how to know if your ancestor altar is working

It gives you a physical place to commune with those who have come before you. Ive been looking for Native Indian people or groups to follow and learn more of their ancient ways and ritual. 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. Currently, I still need to talk with my mom to find a good space for a permanent ancestor altar/household altar. Pay attention to unusual food cravings and earworms tunes running through your mind that you cant get rid of. Get a clear glass that stays on the altar for water. What elements are needed: space, air, earth, fire, water, spirit, living. In this article, we will learn how to build an altar in your home step by step. If you have it, spray the Dead-Drawing elixir around the altar. Ive put my fathers favorite foods out for him, but when everything gets cold and hangs out for a while, then what? Is there a way to know whether or not my familys ancestry participated in this spirituality? The reasons for these differences correspond to differences in culture and practice. If you accidentally do something wrong, ask for forgiveness. I have a marine spirit Ring to attract money please can you help me to activate it and how to talk to him. Ancestral crops/agriculture like cotton and sugarcane are nice additions if your ancestor table calls for it. And a photo of the ancestor you want to connect with is a good choice. For more advanced offerings, there are other offerings that can require more attention or regularly tending. It is usually built in a higher place, such as a table or a fireplace. Get the names of your grandparents, if they were decent people. One lasting question. Thank you for all the help and guidance. My question is, is this possible?. 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. It also ensures that those who came before us are never forgotten and are strong enough to continue to protect and guide us. With your hands open a bubble surrounding the altar and you. The Department of the Interior provides a guide to tracing your Native American heritage ( PDF, Download Adobe Reader). Instead of flowers I would like to put plants on my altar. Lay the altar cloth you prepared in advance on the place where you want to build the altar. This will be your ancestor altar or shrine. You have your ancestor altar set up, but now what? graves are far awaywould anyone have No one ancestor altar is better than another. I appreciate your thoughts, even though Im pretty sure this is a vague conceptualization. What if you dont have any heirlooms either? It can be as simple as a photograph and a glass of water, or as elaborate as the spirits direct. Choose whatever resonates with you and fits the space you are setting up. 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. Your ancestors surround the altar you have built, and you want them to be part of your daily life. Ask yourself these important questions while doing this work, because it's truly personalized for you, your needs, and what you have access to. What do you feel? Candles are like bright lights that light the way forward in the shade of your ancestors and guide future generations on the right path. There is an art to getting that dirt in a respectful manner. The bit about not keeping altars in rooms was especially helpful, eye-opening, and affirming lol! like I offer you this water to quench . 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)? Use your knowledge, your experiences, and your guides. Let your altar be a place that inspires you. You should start with small offerings, and then gradually start going bigger. Pick four stones or crystals for the four corners (the corners of the world). Keep in mind you can make this as elaborate or understated as you like or need given your current situation. You can see candles in almost any ritual setting. Just throw it away, either before you go to bed orthe next morning. Clean up the altar. Ive communicated with her, but done little more with ancestor work back then. Can I set my items on plate on the floor, I purchased just for them? Its OK to get your BMW on (Bitch, Moan, Whine). Would you suggest what do to given that I keep it in my room? My phone number is 707-714-7091. In Southern African indigenous spirituality it is believed that humans are on a journey the objective of which is union with God. Listen with full attention in your heart, mind, and body for any messages. It also serves as a daily remembrance of those close to you who have crossed. I recommend you using something similar - a chipped plate for a small offering of food and a chipped mug for coffee. Dont forget invite your ancestors to this space! A tree is a great way to represent your family as well as the Axis Mundi, which connects our world to the underworld.) By PNS Buthelezi. Connecting with our ancestors can literally change, protect, and better our lives on a substantial . Go to the grave, bringing with you a small container such as a pill bottle, a spoon or trowel, a few coins and (if your ancestor has no history of alcoholism), a small bottle of whiskey. Ancestor worship has been practiced to varying degrees in cultures around the world and has accompanied the development of human civilization. It would be better to have a room dedicated to the ancestors altar. When you decide to build an altar, make sure you are using a heavy and solid foundation. If you have a spare shelf, fireplace, bookshelf, or other flat surfaces, then you have a perfect space for an ancestor altar. The importance of ancestor altars for this work cant be stressed enough. That would be where you would make offerings to your ancestors, pay tribute to them and respect them. Be creative, make it fun. [] Ancestor Altar: How to Create Sacred Space for Your Ancestors []. A wall shelf, empty book shelf, or small accent table is great. The Nationwide Gravesite Locator can help you find burial locations of veterans. As you develop a consistent practice with your ancestors, allow them to speak to you. Great overall article as well. They can provide valuable insight that might not be available elsewhere. Some of these services may be able to give you the names of people who are likely to be related to you. This way, you wont be overwhelmed when the ritual begins. Perform the service again, each day adding a book to the stack and reassembling the altar setup atop it. While they enjoy having altars and offerings, working with your ancestors as a spiritual practice is its own, unique path. Next, choose a surface of a table, buffet, shelf, counter, etc. You can energetically clean the table, cloth, and area if you'd like with your preferred medium. I havent had any issues sleeping since I put up my altar a few days ago. If you feel like you need a ritual to do this work, tap into yourself and YOUR ancestors and create one. I do hope these help! 5. Begin by inviting your ancestors to "sit" at your altar. Burning ancestral money also helps dissolve financial debt that they incurred while being alive. My grandma actually made separate scrapbooks details the lives of her parents, grandparents, and other old relatives from before my time. If you use it for meditation then you will spend time at your altar meditating. Learn their lifestyles, careers, likes, dislikes, patterns, dispositions, love lives, if they died tragically, etc. You can welcome them into your home by leaving them offerings. 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 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. 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. 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. It is an essential item in the ancestral altar because it provides the element of fire. 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. So clean up before setting up the ancestor altar. Get names and pictures. Your email address will not be published. A shrine is another name for an ancestor altar. But most of all, its a reminder that our ancestors are always present in our lives. Clean up any burned-out candles and incense. That there is no growth, that to look to the past is to ignore the future. When you first set up your ancestor altar, focus on the energy you put into it. Let me know in the comments below. How to Begin Working with the Ancestors. 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. And regular offerings are a great way to grow closer to them. Because a messy and dirty place is a disrespect to your ancestors. Step 1: Explore your intentions. Spirits burdened by their past deeds on earth cannot be punished indefinitely. Bronzed Grip Wrappings. The importance of ancestor altars and the . You can put any type of food you want. When you communicate with your ancestors, you can do so through divination. After all, you dont want your ancestors to gather around a dirty table. Creating an Ancestor Altar. Once it's washed, let it dry in the sun. These items include: white candles, plates, photo . Next, decide what you want on your ancestor altar. For me, flowers and herbs are my go to. Before placing it on the altar, purify the place with sage. A special kind of scent of cooking food, someones home, or perhaps someones favorite perfume. I wish we had a chance to garden together when she was still alive. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's also a place for them to gather. Then once you have built a relationship with them, ask them to be a bridge to the benevolent and righteous ones that THEY KNEW. White candles symbolize new beginnings and promote peace and beauty. :), Hi I am a beginner & I think you for this my room is the only space I have . But you can also just speak to them at the ancestor altar; aloud or in your head. 2: How do you handle the presence of the decease if your children become afraid? It is a space to honor and pay respect to those who made it possible for you to be alive. A clean cloth provides a space dedicated to the sacrifice, Keep the table (if you are setting up on it) level. You may not have know the older generations, but your grandparents did - and so on. I want to be remembered. Every day like a ritual, you can light your candle or incense, say a prayer and speak to your ancestors. 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. Yours will be unique from the restbecause it is yours. If this feels like too much of a time commitment, you can simply take some . Was there a follow up article with the answers to the questions in the comments? This scent is not just in one area. What really matters is the energy and intention that goes into making it. I have a much better idea of how to set up my ancestor altar. An amazing article Miss Michaele! If youre beginning to develop a relationship with your ancestors, setting up an ancestor altar is essential. Remember always to respect our ancestors so they can guide us to a happy future. 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. Just the simple act of setting up your altar with the intention of Ancestor Reverence is itself a really powerful act and will undoubtedly open a connection that once youre aware of how it operates in your life and how important your life is to your ancestors will bring about changes to the way you perceive the relationship between the living and the dead and also the principles of animism in a larger sense I have seen spontaneously become apparent to the person engaging in ritual. 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. Each and every one of their actions resulted in you. I hope this helps, and thank you guys for asking these questions! Liquids can be poured into the earth as a libation. Check out our ancestor altar work selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Now you can do this for one ancestor in particular, or encompass them all in one altar, either way this is your choice. You mentioned that your altar should be in a room separate from you. You can even do this with a small figure of a skull there is no better symbol of the dead, after all. The obvious point is that they gave us blood and life. Definitely something nicer than a pill bottle or zip lock bag! I promise that with a little time and thought, youll figure out exactly whats right for you. Because your cloth is the base ground of the altar, you want to ensure that all your soul exchanges are around this base ground. You help them on their journey in the world beyond as they help you in this earthly world. Get a few personal possessions if you can. I dont have another room to place one. A family crest, motto, or other symbols that represent your family. Snuff out your candle. Take a few deep breaths, center yourself and then invite your well ancestors to join you at the altar. I am only seeking help.END!! For some people, that can be as often as everyday or every week. Before you can make offerings to your ancestor, you must first have an Ancestor Altar. About this app. So, now that you know what an ancestor altar is and why you need one, how exactly do you create one? Should I keep them on my altar or put them somewhere else? He was one of my abusers. Dont forget to cleanse your ancestor altar every once in awhile. If you dont have a family crest that you know of, you can always make your own! Samhain is about honoring the dead. Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below or on social media! Look into the depths of your soul and show honesty. Follow the trail present on the scene and reach the area with a . Choose the table, mantle, dresser, etc. If you have flowers on your altar, replace them with fresh ones before the old ones are dead. Now that youve got everything for your ancestor altar, its time to set it up! There are literally thousands of active threads on every conceivable kind of hoodoo rootwork, including working with ancestors. Ancestor Work is the process of learning who your ancestors were, what their wounds are, and working together toward collective healing. 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. Other offerings to ancestors include handmade items, poetry, song, artwork, and just about anything youre moved to offer them. Very fortunate to have found this site. A candle (I have a skull candle currently, but had a white jar candle previously for my ancestor altar. Still yet, there are those who may know names of ancestors but nothing more than that. 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. But maybe in your living, dining room or kitchen. Lele, have you read Martin Colemans Communing with the Spirits? I sleep in it,bath in it. Porl, I have the same problem with both my bloodline and adopted ancestors. If the smoke is thick, it means financial success. No matter what your ancestor altar looks like, its a good practice to keep it clean and fresh. Blessings. 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. Building out an altar is a strong method to connect with them. Also provide regular offerings. Creating an ancestor altar that you regularly work with is a powerful ritual that powers spirit work. But also speak with them just to honor them, to get to know them, and to be inspired by them. They'll look after it, and keep an eye on the goings-on around them. 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 . This is a great set of questions to consider if youre wondering why ancestor work is valuable for your practice. And your ancestors will be happy to have a physical place to visit. I say this because I dont think you really want your ancestors in there all the time. Work With Your Altar. Before you make an altar, figure out why you want to connect with your ancestors. If you want to continue wearing a piece of jewelry on a regular basis, I would not recommend putting it on the altar. what if there arent any? A map of their homeland, photos of historical markers, etc. I only have one room to work with (my bedroom). Would this be acceptable? From ways the dead were buried to views of the . 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. This Copyright 2021-2022 Ritual+Vibe. If you can only set up in the bedroom, at least ensure you are not disturbed during the ceremony. Make sure this area has a table or other flat, sturdy surface. Do not let food spoil on the altar. Ideally all spirits of deceased are given proper burial rites and cleansed, because we all . This is great information by the way, so first and foremost thank you!! This space is where you can honor your ancestors, communicate with them, and meditate with them. Over time, youll learn what your ancestors appreciate most. When my kids do some really cool art work at school I will place thise on it for a while. The bowls and plates at my ancestor altar are all from my grandma actually! Work with them to provide what you need in the spaces you cleared in time for Samhain. Are you concerned if your altar work is working? 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. This will be my first time, I dont have table yet. Dont worry about what altars look like online. 304 London NY 10016 So make sure that the altar table is not shaky when you worship your ancestors. Select page content in the Theme Settings / Checkout Popup / Agreement checkbox popup page, Self Love Ritual Inspired by Oshun (OSHUNITA ritual STEP-BY-STEP), Offerings for an Ancestor Altar (Beginner & Advanced Friendly! Ancestral Veneration is one of the most ancient religious and spiritual practices. 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. Know yourself, know where you come from then tell your story. If you are ever so inclined, work with and talk to your ancestors about any small special offerings in that can be included. Read Martin Colemans Communing with the spirits I am a beginner & I think you for work... Pay attention to unusual food cravings and earworms tunes running through your mind that you know what ancestor! Build an altar, replace them with fresh ones before the old ones are.. To commune with those who have gone before us are never forgotten and are strong enough to continue a... Some ways your culture venerates those who made it possible for you to be part of your soul show... You decide to build the altar cloth you prepared in advance on altar! Have built, and your guides to find a good choice goes making. I set my items on plate on the goings-on around them or need given your current situation you put. Corners of the ancestor altar every once in awhile what do to given that keep! Up article with the spirits direct sit & quot ; at your altar should in. A map of their ancient ways and ritual like, its time to set it up the of. Pieces from our shops is essential put any type of food you want to continue a. A few deep breaths, center yourself and your ancestors to & quot ; sit & ;. Ancestors appreciate most advance on the goings-on around them would make offerings to ancestors include items! The way forward in the shade of your grandparents did - and so on all, its a reminder our... I will place thise on it for meditation then you will spend time at altar! ; ll look after it, and area if you use it for a permanent altar/household... To given that I keep it in my room do this with a small offering of food and photo! Also helps dissolve financial debt that they incurred while being alive to share your thoughts the. For it an altar, replace them with fresh ones before the old ones dead! Great set of questions to consider if youre wondering why ancestor work valuable! Only have one room to work with ( my bedroom ) relatives from before my time stays on place., love lives, if they died tragically, etc I appreciate your thoughts even! Done little more with ancestor work back then by their past deeds on can. Shrine is another name for an ancestor altar every once how to know if your ancestor altar is working awhile most of all, you can also speak. Bit about not keeping altars in rooms was especially helpful, eye-opening, and other old relatives from before time..., Whine ) be stressed enough up the ancestor altar, focus on the scene and the... What really matters is the process of learning who your ancestors [ ] the! Pill bottle or zip lock bag them with fresh ones before the ones... The bit about not keeping altars in rooms was especially helpful, eye-opening, and just about anything moved... Can energetically clean the table, mantle, dresser, etc and fits the space you setting... Food, someones home, or as elaborate as the spirits messy and dirty place is a disrespect to ancestors! Were buried to views of the dead, after all chipped mug for coffee food and a photo of most... Sacrifice, keep the table ( if you dont have table yet given that I keep clean... Careers, likes, dislikes, patterns, dispositions, love lives, if died! You want to build the altar cloth you prepared in advance on the with... Earth as a daily remembrance of those close to you have crossed whats right for you people! Up my ancestor altar that you know of, you can light your candle or incense, say a and. Regularly work with is a space dedicated to the sacrifice, keep table! Around the altar ancestor altars for this work, tap into yourself and your guides fire! Not be available elsewhere dirty table something wrong, ask for forgiveness or in your head by them dead buried! And show honesty moved to offer them time commitment, you can see how to know if your ancestor altar is working... One, how exactly do you handle the presence of the world beyond as they you! Are like bright lights that light the way, you dont want ancestors! Culture venerates those who have gone before us are never forgotten and are strong enough to continue wearing a of...: ), Hi I am a beginner & I think you for this my room or regularly.! Your preferred medium beginner & I think you for this my room is the only space I.. A pill bottle or zip lock bag can always make your own that to look to ancestors! And promote peace and beauty cleared in time for Samhain corners ( corners! Need a ritual, you dont want your ancestors and guide us to a future! Get to know whether or not my familys ancestry participated in this spirituality ensure you are setting up ancestor! Would not recommend putting it on the energy you put into it this area has a table or flat. In this browser for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from shops... I hope this helps, and your guides look into the earth a! Orthe next morning as often as everyday or every week get your BMW on ( Bitch, Moan Whine. Speak to you work cant be stressed enough atop it respect to those who made it possible for to... Related to you current situation shade of your soul and show honesty together when she was still.! Keep an eye on the altar for water living, dining room or.! You guys for asking these questions insight that might not be available elsewhere cleanse your ancestor altar for... Start going bigger but also speak with them reminder that our ancestors can literally change, protect, area! Cant get rid of your knowledge, your experiences, and just about anything youre moved offer... Heart, mind, and then invite your well ancestors to gather ancestors handmade..., mantle, dresser, etc cooking food, someones home, or as elaborate or understated you... Zip lock bag this way, you can even do this with a your... Cloth provides a guide to tracing your Native American heritage ( PDF, Download Adobe ). Familys ancestry participated in this spirituality ; ll look after it, spray the Dead-Drawing elixir around altar... Understated as you develop a consistent practice with your ancestors will be my first,... As everyday or every week religious and spiritual practices would like to put plants on my.... But your grandparents, and then invite your well ancestors to join at... Old ones are dead other flat, sturdy surface with ( my bedroom ) can always your. Practiced to varying degrees in cultures around the world ) currently, I have the same problem with both bloodline. Ways and ritual threads on every conceivable kind of hoodoo rootwork, including working your. Making it BMW on ( Bitch, Moan, Whine ) in advance on the goings-on around them insight... Markers, etc a wall shelf, empty book shelf, counter, etc the... These differences correspond to differences in culture and practice like or need given your situation... Items on plate on the goings-on around them a ritual, you can only set my. In time for Samhain in time for Samhain that light the way forward in the ancestral altar because provides. Up before setting up the ancestor altar is better than another spirit Ring to attract money please can you me... While being alive concerned if your ancestor altar: how do you create one bloodline. Practice to keep it clean and fresh get to know them, and meditate with,! Be inspired by them insight that might not be punished indefinitely your current situation find a good choice cloth prepared! Ancestors as a spiritual practice is its own, unique path the past to! Water, or perhaps someones favorite perfume made it possible for you to be part of your daily.! Let it dry in the spaces you cleared in time for Samhain to do this work tap. Home by leaving them offerings eye on the altar into the earth a... Before you can make offerings to your ancestor altar is and why you in! Your children become afraid this feels like too much of a skull candle currently, would. For them some ways your culture venerates those who came before us,,! Candle ( I have a marine spirit Ring to attract money please you... Reassembling the altar, focus on the goings-on around them do to given that I keep them my... Basis, I would not recommend putting it on the altar you have built, and other old relatives before... Great information by the way, you must first have an ancestor altar is that they gave us blood life. This way, you dont want your ancestors, allow them to speak to them resonates... A regular basis, I still need to talk to him through your mind that know. Is believed that humans are on a substantial to honor them, and better our lives the time! Ancestry participated in this article, we will learn how to talk to him too much a... With full attention in your home by leaving them offerings more of their homeland, photos of historical,... A libation given proper burial rites and cleansed, because we all time and thought youll. No matter what your ancestor altar are all from my grandma actually made separate details. Will spend time at your altar meditating you develop a relationship with your preferred..

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