A wealth of information exists on the topic of connecting with or worshiping ancestors. In this blog I’ll provide my personal insights regarding my nascent experience working with the ancestors. As I mentioned in my previous blog, I am far from an authority on this topic but I still want to provide some information for those who might find it helpful. Consider this blog a beginner’s guide of sorts.
1. Who will you be contacting?
When first considering working with deceased loved ones and ancestors it is obvious to include those whom we knew were good people and those for whom we had an affinity. However, many people stop to ponder the character traits and personalities of other family members in Spirit. What if you know your uncle was bad news? What if you have ancestors who committed crimes or atrocities? Reasonably, most people don’t want to make spiritual contact with ancestors of that nature. So what to do? What I recommend is when contacting or praying to your ancestors be sure to specify that you will only communicate with your “ancestors of the light,” or “ancestors of a positive spirit.” I find that this ensures you won’t be communicating with any spirits of an unpleasant or troublesome nature. No one’s family is perfect and that includes ancestors! Part of ancestor work involves elevating your ancestral collective, including the “bad seeds,” but this is a bit more advanced work and won’t be covered here.
2. Do you need to set up an ancestor altar? If so, how?
Setting up a designated ancestor altar is a great idea and is part of many spiritual traditions. There are many variations to choose from and of course, you can create your own unique altar. Should you chose to create an ancestor altar you can include pictures you have of your departed loved ones and ancestors. Please be sure to only include pictures of ancestors with whom you actually want to work at this stage - no bad guys! Complete the altar with your standard items representing the elements: Any fluid for water (coffee, rum, water), candles for fire, flowers/greenery for earth, and incense or an oil diffuser for air. Feel free to add special items that connect specifically to the culture or particular tastes of your ancestors.
I actually do not currently have a designated ancestor altar. When conducting my ancestor communication sessions, I simply fill a glass with water and light a white candle with the intention of these actions being for my ancestors. When I’m done, I empty the cup and snuff the candle. That’s it. I find this method very effective for me. This might be a helpful option for those of you who have pets or small children and/or don’t have the room to set up a designated ancestor altar.
3. What do you do? What do you say?
When I first began this practice I sat at my altar and I started by greeting my ancestors and announcing to them that I wished to cultivate a relationship with them. I felt spiritual guidance from my ancestors in the past but hadn’t known how to acknowledge it. I thanked them for having been there for me over the years and told them I’d like to take a more active role in our relationship. Once I made those initiatory statements I felt comfortable proceeding.
When sitting at your altar (temporary or designated) you may start by simply reciting an opening prayer of your choosing. Spiritualists will often start with the Lord’s Prayer which is a good option. You can even just start by saying, “I wish to connect with my ancestors of the light,” and proceed from there. There’s really no wrong way to do this. I usually open with the Lord’s Prayer and then continue with a series of prayers from the Book of Selected Prayers by Allen Kardec. I then proceed to talk to my ancestors as though they are there in the room with me. I have the luxury of being able to do this aloud, but it can just as easily be done silently in the mind.
I tell them about my day and thank them for whatever influence I feel they made in my day. Especially with the kind of work I do, I actively seek my ancestors’ guidance and assistance with connecting with Spirit in order to read for and coach my clients. I also ask for assistance with any problems I’m having. You can bring your problems and challenges to your ancestors and ask them to assist you as they are able. You might be surprised by the results, I know I was! They really can help you from the Spirit realm. Especially since they have an intimate understanding of your human struggles since they themselves were once human.
A sweet treat and spot of tea using china from a beloved one now in Spirit. Using items from our ancestors and dearly departed brings us closer to them.
It is also advisable to ask that your ancestors let you know via signs and symbols how you may help and uplift them in spirit. A wonderful aspect of ancestor work is that it is mutually beneficial. We are connected to our ancestors by blood and DNA and the actions we take here on the physical plane can help to uplift our crossed over loved ones. So as you work with your ancestors, you are able to help them as much as they help you. Such is the way of family – the veil that separates the dead from the living isn’t an impenetrable wall!
After saying whatever I’d like to say, I thank my ancestors for their time and connection and say a closing prayer either from one of my books or just a few words I’ve come up with on my own. I snuff out my white candle and empty the cup of water. You can do this once a day, once a week, or whenever you feel called to do so.
Conclusion
Working with the ancestors enriches any spiritual practice. I could not have imagined or understood how meaningful it can be until I began a practice myself. We truly do not walk the path of life alone. Along with other spirit guides, angels, and deities etc., our ancestors are here for us should we call on them. They can lighten many burdens and even work miracles in our lives. Best of luck and many blessings to those of you who embark on this path. We all have much to learn and joy to experience!
