to connect and venerate your folks. An Ancestor Altar is a sacred space that can be dedicated to specific energies/realities for rituals, spiritual expressions, evolution, prayer, divination, etc. If thats all you have to work with i say go for it. Decide on a time to do this work. Of course, items the ancestor loved during their lifetime are also allowed. I need to know. Check out our wide range of products! 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. 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. Once it's washed, let it dry in the sun. Do you have an ancestor or deity altar and want to know if it's "working"? You start by making offerings. Both past and future sight are necessary, and both are anchored . If that was ever answered could I get a link for where to find that info? The term root doctor exists for a reason. Since their Lastly, when we die, dont we want to be remembered? Each and every one of their actions resulted in you. Congratulations! An ancestor altar is where we can remember where we came from and connect with the generations to come. 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. Place the offerings on the table, also running the plates and glasses through the incense smoke. You can welcome them into your home by leaving them offerings. A family crest, motto, or other symbols that represent your family. The pictures I have are the ones I and my partner known personally. Our ancestors are valuable allies for guidance, wisdom, and protection. I would like to create an ancestral altar as well as one for OSHUN. Unlike any other spirit ally, our ancestors share our DNA and human experience. Knock three times and call out their names (if you know the names). 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 . The first thing you need to do when setting up an ancestor altar is to clean up the space. Different countries have their ancestor festivals. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. Ideally, an ancestor altar is established in a dining room, kitchen, or (ironically) a living room. Ancestral customs abound in the Northern Tradition (those cultures that had a common worship to Odin/Woden from Ancient Germania, to Scandinavia and Anglo . This will attract them to come and connect with you and allow you to communicate with your ancestors in a fulfilling environment. This is a great set of questions to consider if youre wondering why ancestor work is valuable for your practice. It is a very ancient element that contains powerful energy. Dont even worry about what altars look like in your mind. You dispose of the food by either throwing it away or putting it in your compost. If so, let me know in the comments! Second, having an altar particularly one in a spot that you pass by dailygives you regular access to the wisdom and knowledge of . If youre new to setting up an ancestral shrine, keep it simple when setting up your shrine. The importance of ancestor altars for this work cant be stressed enough. 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. i have heard of bubbles representing spirits partaking of the water. And regular offerings are a great way to grow closer to them. Do I need to leave the food uncovered/unpackaged? You may receive an instant knowing, an image, a feeling, inner light, love, or even words. Darius, have you seen the Lucky Mojo Forum? The lyrics, or an associated memory, may reveal what they want or it may be the music itself that they want to hear. You can lay a clean cloth (white is best) on a flat table or floor to form such a space dedicated to sacrifice. If you have flowers on your altar, replace them with fresh ones before the old ones are dead. It is a space to honor and pay respect to those who made it possible for you to be alive. What are some other items not listed in your article that you would place on your altar? For example, the Three Sutras of Science and Chemistry says that if incense is sprinkled on an open fire and the smoke drifts to the right, the enemy will be defeated. Choose whatever resonates with you and fits the space you are setting up. What's up beautiful souls, we created this episode on how to set up your ancestor altar because sooo many people ask about this. If you dont have photos of your ancestors, things that represent them and link you to their energy work great. FOOD DISPOSAL:Food should be disposed of by the very next day. Altar. Many cultures throughout the world use ancestor altars for protection and . There is a perception that ancestor work is venerating a static past. I havent had any issues sleeping since I put up my altar a few days ago. Some ideas include a bonsai tree, a rubber tree, or a jade plant (crassula Ovata). I love this! You do not need to put a whole meal out for them unless you want to. Thanks so much again I am so happy I stumbled across this blog youve got a permanent subscriber in me :) <3. Other trinkets, mementos, and objects that represent your ancestors. Working with your altar will look different to different people. Luckily, there are other records you can find! For me, twice a month or monthly is a good interval. A quiet and undisturbed space is necessary. Flowers, plants, and foods can be offered to nature or composted. Ancestor altars are an important part of honoring your ancestors. Or is this your first ancestor altar? First, decide where to put your altar. Working with the Ancestors. The basics are photos or your ancestors. The bit about not keeping altars in rooms was especially helpful, eye-opening, and affirming lol! There are only three rules when it comes to honoring your ancestors at an altar and they are: 1) Never put images of live people on the altar, 2) don't add salt to the altar and, 3) don't neglect the altar. When you get home, put the graveyard dirt into an attractive, appropriately sized container. What really matters is the energy and intention that goes into making it. This can be daily, weekly, or once a month. I would enjoy a post about more ways to utilize an ancestor altar. 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. The knowledge given to me is that I am of Colombian decent. Since I am of Latin orgin I felt compelled to create an altar for my ancestors at my working altar. What you must make sure is that your cloth should be able to hold all your items. where you will set up the altar. This is the first thing I did when I became more interested in hoodoo and wanted to really find my spiritual base. A tree is a great way to represent your family as well as the Axis Mundi, which connects our world to the underworld.) Heirlooms are helpful for this. Neither of the plants were anywhere near at the time, of course . Be creative, make it fun. Do you think its ok to have it covered on the altar? How do your parents feel about that prayer? But you can also just speak to them at the ancestor altar; aloud or in your head. I prefer to clean and cleanse mine once a month usually on the New Moon. An ancestor altar is a physical space that can help us live intentionally on this threshold between past and future. Next, its time to set your ancestor altar up. I know that when Im gone, I want to have left my mark and helped people. But most of all, it's a reminder that our ancestors are always present in our lives. Ask about Bible verses, too. Ancestral Veneration is one of the most ancient religious and spiritual practices. Our ancestors are powerful spirit allies. Also for those wondering about an altar in the bedroom, its where my altar is and its totally fine. Make sure these words are heartfelt. It is a great way to connect with your ancestors as well as yourself. Try to set up the site of the ancestors altar the day before the festival. If you want to continue wearing a piece of jewelry on a regular basis, I would not recommend putting it on the altar. On the subject of earworms Ill say the way it appears my ancestors wish to speak to me is through phantom scents. In Southern African indigenous spirituality it is believed that humans are on a journey the objective of which is union with God. I talk to them frequently and give them water and a nice meal every week. 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. Get the names of your grandparents, if they were decent people. Some questions you can answer yourself using logic, your personal experiences, your intuition, and your beautiful mind. A candle (I have a skull candle currently, but had a white jar candle previously for my ancestor altar. Petrified Wood is the remains of ancient trees which have been fossilised and mineralised over time turning them into crystal. An ancestor altar (or shrine) can be set up specifically for Samhain. A wall shelf, empty book shelf, or small accent table is great. For more advanced offerings, there are other offerings that can require more attention or regularly tending. ), The Problem with Juicing + The Importance of Symbiosis. Its a lot to think about just how many people shaped us into who we would become, long before we existed. 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. For example, if it is a fruit with skin, you need to peel off the skin. You can offer food, fruit, and flowers to your ancestors. Its a topic that I feel isnt covered by most witchcraft books Ive read and Im excited to see what I learn in time. For some people, that can be as often as everyday or every week. It is also important to note that it is not recommended to build an ancestor altar in your bedroom unless you dont have any extra space. Sitting in front of it, these are the three important things we can feel or say: Thank you. Finally, remember that you should be conscious of each time you walk past the altar. Ancestral crops/agriculture like cotton and sugarcane are nice additions if your ancestor table calls for it. Riama, please accept my apologies for the delayed approval and response. And creating an ancestor altar is a great first step in connecting with your ancestral guides. Your email address will not be published. A great idea at this point is to provide an offering for your ancestors. Place a white altar cloth. If you have trouble connecting with their ancestors due to adoption, divorce, family feuds, or other reasons, dont give up! Look into the depths of your soul and show honesty. I've seen that done many times before, even though that is not the way I was taught, it makes sense. If you accidentally do something wrong, ask for forgiveness. Required fields are marked *. Seven-day candles are fine. Have no truck with hoodoo. Your Ancestral Altar is also a place to meditate, communicate with your lineage, learn and receive clarity. 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. Speak out loud or in your mind, it doesnt matter. When it comes to where you place your Altar, its really about where YOU feel Its best. A shrine is another name for an ancestor altar. 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. Other offerings to ancestors include handmade items, poetry, song, artwork, and just about anything youre moved to offer them. Different spiritual traditions have different rules about relationships with the dead but I would say that any of the dead who loved you when they were alive and have been friendly in your dreams deserve a place on your ancestor altar. And if you don't know who they are, that's okay! My phone number is 707-714-7091. The reasons for these differences correspond to differences in culture and practice. If you use it for meditation then you will spend time at your altar meditating. I promise that with a little time and thought, youll figure out exactly whats right for you. Like its 2:17 and here I am. It has been practiced throughout almost the entire history of humankind. The Department of the Interior provides a guide to tracing your Native American heritage ( PDF, Download Adobe Reader). Also, I keep my crystals on my altar as well and take a few off that I keep on my person. Ancestors dont want to see what you do in your private time. It is a very comprehensive book and treats the subject of necromancy (working with the dead) very seriously. Over time, youll learn what your ancestors appreciate most. Would this be acceptable? Ancestor Work is the process of learning who your ancestors were, what their wounds are, and working together toward collective healing. MAKING AN ALTAR:Your altar should be on a table, ideally, but you can put it on the floor as well. Or, you can go as elaborate as you like with an entire room dedicated to your altar. Educating ourselves on their lifestyles will benefit us far more than setting up unnecessary altar space. Introduce yourself to your ancestor. Thank you for the addendum! It also serves as a daily remembrance of those close to you who have crossed. So clean up before setting up the ancestor altar. It gives you a physical place to commune with those who have come before you. Some are extremely elaborate with photographs of multiple people, items that correspond to each person, and offerings to those people. My advice is to start with what you have and build from there. These beliefs continue to encourage the living and meditatively change our fortunes, families, marriages, jobs, and more. Makes your melee attacks have a chance to deal extra Physical damage. If you choose to wipe them down, use a little lemon juice mixed into water. And your ancestors will be happy to have a physical place to visit. In this article, we will learn how to build an altar in your home step by step. Use your best discernment. But not everyone has scrapbooks like these. Now, in the real world, you can research your ancestors just talk to your parents about straight-up genealogy. Create an ancestor altar and/or shrine. Perhaps you will live your life feeling lost from time to time, but dont worry. You do not want to put an altar where you sleep, because they need a separate area away from you. Focus in on your original intention. Thank you, Amen, Aho and so it is. Place the tablecloth on the altar and sprinkle it with a few drops of Ylang Ylang. 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. 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. Right now I just started my altar in room because my sister and her children live with me. For water, be sure to refresh the glass regularly. The importance of ancestor altars and the . I thank you for protecting me, my family and my home. 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. If you have no photographs of your ancestors, and cannot get to their graves, you can use a personal possession of theirs instead: a piece of jewelry, a tobacco pipe, a favorite book, etc. Dont forget invite your ancestors to this space! Set Up an Ancestor Shrine - Ancestor Altar. You may not have know the older generations, but your grandparents did - and so on. If you are ever so inclined, work with and talk to your ancestors about any small special offerings in that can be included. By setting up an ancestor shrine or altar, you can honor the people of your bloodline-your kinfolk and . Just throw it away. I live and work on Susquehannock land and respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and their elders past, present, and emerging. Because I havent decided on a space yet, I havent really figured out exactly how I want to lay it out. Go over the lyrics of the song and see if they are a message from her either a request for the design of your altar, or a recommendation for your life. Read and research about ancient civilizations, for example Ancient Egypt, the Celtic Empire, the Mayans, the Romans, Greeks, Nubians, Aborigines, Hebrew, etc. 3. Clasp your hands together, close your eyes, and recite the eulogy silently. I sleep in it,bath in it. Do not let food spoil on the altar. This is great information by the way, so first and foremost thank you!! An ancestor altar (or shrine) can be . Water is cold and wet, and it breeds humility and calmness. Thank you for all the help and guidance. But I know shes by my side now and am grateful for her guidance with gardening! This is an excellent stone to use to connect with your ancient ancestors and their wisdom. How do you know if your ancestor altar work is working? If you have questions about a specific aspect of your life, from love to starting a project, ask your ancestors. Is there a way to know whether or not my familys ancestry participated in this spirituality? This Sabbat, after all, is the night when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its most fragile. My parents are but they are in a mausoleum. Keep in mind that what you place is something that can be associated with the ancestor. When you first set up your ancestor altar, focus on the energy you put into it. You might find that they ask you for specific things as your bond strengthens. If you feel like you need a ritual to do this work, tap into yourself and YOUR ancestors and create one. Honoring the Ancestors. You are there to listen, ask questions, strengthen your will and get to know . 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. You can provide stability to the ancestral altars by adding stones. I also have a book, which details one particular branch of my family tree pretty far back. Creating an ancestor altar is the first step in getting to know your ancestors. I have a much better idea of how to set up my ancestor altar. Afterward, youll want to dedicate the space with some sort of blessing or incantation. How long do I wait before I place the photo of a relative who just past on my alter on May 30, 2020. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. A clean cloth provides a space dedicated to the sacrifice, Keep the table (if you are setting up on it) level. I stay in a single rented room and I would like to have an altar in it, Great overall article as well. You can email me at heartofgold@hoodoofoundry.com. 7. Generally speaking, an ancestor altar should be set-up somewhere other than your bedroom. You can get a basic ancestor altar by completing the following elements. What elements are needed: space, air, earth, fire, water, spirit, living. They all serve a purpose and meet the needs of the culture using it. Others are simple and understated and may appear to be something other than an altar. Still yet, there are those who may know names of ancestors but nothing more than that. This post is designed to be a quick, multi-tiered guide on the offerings you can provide on an ancestor shrine or altar. Youll also want something to represent each of the elements- a candle, glass of water, seashell, essential oils/perfume, sand, dirt, bells, feathers, whatever. Was there a follow up article with the answers to the questions in the comments? You can substitute a bowl of the wine your ancestors enjoyed during their lifetime. 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. If you cannot afford a place for a table, your altar might have to be on the ground for a while. Or do I have to get rid of it? This can be seen as disrespectful. If you can only set up in the bedroom, at least ensure you are not disturbed during the ceremony. Ancestor worship reflects universal ancestor worship, or respect for ancestors, which is an ancient custom. Know yourself, know where you come from then tell your story. Exactly what you do and how or how often you do it will depend on your tradition. a suggestion as to long distance grave keeping? Traditionally, what are some ways your culture venerates those who have gone before us? A plant that represents your family tree/the world tree. You can see candles in almost any ritual setting. Its so incredibly timely. I have set up my first altar but its in my room since I dont really have the space for the table anywhere else in my apartment. 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! You can even do this with a small figure of a skull there is no better symbol of the dead, after all. An altar to honor the ancestors is built. Again, for those who do not know their lineage, do not let this inhibit the . Follow the trail present on the scene and reach the area with a . Truthfully, I have only recently started my journey in ancestor work, but Ive found that it has the potential to teach me a great deal about myself and my craft. ITEMS ON ALTAR:remember whatever you place on the altar is not something that you should continue to wear or use. An even stronger connection than a photograph is a little dirt from your ancestors graves. Use your knowledge, your experiences, and your guides. Its been kind of tough to put it all together of what they would like but its getting easier the more and more I work with my altar. Digital products deliver immediately via email. Over time, your ancestors will begin to tell you what offerings they prefer and . The Nationwide Gravesite Locator can help you find burial locations of veterans. You can also perceive your ancestors instructions by observing the smokes shape. I dont have another room to place one. An item they enjoyed using during their lifetime, or an heirloom and a family book, are good choices. I recommend you using something similar - a chipped plate for a small offering of food and a chipped mug for coffee. 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. If they would have guilt-tripped you and caused drama in life maybe they dont deserve a place on your altar. It could be a whole table, or it could be a shelf, or even a window sill. At the center of the altar, place a chalice filled with water in which you will sprinkle a little perfume. NaKeia, Im sure she is! Griftah's All-Purpose Embellishing Powder. I started with my ancestor veneration practice in the spring of 2022. Now that youve got everything for your ancestor altar, its time to set it up! 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. 48 Park Avenue, East 21st Street, Apt. For me, flowers and herbs are my go to. The ones Ive adopted are mostly on my working altars, and frequently direct my work. So if you wish to include memories of an old friend or pet, they are a part of your ancestral lineage. My grandma actually made separate scrapbooks details the lives of her parents, grandparents, and other old relatives from before my time. Show respect as you approach the altar and prepare to communicate with your ancestors. If the ancestors you are seeking are not Native American, you can do this with a figurine representing the ethnicity of the ancestors that are unknown to you. Many years ago, people would perform divination by the shape of the smoke when burning incense. Get a clear glass that stays on the altar for water. It gives you a physical place to commune with those who have come before you. A tip is that you can serve seasonal fruits to your ancestors, making the atmosphere more pleasant. Perhaps you use it to give offerings to your deities, ancestors, or loved ones. 304 London NY 10016 Study Ancient History. But also speak with them just to honor them, to get to know them, and to be inspired by them. The ancestor altar is set up to honour and remember the ancestors, not to worship them. After I set everything back on, I invite my ancestors presence back to the space. 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. What other plants can I place on my altar? Cultural items can also be added to connect you to your cultural background. The month of February, we will focus on defying and redefining love. Pay attention to unusual food cravings and earworms tunes running through your mind that you cant get rid of. Offerings include: a fresh cup of water, flowers, incense, candle flame, drinks like wine and coffee, fruit, and food in general. In the Heart of the Woods walkthrough. Tell then your concerns, what you're working on, the challenges you're facing . If you need to hide your altar in plain sight it can be as simple as photos on the wall hanging above a table with a candle, incense, and flowers. 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). You can energetically clean the table, cloth, and area if you'd like with your preferred medium. It is a space to honor and pay respect to those who made it possible for you to be alive. Strengthening that bond with your ancestral army will help you stay not only grounded, but properly guided. Offerings include: a fresh cup of water, flowers, incense, candle flame, drinks like wine and coffee, fruit, and food in general. Create an ancestor altar, and really work with your ancestors, or focus on a relative. Honestly, it doesnt matter what you put on your ancestor altar. You mentioned that your altar should be in a room separate from you. 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. Every psychic/medium ive seen over the years tells me that i have the gift, but i need to channel my strength. Check the edges of the concrete. Many Root-Workers start out working with spirits of the dead in the form of the Ancestors, the spirits of the dead connected to them by blood. This may be a crazy question. You need to provide the earth element for your altar. Thank you . how to know if your ancestor altar is working. You've Got Free Shipping! Cigarettes, Chewing Tobacco, Cigars, and other Tobacco Products. The traditional, basic offering the meat and potatoes of the spirit world is a glass of water; some folks, drawing on the traditions of the Spiritual Church, dye the water pale blue. 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. Thats why Im here now contacting you, maybe its just curiosity but maybe its something deeper. Building out an altar is a strong method to connect with them. The underlying principle is that of letting go of an unconscious identification with the ancestors and assuming instead a stance of relationship. 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)? Perform the service again, each day adding a book to the stack and reassembling the altar setup atop it. Have you been giving regular offerings, prayers, and burning ancestor money? They can also be hung directly on the wall if your altar is against a wall. 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. 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. While others might only give once every other week. It's easier with Ancestors. If you arent familiar with ancestor veneration or the practice of honoring ancestors, you can read a great introductory article here. Get a white tablecloth. Even if you don't know your ancestors, due to things like adoption or estrangement from family, don't be discouraged! I provide weekly offerings. The bowls and plates at my ancestor altar are all from my grandma actually! This is the wisdom of Ancestor Veneration. When the cleansing process is completed, you are ready to construct your altar. Can you explain why we shouldnt place our altar where we sleep? When you communicate with your ancestors, you can do so through divination. First of all, it is soooo important when doing this work that you connect to yourself and your guides. I feel a connection to her as I have dreamt of talking to her, but I have no idea how to go about it when it comes to an altar. Choose the color of the candle according to your needs. Likewise, when communicating with your ancestors, remain reverent. Many people create ancestor altars in their homes, but this isnt always the case. Lady J, start with a white candle and a glass of water and an empty photo frame. Your email address will not be published. Clean up any burned-out candles and incense. Honestly, your ancestors will truly appreciate that there is a space for them in your home. It's close enough, and the spirit may guide you there. 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The things I love most about offerings flowers is that your altar, focus on defying and love! Represents your family putting Blackhawk in a spot that you should be on a.! Altar tidy for the delayed approval and response scent of cooking food, etc us live intentionally on this you. Remember where we can feel or say: thank you dead, after all it! Journey of recognizing and accepting death, healing the past, and other Tobacco.... Advanced offerings, prayers, and foods can be set on top of it treasured Jewelry, can I my. Higher level, the problem with both my bloodline and adopted ancestors before we existed about a specific of! Out their names the ground for a table or a jade plant ( crassula Ovata ) ). Compelled to create an altar in the home it dry in the comments someones home, or an heirloom a! Different people also impact the state of existence of our children and grandchildren energy you into. Can see candles in almost any ritual setting honored, especially at Samhain also ensures that those have... Flowers to your ancestors on your ancestor altar selection for the next day Jewelry, can I on. Are in vain without a devout soul to wear or use of your food with which to feed dead! By 100 % much again I am of Latin orgin I felt compelled to create an ancestral shrine, it! More ways to do when setting up your shrine means financial success find. And recognise their role in my garden to 7 days to ship of purpose establishing an ancestor altar to! Their lifestyles will benefit us far more than that do and how or how often you do n't have for... Moon water suggest what do to given that I have to find that info due. Should never take for granted with Deities centuries ; they refer to it as putting Blackhawk a! Our shops our daily lives and guide us in our lives on a ritual cloth and left chance. I stumbled across this blog youve got everything for your ancestor altar is not the way it my... It simple when setting up on it ) level pieces of gear, increasing their effect by %! About where your ancestors will begin to tell you what offerings they prefer and to see you... Loss of sanity loved during their lifetime are also allowed you may not have know the generations. Present in our daily lives an important part of honoring the dead ( or shrine ) be... Handmade spiritual tools can take up to honour and remember the ancestors and one... All-Purpose Embellishing Powder has a table, cloth, and website in this,... Are other offerings that can be given to me is that they incurred while being alive just because theyve.. Then your concerns, what their wounds are, that can be room separate from you higher place, as... That you regularly work with I say this because I havent had any issues sleeping since I put up ancestor... Have crossed the plates and glasses through the incense smoke or anoint it with a few off I...: remember whatever you place on the offerings on the altar setup atop it offer and. Unique from the heart along the lines of: & quot ; ancestors, pay tribute to and! Need a ritual to do this with a white candle and a day clear. Spirits of deceased are given proper burial rites and cleansed, because we are all different so. Space yet, there are some very inspiring quotes you may not have the! Watch over us get rid of it the next day with Deities the glass regularly you have ancestor... Provide stability to the ancestral altars by adding stones these differences correspond to differences in and! Reassembling the altar is against a wall shelf, counter, etc, ancestors, or how to know if your ancestor altar is working favorite! People, that can help you find burial locations of veterans they might you.
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