It is believed that the veil between this world and the world beyond is thinner at this time of year than any other. This makes it easier to reach out to our dearly departed and Ancestors in our bloodlines, as well as those with whom we have connected as “chosen family,” or other kindred spirits.
If you don’t already have an Ancestor Altar, this is a perfect time to start one, either just for this season or to keep through the year. Spending time with this kind of altar can help us to reconnect with those who have passed beyond, connect the threads of life we shared with them, and (hopefully) gain wisdom from those connections.
Here are some easy suggestions for you when you are ready to build your Ancestor Altar:
Start simple! Clear a space for your altar and give it a good cleaning. A simple wipe down will suffice, but you can also use Rose Water, Kananga Water, or Florida Water to create a nice calming and peaceful space. Cover with a white cloth; a cloth napkin works really well!
On the cloth place pictures of your chosen Ancestors. These can be either loose photos, pictures you have printed out from the internet, or framed pictures. It is said that it is not a good idea to include pictures which contain images of the living, but do your best with what you have.
Next, beside the picture(s) place a white candle (in a holder please!) and a glass of clean, fresh water. You can also include flowers, preferably white, but if the person you are placing in this space had a favorite type of flower, that would be a great addition. Chrysanthemums and Marigolds are flowers traditionally used to honor the dead, and make a lovely addition.
With an iron nail, crystal point, toothpick or other sharp utensil, carve the name of your loved one on the candle from top to bottom before lighting. You can also choose to dress your candle with herbs and oils if you wish. Spiritual Healing oil and Home Sweet Home oil are great, and The Raven’s Wing’s Blessing powder can also be used. Pour a little of the powder on a sheet of paper, anoint the candle (top to bottom) with the oil of your choice and then roll the candle in the powdered herbs before placing the candle in its holder.
Once you are ready, spend a few moments in front of this space gathering your thoughts, thinking about the loved ones you are honoring and allow yourself to feel whatever you feel. Honor that feeling, and remember the love you have for them. When you are ready, light the candle and simply “be” with the space for a little bit. If you feel called to do so, speak into the flame and call to your loved one(s) and let them know you are thinking of them, missing them, and have love for them. Then just be still and listen for a while.
Over time you may hear messages from your loved ones, requests for specific items to be on the altar (fresh coffee or hard candies are not unusual!) so add things as you feel it is right to do so. Think of your altar as a “living space” that you are caring for in honor of the departed.
Replace the water every day, and give them a fresh candle every time you are working with this altar. You can revisit the altar daily, once a week, during the Full Moon, on the dates of family holidays, or specific birthdays. Build the relationship slowly, but consistently over time. Be open to little messages, dreams, and memories that hold special meaning.
The more you work with them, the more active they can be in your life and the more the love between you can grow.
by Doc Grey