Now, this is not to say there is no speaking ill of the dead. When you communicate with your ancestors, you can do so through divination. 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. 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. A family crest, motto, or other symbols that represent your family. Or do I have to get rid of it? Would we want to be able to share our wisdom with others? I smell it at home, in the car, even now that ive moved to another city and for some unexplained reason, no one else smells it, except me. Offerings can range from their favorite food to a promise you will uphold in their honor. Strengthening that bond with your ancestral army will help you stay not only grounded, but properly guided. Burning ancestral money also helps dissolve financial debt that they incurred while being alive. Talk about folk medicine. A clean cloth provides a space dedicated to the sacrifice, Keep the table (if you are setting up on it) level. If that didn't make sense, then I guess the message isn't for you. All other items are shipped within 2 days of purchase. If so, may I place my ancestor photos on the altar with Oshun? Water is cold and wet, and it breeds humility and calmness. 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. Some things cannot be explained too much to the uninitiated. If you have attended an event or party, leave a piece of cake on the altar. I also have a book, which details one particular branch of my family tree pretty far back. 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. Many years ago, people would perform divination by the shape of the smoke when burning incense. Do not hesitate. 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. Use your knowledge, your experiences, and your guides. 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. If you want to honor ancestors whom you dont have photographs of, you can have a list of their names. Simply begin acknowledging your ancestors, learn their names, [and] say them out loud. The difference between using a shrine for your ancestors and the altar is that magickal workings are done at the altar. And if you don't know who they are, that's okay! This Sabbat, after all, is the night when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its most fragile. Red candles symbolize passion and energy, advancing a clear goal in your life or career. Im a beginner . Maybe you want to bring their values into your daily life . 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. Light the incense. Why You Should Work With Your Ancestors. Offerings include: a fresh cup of water, flowers, incense, candle flame, drinks like wine and coffee, fruit, and food in general. Ancestral Veneration is one of the most ancient religious and spiritual practices. Of course, if you know your familys favorite foods, etc., you may certainly offer those. Its a connection we shouldnt lose sight of. 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. An ancestor altar is a place to join forces with your special loved ones and to work together in spell crafting, divination, shadow workings, past life explorations, and anything else to help you reach your goals. The exchange becomes a 2-way relationship. Cultural items can also be added to connect you to your cultural background. Sometimes your ancestors just want to hear their favorite tunes in your house. Should I keep them on my altar or put them somewhere else? Place the offerings on the table, also running the plates and glasses through the incense smoke. Perform the service again, each day adding a book to the stack and reassembling the altar setup atop it. Some people give daily offerings. Use this altar as a safe space to connect with those ancestors who are willing and able to do the work with you. Ancestor worship reflects universal ancestor worship, or respect for ancestors, which is an ancient custom. Check out our ancestor altar work selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. If thats all you have to work with i say go for it. Right now I feel like they are keeping me up! 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. The importance of ancestor altars and the altars themselves vary from culture to culture. Do you think its ok to have it covered on the altar? It gives you a place to connect on a regular basis. The reasons for these differences correspond to differences in culture and practice. Flowers, plants, and foods can be offered to nature or composted. I promise that with a little time and thought, youll figure out exactly whats right for you. Take a few deep breaths, center yourself and then invite your well ancestors to join you at the altar. 3. A wall shelf, empty book shelf, or small accent table is great. Study Ancient History. 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. Or is this your first ancestor altar? Likewise, the relics of your ancestors life will help you build your altar. Or, it may just be a peaceful repose. But we also recognize our immortality, through them, we come to learn and accept that there is life after death. a few people works very well. Its OK to get your BMW on (Bitch, Moan, Whine). You need to provide the earth element for your altar. I talk to them frequently and give them water and a nice meal every week. But most of all, its a reminder that our ancestors are always present in our lives. By setting up an ancestor shrine or altar, you can honor the people of your bloodline-your kinfolk and . These beliefs continue to encourage the living and meditatively change our fortunes, families, marriages, jobs, and more. 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. If youre new to setting up an ancestral shrine, keep it simple when setting up your shrine. Dont worry about what altars look like online. Sitting in front of it, these are the three important things we can feel or say: Thank you. Because I live with other people and mine would have to be in my room to keep people from touching it. You might find that they ask you for specific things as your bond strengthens. They can provide valuable insight that might not be available elsewhere. Required fields are marked *. Heirlooms from your ancestors. This post is designed to be a quick, multi-tiered guide on the . White candles symbolize new beginnings and promote peace and beauty. An ancestor altar is where we can remember where we came from and connect with the generations to come. 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. Set up an ancestor altar, offer some tributes, ask them questions with a devout heart, connect with your ancestors and ask for their help. Heirlooms are helpful for this. I thank you for protecting me, my family and my home. 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. 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. For some people, that can be as often as everyday or every week. Griftah's All-Purpose Embellishing Powder. So, I rented a 55 storage unit specifically for this and nothing else. First, decide where to put your altar. I have a much better idea of how to set up my ancestor altar. Its in my bedroom now because I was lead to set it up there. Do not let food spoil on the altar. Plates, bowls, and cups for offerings and libations. I am only seeking help.END!! Ask yourself these important questions while doing this work, because it's truly personalized for you, your needs, and what you have access to. Ancestral crops/agriculture like cotton and sugarcane are nice additions if your ancestor table calls for it. The presence of both water and fire in an ancestral altar provides a perfect balance. Here are ten ways to connect with your ancestors. Which is to say that when you are able to connect with your ancestors, they have very good reasons to meet you halfway. From ways the dead were buried to views of the . It gives you a physical place to commune with those who have come before you. It can be as simple as a photograph and a glass of water, or as elaborate as the spirits direct. I would love to learn more about hoodoo amd ancrstor altar and just all which would help me please. If you dont have photos of your ancestors, things that represent them and link you to their energy work great. As mentioned previously, one of the first ways to connect with your ancient ancestors is to study ancient history. Listen with full attention in your heart, mind, and body for any messages. When you first set up your ancestor altar, focus on the energy you put into it. Sometimes people erect ancestor altars outside of the home, and sometimes the grave acts as an ancestor altar. I didnt know what I was doing but I believe they were speaking to me, for i already have an empty picture frame, a statue of a day of the Dead mother carrying a child and have been offering food and drink. Place the tablecloth on the altar and sprinkle it with a few drops of Ylang Ylang. I would like to create an ancestral altar as well as one for OSHUN. So if you put food on the altar, you must get rid of it the next day. It's always nice to have a support . Reassemble your altar on top of this with a glass of fresh, clean water. Are there certain motifs or items that represent your family? Thank you, Amen, Aho and so it is. He was one of my abusers. Perhaps you use it to give offerings to your deities, ancestors, or loved ones. The ancestor altar can become an all-purpose altar and be used for meditations, ceremonies, etc. No matter what your ancestor altar looks like, its a good practice to keep it clean and fresh. The Department of the Interior provides a guide to tracing your Native American heritage ( PDF, Download Adobe Reader). this,i am adopted and I was just telling I would enjoy a post about more ways to utilize an ancestor altar. An ancestor altar is a place where you can connect with your ancestors. I take everything off, dust the altar and my supplies, then cleanse using smoke or blessed water/spray. 6. Clean up the altar. Check the edges of the concrete. Honestly, your ancestors will truly appreciate that there is a space for them in your home. Creating an ancestor altar that you regularly work with is a powerful ritual that powers spirit work. Instead of complaining about the pressure of time and fewer holidays, we should incorporate the happiness and power of our ancestor worship into our daily lives. If so can you email me at the above email address?? I live and work on Susquehannock land and respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and their elders past, present, and emerging. But also speak with them just to honor them, to get to know them, and to be inspired by them. 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. 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. 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 . So if you wish to include memories of an old friend or pet, they are a part of your ancestral lineage. I love this! ), 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.). Of course, if you know any of your ancestors had a drinking problem, you probably wont want to include something like wine here. The lyrics, or an associated memory, may reveal what they want or it may be the music itself that they want to hear. This was so insightful. What are some other items not listed in your article that you would place on your altar? I have dirt from several graves; some of them, as you can see below, are kept in the sort of gold- and silver-papered cardboard boxes that jewelers sometimes pack rings and earrings in. When you decide to build an altar, make sure you are using a heavy and solid foundation. A key aspect of honoring the dead is realizing that without our ancestors, we wouldnt be here. Because I havent decided on a space yet, I havent really figured out exactly how I want to lay it out. graves are far awaywould anyone have Thank you so much for this information. FOOD DISPOSAL:Food should be disposed of by the very next day. The point of this, just like in spirit work, is to make your ancestor feel welcome in your home and in your heart. The ancestor altar is set up to honour and remember the ancestors, not to worship them. I smudge them before and after. Thanks! You can achieve this with a three-day long ritual that is intended to prepare the space. Ideally all spirits of deceased are given proper burial rites and cleansed, because we all . Follow the trail present on the scene and reach the area with a . This is where you have to use your own creativity and mind. The process is more or less the same for either one, though. Have you been giving regular offerings, prayers, and burning ancestor money? Its a lot to think about just how many people shaped us into who we would become, long before we existed. What is the proper way to clean up after an offering? And your ancestors will be happy to have a physical place to visit. Yours will be unique from the restbecause it is yours. As to your ancestors spiritual practices, dont frighten your parents by asking about hoodoo or any kind of magic. I need to know. Retrieve the stories from your family. Someone that my adopted family would This is my first time creating any type of altar. From this higher level, the Ancestors can guide us in our daily lives . Be creative, make it fun. This Sabbat, after all, is the night when the veil between our world and the spirit world is at its most fragile. I only have one room to work with (my bedroom). Decide on a time to do this work. Ancestor worship is a time-honored humanistic custom. Show respect as you approach the altar and prepare to communicate with your ancestors. If you can only set up in the bedroom, at least ensure you are not disturbed during the ceremony. Having a place to honor the dead can function as a kind of depossession. I do hope these help! The bit about not keeping altars in rooms was especially helpful, eye-opening, and affirming lol! It is usually built in a higher place, such as a table or a fireplace. Others are simple and understated and may appear to be something other than an altar. Read and research about ancient civilizations, for example Ancient Egypt, the Celtic Empire, the Mayans, the Romans, Greeks, Nubians, Aborigines, Hebrew, etc. In this article, we will learn how to build an altar in your home step by step. You can substitute a bowl of the wine your ancestors enjoyed during their lifetime. 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)? 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. Divination tools. An altar to honor the ancestors is built. I want to be remembered. Unstable foundations reflect wrong communication and represent unrest and trouble. Clean up any burned-out candles and incense. Dont forget invite your ancestors to this space! Trust me, youll hear their voices soon. It is a space to honor and pay respect to those who made it possible for you to be alive.
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