how to know if your ancestor altar is working
Building out an altar is a strong method to connect with them. It is believed that honoring our ancestors was the first religious and spiritual form of ritual work. Others are simple and understated and may appear to be something other than an altar. Also for those wondering about an altar in the bedroom, its where my altar is and its totally fine. Last, the most important thing is a devotional heart, and even the most elaborate rituals are in vain without a devout soul! Offerings can range from their favorite food to a promise you will uphold in their honor. Oct 31, 2020 | Spirit Work, Witchcraft 101 | 0 comments. Many people create ancestor altars in their homes, but this isnt always the case. If you don't have room for an altar, you may have to find other ways to connect and venerate your folks. Then place the items afterward on the altar cloth. Ancestor Money, also commonly referred to as spirit money, ghost money, Hell notes, heaven notes, among others. Get a white tablecloth. 6. Perhaps you use it to give offerings to your deities, ancestors, or loved ones. Check out our ancestor altar selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. I know that when Im gone, I want to have left my mark and helped people. This may be a crazy question. Sitting in front of it, these are the three important things we can feel or say: Thank you. I let my intuition guide me. In many Pagan traditions, the ancestors are honored, especially at Samhain. So the blank frame works well for me, plus adopting If they would have guilt-tripped you and caused drama in life maybe they dont deserve a place on your altar. It is a space to honor and pay respect to those who made it possible for you to be alive. It is a space to honor and pay respect to those who made it possible for you to be alive. 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. (There are no ultrasound photos, nothing). There is a perception that ancestor work is venerating a static past. Over time, your ancestors will begin to tell you what offerings they prefer and . Pick four stones or crystals for the four corners (the corners of the world). If you want them elevated, but you don't have room/funds for a table, use another elevated surface for a makeshift table. The photos can be placed in a picture frame that is in support. Reassemble your altar on top of this with a glass of fresh, clean water. It is a great way to connect with your ancestors as well as yourself. Finally, I wanted to talk about some tips and ideas I have for working with your ancestors this Samhain and beyond. After you have your dirt, and attractive container, and your statue, leave offerings just as you would for an ancestor known to you, as described above. Working with your altar will look different to different people. Thank you, Amen, Aho and so it is. Second, having an altar particularly one in a spot that you pass by dailygives you regular access to the wisdom and knowledge of . Its a journey of recognizing and accepting death, healing the past, and building respect for your ancestors. Food should not be consumed again because the ancestors have already enjoyed them. An ancestor altar will change your life. Some elements that are generally a good idea to have on this altar are: Place a white altar cloth. If so can you email me at the above email address?? Are there certain motifs or items that represent your family? FOOD DISPOSAL:Food should be disposed of by the very next day. When you decide to build an altar, make sure you are using a heavy and solid foundation. Liquids can be poured into the earth as a libation. I recommend you using something similar - a chipped plate for a small offering of food and a chipped mug for coffee. 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. You can also perceive your ancestors instructions by observing the smokes shape. You leave your offerings on your Altar. These may be requests for particular offerings from your ancestors. The aroma of incense will drive away the bad and unlucky dirt around. I thank you for protecting me, my family and my home. 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? Cleansing Your Ancestors. Are you concerned if your altar work is working? 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. Is it advisable to have altar in it? For a more structured education, you might want to apply for miss cat yronwodes Hoodoo Rootwork Correspondence course, based on her own experience and learning from hoodoo practitioners over a period of fifty years (she started very young at fourteen!). For more advanced offerings, there are other offerings that can require more attention or regularly tending. Also, I keep my crystals on my altar as well and take a few off that I keep on my person. Every psychic/medium ive seen over the years tells me that i have the gift, but i need to channel my strength. Pour some coarse salt on it. This was so insightful. 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). An ancestor altar is a place where you can connect with your ancestors. It has been practiced throughout almost the entire history of humankind. Click the link above to read our full policy. This is my first time creating any type of altar. We do not simply fade into ether and non-existence, but grow and take the next step in a larger journey. My apologies for not clarifying any further. How to Create an Ancestor Altar: 1. Do I need to leave the food uncovered/unpackaged? 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. Is there a way to know whether or not my familys ancestry participated in this spirituality? You can put any type of food you want. Let your altar be a place that inspires you. Working with the Ancestors. Thanks so much again I am so happy I stumbled across this blog youve got a permanent subscriber in me :) <3. Ancestor Altars. You should start with small offerings, and then gradually start going bigger. It gives you a physical place to commune with those who have come before you. Honoring the Ancestors. Right now I feel like they are keeping me up! A clean cloth provides a space dedicated to the sacrifice, Keep the table (if you are setting up on it) level. If you arent familiar with ancestor veneration or the practice of honoring ancestors, you can read a great introductory article here. 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 the table, mantle, dresser, etc. Strengthening that bond with your ancestral army will help you stay not only grounded, but properly guided. Sometimes your ancestors just want to hear their favorite tunes in your house. To be Heathen is to be an animist, meaning that in addition to worshipping the Gods and Goddesses, we also honor our deceased ancestors as well as the land wights. Next, its time to set your ancestor altar up. There are different methods of cleansing your altar, including smoke-cleansing, asperging, or simply wiping the surface and tools with a cloth. Ancestor Work is the process of learning who your ancestors were, what their wounds are, and working together toward collective healing. You can energetically clean the table, cloth, and area if you'd like with your preferred medium. Because they can and do touch our lives, ancestors should be treated with respect. A candle (I have a skull candle currently, but had a white jar candle previously for my ancestor altar. Theyre human. An important step in your ancestral work journey is dedicating a small space to your ancestors. Focus in on your original intention. If you have a spare shelf, fireplace, bookshelf, or other flat surfaces, then you have a perfect space for an ancestor altar. Two books changed my opinion on altars within the last year: Sacred Woman: A Guide to Healing the Feminine Body, Mind and Spirit by Queen Afua and Jambalaya: The Natural Woman's Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals by Luisah Teish. The term root doctor exists for a reason. Use your altar as a physical, tangible place where you speak to your ancestors. Your ancestors are then able to get things they need in the spirit world. Use your best discernment. When you approach your altar, show respect, ask forgiveness if you have done wrong - but also tell them your troubles and don't hesitate to express yourself. Like its 2:17 and here I am. Just throw it away, either before you go to bed orthe next morning. The Clan of Tara: Ancient Ancestry and Mitochondrial DNA, Bastet Altar: How to Set Up An Altar for the Egyptian Cat Goddess. Ancestor worship has been practiced to varying degrees in cultures around the world and has accompanied the development of human civilization. I myself have been working with mine for about 4 months and will continue to foster the connection through some of your suggestions above. Clasp your hands together, close your eyes, and recite the eulogy silently. Provide Offerings. This can be daily, weekly, or once a month. As you cleanse, visualize white light from above illuminating the altar surface and each item. Hi, I really appreciate this postthank you. 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. How to Begin Working with the Ancestors. Ancestor altars are an important part of honoring your ancestors. Thank you! I've seen that done many times before, even though that is not the way I was taught, it makes sense. 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. A shrine is another name for an ancestor 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. One way of doing this is by looking through old family scrapbooks. 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. I provide weekly offerings. What is the proper way to clean up after an offering? As to your deceased relatives demanding things your conscience wont permit, I would let conscience be your guide. If you have it, spray the Dead-Drawing elixir around the altar. And how to maintain it. 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. Dont hesitate to talk or commune or pray as you make your weekly offerings. Because on my altar is for my dad, grandparents and my partners parents. While others might only give once every other week. You mentioned that your altar should be in a room separate from you. Here are ten ways to connect with your ancestors. If you offer an ancestor their favorite food, what do you do with the food afterwards? 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. No matter what your ancestor altar looks like, its a good practice to keep it clean and fresh. A key aspect of honoring the dead is realizing that without our ancestors, we wouldnt be here. Dont let them guilt-trip you just because theyve passed. I don't know about you, but the very thought . The importance of ancestor altars and the altars themselves vary from culture to culture. The first time you set up your ancestor altar, provide offerings and invite your ancestors to this sacred space. I promise that with a little time and thought, youll figure out exactly whats right for you. Personally, I feel a deep connection to my grandmother who passed away years ago. Lele, have you read Martin Colemans Communing with the Spirits? Pay attention to unusual food cravings and earworms tunes running through your mind that you cant get rid of. How do you know if your ancestor altar work is working? If, however, you arent part of a specific tradition or want an easy way to do it, you can follow this simple method. Don't leave any dirt on the altar. If you can only set up in the bedroom, at least ensure you are not disturbed during the ceremony. Moving forward, I am certain I will share more about my experiences. You can lay a clean cloth (white is best) on a flat table or floor to form such a space dedicated to sacrifice. I also have a book, which details one particular branch of my family tree pretty far back. If your children get scared, a traditional remedy is to go to the deceased relatives grave and bring home a little of the dirt. Even if you don't know your ancestors, due to things like adoption or estrangement from family, don't be discouraged! Speak out loud or in your mind, it doesnt matter. Replace water daily or every few days so it doesnt get stale. I would enjoy a post about more ways to utilize an ancestor altar. It is believed that honoring our ancestors was the first religious and spiritual form of ritual work. 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. Place the tablecloth on the altar and sprinkle it with a few drops of Ylang Ylang. Once their debts have been paid your ancestors will start to help you more with the things you need in the form of sending you blessings. Clean up any burned-out candles and incense. Although we have deities, angels, nature spirits, and others we can commune with our ancestors are the most like us. Griftah's All-Purpose Embellishing Powder. Of course, if you know any of your ancestors had a drinking problem, you probably wont want to include something like wine here. For me, twice a month or monthly is a good interval. Ancestral Veneration is one of the most ancient religious and spiritual practices. this,i am adopted and I was just telling 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. You can provide stability to the ancestral altars by adding stones. They can also be hung directly on the wall if your altar is against a wall. Put together an altar or shrine that you can centre your practice around. 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.) Other trinkets, mementos, and objects that represent your ancestors. Because your cloth is the base ground of the altar, you want to ensure that all your soul exchanges are around this base ground. So make sure that the altar table is not shaky when you worship your ancestors. I want to be remembered. Cultural items can also be added to connect you to your cultural background. Learn their lifestyles, careers, likes, dislikes, patterns, dispositions, love lives, if they died tragically, etc.