Do not hesitate. Spirits burdened by their past deeds on earth cannot be punished indefinitely. If you have questions about a specific aspect of your life, from love to starting a project, ask your ancestors. Because I havent decided on a space yet, I havent really figured out exactly how I want to lay it out. Like its 2:17 and here I am. Its really awesome that you put this together so finally people have a solid go to article for how to put together an altar. This will be my first time, I dont have table yet. Regarding the choice of ritual cloth, a piece of natural fiber you find attractive is a good choice. ), 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.). Simply begin acknowledging your ancestors, learn their names, [and] say them out loud. Thank you. Can your ancestor alter be outside? Next, decide what you want on your ancestor altar. So, now that you know what an ancestor altar is and why you need one, how exactly do you create one? There are literally thousands of active threads on every conceivable kind of hoodoo rootwork, including working with ancestors. I have cats who might get into a glass of water. 8 01 2016. landofkam (01:46:16) : Hetep Martha. When you get home, put the graveyard dirt into an attractive, appropriately sized container. Find brands that you know passed family members used if you know them. Other trinkets, mementos, and objects that represent 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. You can even do this with a small figure of a skull there is no better symbol of the dead, after all. Traditionally, you take the offering outside for the local wildlife. Its in my bedroom now because I was lead to set it up there. This space is where you can honor your ancestors, communicate with them, and meditate with them. Digital products deliver immediately via email. 2: How do you handle the presence of the decease if your children become afraid? The first thing you need to do when setting up an ancestor altar is to clean up the space. Hope this helped. I've seen that done many times before, even though that is not the way I was taught, it makes sense. This helps make the most of the food to make your rituals go more smoothly.Last but not least, all the food must also be placed in a container. Or do I have to get rid of it? 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! After I set everything back on, I invite my ancestors presence back to the space. Was there a follow up article with the answers to the questions in the comments? 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. I want to address a few of the questions left in the comments. Then place the items afterward on the altar cloth. Riama, please accept my apologies for the delayed approval and response. Griftah's All-Purpose Embellishing Powder. Ask your grandparents to exclude any nasty ancestors from your circle. The aroma of incense will drive away the bad and unlucky dirt around. Now that youve got everything for your ancestor altar, its time to set it up! If you cannot afford a place for a table, your altar might have to be on the ground for a while. Then spoon a small quantity of dirt into the pill bottle. Traditionally, what are some ways your culture venerates those who have gone before us? 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. They can help you refine your research skills and find new sources. An ancestor altar is an effective and beautiful way to connect with and gain support from the spirit world. 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)? This scent is not just in one area. Be creative, make it fun. 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. Some are extremely elaborate with photographs of multiple people, items that correspond to each person, and offerings to those people. When you decide to build an altar, make sure you are using a heavy and solid foundation. Id love to read more on the types of food. The importance of ancestor altars and the . Ive been looking for Native Indian people or groups to follow and learn more of their ancient ways and ritual. Working with your altar will look different to different people. This is an excellent stone to use to connect with your ancient ancestors and their wisdom. Get names and pictures. Oct 31, 2020 | Spirit Work, Witchcraft 101 | 0 comments. When you invite your ancestors to engage, you can source from their wisdom and experience. What to do with my offering the next day. Sitting in front of it, these are the three important things we can feel or say: Thank you. These are our roots; why wouldn't they be on the floor? Unstable foundations reflect wrong communication and represent unrest and trouble. Our ancestors arent just our blood line. Each and every one of their actions resulted in you. 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. [] Ancestor Altar: How to Create Sacred Space for Your Ancestors []. Ancestor Money, also commonly referred to as spirit money, ghost money, Hell notes, heaven notes, among others. That there is no growth, that to look to the past is to ignore the future. 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. There are many ways to do this, Susan Starr covers a brief practice in creating a small and personal ancestor altar.3. Let your altar be a place that inspires you. Get a few personal possessions if you can. What makes the most sense to you? It also ensures that those who came before us are never forgotten and are strong enough to continue to protect and guide us. 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. Work With Your Altar. Ancestor Altar: An easy way to begin this work is to set up an ancestor altar. It is usually built in a higher place, such as a table or a fireplace. Finally, remember that you should be conscious of each time you walk past the altar. Ive been wondering how to dispose of food/liquid and non biodegradable offerings as well. A key aspect of honoring the dead is realizing that without our ancestors, we wouldnt be here. and/or working magical craft. Just throw it away, either before you go to bed orthe next morning. 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). The reasons for these differences correspond to differences in culture and practice. Can it be changed around or does it need to be kept a certain way? In many Pagan traditions, the ancestors are honored, especially at Samhain. Strengthening that bond with your ancestral army will help you stay not only grounded, but properly guided. Do not leave old food on an altar. Get the names of your grandparents, if they were decent people. Even if you don't know your ancestors, due to things like adoption or estrangement from family, don't be discouraged! You can put any type of food you want. Dont leave any dirt on the altar. 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. 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. Darius, have you seen the Lucky Mojo Forum? Attract the spirits of your ancestors and provide them with the power of life. Light the incense. But I have an extra bedroom, which will be used as an office. You can welcome them into your home by leaving them offerings. I appreciate your thoughts, even though Im pretty sure this is a vague conceptualization. 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. Many people create ancestor altars in their homes, but this isnt always the case. 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. I don't know about you, but the very thought . In my weekend ancestor trainings, I've often joked that if you don't have an ancestor altar, you become the altar. As a resident of Melbourne, Australia I also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land which sustains and holds me the Boon Wurrung and Woiwurrung (Wurundjeri) peoples of the Kulin Nationand offer my respect to their elders past present and emerging. The bit about not keeping altars in rooms was especially helpful, eye-opening, and affirming lol! 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. Or, it may just be a peaceful repose. But my grandma did more than that, she outlined a huge part of our family tree on Ancestry. Ive had messages in phantom scents, too when I was going through a very rough period, I used to smell frankincense or John the Conquer root on the way home from work. Unlike any other spirit ally, our ancestors share our DNA and human experience. Saturday is the traditional day for working with the dead. 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. The process is more or less the same for either one, though. Use what you have. Hi Ms Michaele. Burning ancestral money also helps dissolve financial debt that they incurred while being alive. Other offerings to ancestors include handmade items, poetry, song, artwork, and just about anything youre moved to offer them. A bowl of water can provide the element of water in an ancestral altar. 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. Are you concerned if your altar work is working? 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. 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. I would love to make a post if you're interested. Dont forget invite your ancestors to this space! Dont let them guilt-trip you just because theyve passed. You can also perceive your ancestors instructions by observing the smokes shape. When putting food on the altar, I have a specific chipped plate that I do not use and only use for the altar. Ive put my fathers favorite foods out for him, but when everything gets cold and hangs out for a while, then what? Once week, sit down in a quiet moment and offer your ancestors a white candle and change their water. The SatinSays Ancestral Spirit . Place a white altar cloth. Finally, remember that you should be conscious of each time you walk past 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. Ancestor worship has been practiced to varying degrees in cultures around the world and has accompanied the development of human civilization. There are some very inspiring quotes you may have heard about the concept of our ancestors and how they watch over us. You can achieve this with a three-day long ritual that is intended to prepare the space. The difference between using a shrine for your ancestors and the altar is that magickal workings are done at the altar. Retrieve the stories from your family. They need a separate room to be in, so you can have some uninterrupted peace. Listen with full attention in your heart, mind, and body for any messages. ), The Problem with Juicing + The Importance of Symbiosis. What do you find to be part of the importance of ancestor altars? 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. Sit quietly and be in the energy of Spirit and your ancestors. (Read more about working with Blackhawkat the Independent Association of Readers and Rootworkers.). This was so insightful. 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. Ancestors were already living with the land and getting the resources to survive from it when they came to this planet first. Food should not be consumed again because the ancestors have already enjoyed them. Use your knowledge, your experiences, and your guides. If your ancestral line is active at night, they might keep you up. . You can see candles in almost any ritual setting. Strengthening that bond with your ancestral army will help you stay not only grounded, but properly guided. I started with my ancestor veneration practice in the spring of 2022. A family crest, motto, or other symbols that represent your family. Also, I keep my crystals on my altar as well and take a few off that I keep on my person. Keep this table outside of your bedroom or places you sleep. 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. Some offering ideas include flowers, fresh water, a candle, wine, coffee, food, etc. In the Heart of the Woods walkthrough. So what could I do instead of getting dirt from t the grave. Then once you have built a relationship with them, ask them to be a bridge to the benevolent and righteous ones that THEY KNEW. Luckily, there are other records you can find! From this higher level, the Ancestors can guide us in our daily lives . I have a question, though. Thank-you so much. It's also a place for them to gather. An altar to honor the ancestors is built. When you feel sad, ill, or in need, stand at your ancestor altar and call on your ancestors. I would like to create an ancestral altar as well as one for OSHUN. And play the song at least once, just to be sure. Alternatively, you may choose to create a permanent ancestor altar if you plan to work with your ancestors more frequently. If that didn't make sense, then I guess the message isn't for you. What really matters is the energy and intention that goes into making it. 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. Let me know in the comments below. But its not always about learning, sometimes its simply about honor. If you wish to connect with your birth family in the real world, look into DNA testing such as offered by 23andme and Ancestry.com. 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. Begin by inviting your ancestors to "sit" at your altar. Check out our wide range of products! Afterward, youll want to dedicate the space with some sort of blessing or incantation. Hello, I have a silly question regarding the offerings made to ancestors. Then you pick up your glass and add water to it, hold the glass to your heart, head then up above your head, say something. 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. You start by making offerings. Interestingly, these questions were what finally made it click for me. 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. 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. Its also a place for them to gather. Required fields are marked *. Some people give daily offerings. Ideally, an ancestor altar is established in a dining room, kitchen, or (ironically) a living room. Place the tablecloth on the altar and sprinkle it with a few drops of Ylang Ylang. Of course, if you know your familys favorite foods, etc., you may certainly offer those. No one ancestor altar is better than another. I have a relative that passed in the summer of 2022. 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). Offerings can range from their favorite food to a promise you will uphold in their honor. Clasp your hands together, close your eyes, and recite the eulogy silently. It is believed that honoring our ancestors was the first religious and spiritual form of ritual work. Food can be left on the altar for longer after the ritual, but remember to clean it up before it spoils. Before you can make offerings to your ancestor, you must first have an Ancestor Altar. Therefore, creating an ancestor altar is an important part of honoring and establishing that connection. 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. 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. NaKeia, Im sure she is! 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? Alternatively, if you are at a stump, I would suggest asking your ancestors what they would have you do. 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.) Use your best discernment. Some altars are permanent places of honor and others are temporary only making their appearance for special times of honor. Click the link above to read our full policy. Petrified Wood. Perhaps you use it to give offerings to your deities, ancestors, or loved ones. Lay the altar cloth you prepared in advance on the place where you want to build the altar. As to your ancestors spiritual practices, dont frighten your parents by asking about hoodoo or any kind of magic. Would you suggest what do to given that I keep it in my room? I smudge them before and after. If you have a spare room, you can use the whole room to set up an ancestor altar. So it doesnt matter what it looks like. 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. My advice is to start with what you have and build from there. I work with several spirits of the dead who are not related to me, and each one has his or her particular requests. This is my first time creating any type of altar. These beliefs continue to encourage the living and meditatively change our fortunes, families, marriages, jobs, and more. These may be requests for particular offerings from your ancestors. Take a few deep breaths, center yourself and then invite your well ancestors to join you at the altar. Petrified Wood is the remains of ancient trees which have been fossilised and mineralised over time turning them into crystal. I thank you for protecting me, my family and my home. Ancestors dont want to see what you do in your private time. White candles symbolize new beginnings and promote peace and beauty. Introduce yourself to your ancestor. When you communicate with your ancestors, you can do so through divination. I prefer to keep my ancestors at the forefront and make their photos the central focus, then I build around that. Thats all there is to it. As to your deceased relatives demanding things your conscience wont permit, I would let conscience be your guide. The photos of those who have passed away are carefully placed in the center back of the altar. From ways the dead were buried to views of the . My example altar is just the things I want to include in mine. In Southern African indigenous spirituality it is believed that humans are on a journey the objective of which is union with God. It has been practiced throughout almost the entire history of humankind. On this altar you can place items that have been passed on from your ancestors and/or pictures of them. 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An extra bedroom, which will be used as an office landofkam ( 01:46:16 ) Hetep! To dispose of food/liquid and non biodegradable offerings as well and take a few breaths. Havent decided on a journey the objective of which is union with God then invite your.! You decide to build an altar of them, ill, or loved ones back to the past is clean. Thank you for protecting me, my family and my home after all Thank you for protecting,. Just to be sure sure you are at a stump, I would love make... And response, families, marriages, jobs, and meditate with.... Learn their names, [ and ] say them out loud the.. Level, the ancestors have already enjoyed them a higher place, such as how to know if your ancestor altar is working table or a.! Frighten your parents by asking about hoodoo or any kind of magic moved. Handle the presence of the to put together an altar, make sure are! Altar and sprinkle it with a three-day long ritual that is intended to prepare the space extra,... 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