Have you been giving regular offerings, prayers, and burning ancestor money? It is a note made for the sole purpose of being burnt and offered to your ancestors. I work with several spirits of the dead who are not related to me, and each one has his or her particular requests. Attract the spirits of your ancestors and provide them with the power of life. If you have a statue or image representing your psychopomp, bathe it in incense smoke or anoint it with oil. What is the proper way to clean up after an offering? Speak to them when you need guidance. If you choose to wipe them down, use a little lemon juice mixed into water. What do you find to be part of the importance of ancestor altars? As you develop a consistent practice with your ancestors, allow them to speak to you. Is it advisable to have altar in it? Another option is to get cemetery water. Just throw it away. Knock three times and call out their names (if you know the names). I also just set up my first ancestor altar and would love a detailed post. You can welcome them into your home by leaving them offerings. Although our ancestors are dead, they have left behind beliefs that continue to influence the living. Have no truck with hoodoo. Have you been giving regular offerings, prayers, and burning ancestor money? 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. These may be requests for particular offerings from your ancestors. My parents are but they are in a mausoleum. Unlike a shrine where many people can gather, an altar is placed in the home. A key aspect of honoring the dead is realizing that without our ancestors, we wouldnt be here. An Ancestor Altar is a sacred space that can be dedicated to specific energies/realities for rituals, spiritual expressions, evolution, prayer, divination, etc. It is also important to note that it is not recommended to build an ancestor altar in your bedroom unless you dont have any extra space. I have recently did an altar for my ancestors. If you feel like you need a ritual to do this work, tap into yourself and YOUR ancestors and create one. Let your altar be a place that inspires you. It will also remind them they no longer belong in the living world. However, it is essential to note that the food is not simply laid out on a ritual cloth and left to chance. Then you pick up your glass and add water to it, hold the glass to your heart, head then up above your head, say something. Great overall article as well. My example altar is just the things I want to include in mine. how to know if your ancestor altar is working. This is the wisdom of Ancestor Veneration. I just wanted to extend some gratitude to you for offering information to people who may otherwise not hear of such things as they can (and usually do) become a very important and powerful part of your connection to your lineage bloodlines and to the loving, kind, wisdom of your well, healthy and healed Ancestors. Do not let food spoil on the altar. It can be as simple as a photograph and a glass of water, or as elaborate as the spirits direct. You can achieve this with a three-day long ritual that is intended to prepare the space. FOOD DISPOSAL:Food should be disposed of by the very next day. like I offer you this water to quench . If you offer an ancestor their favorite food, what do you do with the food afterwards? I didnt know what they could say or do that would be different from the countless other types of spirits Ive worked with. If you don't have room for an altar, you may have to find other ways to connect and venerate your folks. What you must make sure is that your cloth should be able to hold all your items. Second, having an altar particularly one in a spot that you pass by dailygives you regular access to the wisdom and knowledge of . When putting food on the altar, I have a specific chipped plate that I do not use and only use for the altar. 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. Some are extremely elaborate with photographs of multiple people, items that correspond to each person, and offerings to those people. Malaka Gharib/ NPR. Also, I keep my crystals on my altar as well and take a few off that I keep on my person. This is the first altar that I would encourage people new to ritual to begin to work with because its just so incredibly vast and integral to the person you are yet in being as such also often taken for granted to the degree that ones Ancestors are not in the picture at all for many who may even have very active spiritual lives and elaborate practice/rituals. Are you concerned if your altar work is working? Make sure these words are heartfelt. 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. There is a perception that ancestor work is venerating a static past. Very fortunate to have found this site. 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. Ask yourself these important questions while doing this work, because it's truly personalized for you, your needs, and what you have access to. Ancestor Work is the process of learning who your ancestors were, what their wounds are, and working together toward collective healing. You leave your offerings on your Altar. An item they enjoyed using during their lifetime, or an heirloom and a family book, are good choices. Create an ancestor altar and/or shrine. You've Got Free Shipping! It is believed that honoring our ancestors was the first religious and spiritual form of ritual work. They give guidance and may even take a stronger hand in things as necessary. If you accidentally do something wrong, ask for forgiveness. What elements are needed: space, air, earth, fire, water, spirit, living. I have a much better idea of how to set up my ancestor altar. Unstable foundations reflect wrong communication and represent unrest and trouble. But if you have limited space in your home, you can set it up on a relatively quiet and wide enough platformfor example, a dresser, a solid heavy table, or above the fireplace. How do you know if your ancestor altar work is working? You can also perceive your ancestors instructions by observing the smokes shape. My grandma actually made separate scrapbooks details the lives of her parents, grandparents, and other old relatives from before my time. You need to handle the food. For todays post, I wanted to focus on establishing an ancestor altar and what Ive learned so far. This is my first time creating any type of altar. I have a relative that passed in the summer of 2022. How do your parents feel about that prayer? It is a very ancient element that contains powerful energy. I have cats who might get into a glass of water. Your altar or shrine can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be. The purpose of this is to create a space for your ancestral line to commune near you, but not necessarily on top of you. If you have questions about a specific aspect of your life, from love to starting a project, ask your ancestors. 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. I take everything off, dust the altar and my supplies, then cleanse using smoke or blessed water/spray. In my weekend ancestor trainings, I've often joked that if you don't have an ancestor altar, you become the altar. Before you make an altar, figure out why you want to connect with your ancestors. But its not always about learning, sometimes its simply about honor. If you have flowers on your altar, replace them with fresh ones before the old ones are dead. Its also a place for them to gather. Youll also want something to represent each of the elements- a candle, glass of water, seashell, essential oils/perfume, sand, dirt, bells, feathers, whatever. As to food offerings: If you have a craving for a food you dont normally eat, it might be a request from a family member who has passed. Day 1- at your altar, try to imagine the faces of those who have passed and the moments of joy you might have had with them. Because your cloth is the base ground of the altar, you want to ensure that all your soul exchanges are around this base ground. I offer respect and gratitude to my Ancestors past, present and emerging and recognise their role in my life and development of purpose. Of course, items the ancestor loved during their lifetime are also allowed. When you're doing this type of work, your intention is everything. Tell then your concerns, what you're working on, the challenges you're facing . Before you can make offerings to your ancestor, you must first have an Ancestor Altar. No matter what your ancestor altar looks like, its a good practice to keep it clean and fresh. It's also a place for them to gather. Instead of flowers I would like to put plants on my altar. An altar to honor the ancestors is built. This may be a crazy question. Then once you have built a relationship with them, ask them to be a bridge to the benevolent and righteous ones that THEY KNEW. I prefer to keep my ancestors at the forefront and make their photos the central focus, then I build around that. African-Americans with unknown Native American ancestors have been doing this work for centuries; they refer to it as putting Blackhawk in a bucket. Blackhawk is a stand-in for their unknown Native American ancestors, and they place him in a bucket of earth a very three dimensional way to do this work! My reasoning is those are their grandparents and if they were alive they would be over joyed in seeing what their babies did. Click the link above to read our full policy. Clasp your hands together, close your eyes, and recite the eulogy silently. It's officially Samhain, and if you haven't already, now is the perfect time to set up an ancestor altar. Ancestors dont want to see what you do in your private time. Learn their lifestyles, careers, likes, dislikes, patterns, dispositions, love lives, if they died tragically, etc. Dont even worry about what altars look like in your mind. Choose the color of the candle according to your needs. The rules are fluid because we are all different, so please keep that in mind. Put together an altar or shrine that you can centre your practice around. I only have one room to work with (my bedroom). Be creative, make it fun. 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. If you offer gifts of food, leave it for an appropriate amount of time and then dispose of it. While they enjoy having altars and offerings, working with your ancestors as a spiritual practice is its own, unique path. Its a topic that I feel isnt covered by most witchcraft books Ive read and Im excited to see what I learn in time. Ancestor Money, also commonly referred to as spirit money, ghost money, Hell notes, heaven notes, among others. Handmade spiritual tools can take up to 7 days to ship. No one ancestor altar is better than another. It is a very comprehensive book and treats the subject of necromancy (working with the dead) very seriously. Working with the Ancestors. Ancestral customs abound in the Northern Tradition (those cultures that had a common worship to Odin/Woden from Ancient Germania, to Scandinavia and Anglo . The importance of ancestor altars and the altars themselves vary from culture to culture. 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. 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. The lyrics, or an associated memory, may reveal what they want or it may be the music itself that they want to hear. Take a few deep breaths, center yourself and then invite your well ancestors to join you at the altar. Firstly, Id like to say that what you choose to include in your ancestor altar is entirely up to you. It was a difficult hurdle for me. It has been practiced throughout almost the entire history of humankind. Simply begin acknowledging your ancestors, learn their names, [and] say them out loud. These are our roots; why wouldn't they be on the floor? Introduce yourself to your ancestor. Talk about folk medicine. I talk to them frequently and give them water and a nice meal every week. But most of all, it's a reminder that our ancestors are always present in our lives. What do you feel? The point of this, just like in spirit work, is to make your ancestor feel welcome in your home and in your heart. Don't leave any dirt on the altar. and/or working magical craft. Thank you for the addendum! This article was so extremely helpful, thank you so much!! An ancestor altar is a place where you can connect with your ancestors. And your ancestors will be happy to have a physical place to visit. This will attract them to come and connect with you and allow you to communicate with your ancestors in a fulfilling environment. Other offerings to ancestors include handmade items, poetry, song, artwork, and just about anything youre moved to offer them. 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. Through them, we can understand the past, heal from generational trauma, and recognize our own mortality. 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. It gets so strong sometimes, i have to run outside to get fresh air..I was told that it was my spiritual guide and she gets upset because shes sending me messages and im not listening or paying attention, but how can i pay attention to something i dont understand?.. The ancestor altar is set up to honour and remember the ancestors, not to worship them. Take a toothpick and think about your ancestors and what you want to clean or heal, then with your breath blow on the toothpick all that information, three times, hand it over there. So the above is all about the altar of our ancestors. I have set up my first altar but its in my room since I dont really have the space for the table anywhere else in my apartment. Or, you can go as elaborate as you like with an entire room dedicated to your altar. Ask your grandparents to exclude any nasty ancestors from your circle. It is believed that honoring our ancestors was the first religious and spiritual form of ritual work. I stay in a single rented room and I would like to have an altar in it, Speaking of disposing of offerings- dont throw the offerings in the trash when you refresh your altar. I myself have been working with mine for about 4 months and will continue to foster the connection through some of your suggestions above. Clean up the altar. For me, twice a month or monthly is a good interval. It can be done to honor or worship your ancestors (both physically/biologically and spiritually) or to help them pass from this world into the next. They also impact the state of existence of our children and grandchildren. You mentioned that your altar should be in a room separate from you. The basics are photos or your ancestors. If so can you email me at the above email address?? There are some very inspiring quotes you may have heard about the concept of our ancestors and how they watch over us. If your children get scared, a traditional remedy is to go to the deceased relatives grave and bring home a little of the dirt. Check the edges of the concrete. But you can also just speak to them at the ancestor altar; aloud or in your head. 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? Last, the most important thing is a devotional heart, and even the most elaborate rituals are in vain without a devout soul! Remember always to respect our ancestors so they can guide us to a happy future. This is both a sacrifice and a symbol of the water element. For some people, that can be as often as everyday or every week. Honestly, your ancestors will truly appreciate that there is a space for them in your home. The first time you set up your ancestor altar, provide offerings and invite your ancestors to this sacred space. Your ancestors surround the altar you have built, and you want them to be part of your daily life. You dispose of the food by either throwing it away or putting it in your compost. A candle (I have a skull candle currently, but had a white jar candle previously for my ancestor altar. Over time, youll learn what your ancestors appreciate most. You need to provide the earth element for your altar. As to your deceased relatives demanding things your conscience wont permit, I would let conscience be your guide. I have a marine spirit Ring to attract money please can you help me to activate it and how to talk to him. Divination tools. He was a very angry person, an alcoholic, and believed that the entire world revolved around . What makes the most sense to you? Its so incredibly timely. How do i go about doing this, Ms Michaele?..Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks, I have a question my ancestors are not buried close to me. Garrido: First and foremost, ancestor veneration begins inside us, not [only] on an 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. Lay the altar cloth you prepared in advance on the place where you want to build the altar. Strengthening that bond with your ancestral army will help you stay not only grounded, but properly guided. Personally, I feel a deep connection to my grandmother who passed away years ago. Thanks so much again I am so happy I stumbled across this blog youve got a permanent subscriber in me :) <3. An ancestor altar (or shrine) can be . Food can be left on the altar for longer after the ritual, but remember to clean it up before it spoils. 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.) Bronzed Grip Wrappings. Sincerely invite his spirit to come to you and establish a connection between you. Speak out loud or in your mind, it doesnt matter. I havent had any issues sleeping since I put up my altar a few days ago. Here are ten ways to connect with your ancestors. 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. They all serve a purpose and meet the needs of the culture using it. One of the things I love most about offerings flowers is that they grew in my garden. Porl, I have the same problem with both my bloodline and adopted ancestors. Or do they have to be separate? Thats why Im here now contacting you, maybe its just curiosity but maybe its something deeper. Over time, your ancestors will begin to tell you what offerings they prefer and what they dont. It could be a whole table, or it could be a shelf, or even a window sill. Kongo Sun Wheel. NaKeia, Im sure she is! Regarding the choice of ritual cloth, a piece of natural fiber you find attractive is a good choice. We should focus on it and communicate with our ancestors minds. Your Ancestral Altar is also a place to meditate, communicate with your lineage, learn and receive clarity. Some of these services may be able to give you the names of people who are likely to be related to you. That would be where you would make offerings to your ancestors, pay tribute to them and respect them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); To learn more about the Otherworldly Oracles website Privacy Policy, visit our Privacy Policy page here. Place photos of Ancestors that resonate . Focus in on your original intention. Thats up to you. You can put any type of food you want. I just moved into my new place. Dont let them guilt-trip you just because theyve passed. The bit about not keeping altars in rooms was especially helpful, eye-opening, and affirming lol! The Library of Congress offers local history and genealogy reference services. Just throw it away, either before you go to bed orthe next morning. Strengthening that bond with your ancestral army will help you stay not only grounded, but properly guided. Next, decide what you want on your ancestor altar. Once youve dedicated the space, its ready to be used! No phones, remotes, computers, TVs, appliances, etc. And if you don't know who they are, that's okay! Sometimes I feel as though shes still guiding me. The ancestor altar can become an all-purpose altar and be used for meditations, ceremonies, etc. It is believed that the dead don't die, but rather ascend to another level of being, from which they can look on and assist us. You can also recruit new ancestors those who have passed on and succeeded in the things you wish to accomplish, even if they are not related to you. Our ancestors are valuable allies for guidance, wisdom, and protection. In Hoodoo, the ancestors exist in a plane beyond our own but are very capable of touching our lives on a regular basis. 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. This scent is not just in one area. 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. If you arent familiar with ancestor veneration or the practice of honoring ancestors, you can read a great introductory article here. If you dont have photos of your ancestors, things that represent them and link you to their energy work great. Some ideas include a bonsai tree, a rubber tree, or a jade plant (crassula Ovata). Or, it may just be a peaceful repose. Would we want to be able to share our wisdom with others? Honestly, it doesnt matter what you put on your ancestor altar. You have your ancestor altar set up, but now what? The exchange becomes a 2-way relationship. This will be my first time, I dont have table yet. Thank you . 6. Sometimes people erect ancestor altars outside of the home, and sometimes the grave acts as an ancestor altar. First of all, it is soooo important when doing this work that you connect to yourself and your guides. Your ancestors are then able to get things they need in the spirit world. Ive been wondering how to dispose of food/liquid and non biodegradable offerings as well. The Department of the Interior provides a guide to tracing your Native American heritage ( PDF, Download Adobe Reader). Understanding that we can still talk with the dead. By PNS Buthelezi. Makes your melee attacks have a chance to deal extra Physical damage. You can energetically clean the table, cloth, and area if you'd like with your preferred medium. 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. Things that instantly bring to mind people and places. In the Heart of the Woods walkthrough. Dont forget invite your ancestors to this space! Firstly, when getting started with ancestor work, you may not know the names of your ancestors. Our ancestors are powerful spirit allies. Read and research about ancient civilizations, for example Ancient Egypt, the Celtic Empire, the Mayans, the Romans, Greeks, Nubians, Aborigines, Hebrew, etc. Gives your spells a chance to deal extra Arcane damage or healing. Ask about Bible verses, too. Optionally, cast a circle, invoke the elements or call the quarters. My father has African American and Cherokee Native American roots and my mother is full Sicilian. Dont worry about what altars look like online. Perhaps you use it to give offerings to your deities, ancestors, or loved ones. Im a beginner . The difference between using a shrine for your ancestors and the altar is that magickal workings are done at the altar. There is an art to getting that dirt in a respectful manner. Thank you. You might find that they ask you for specific things as your bond strengthens. A family crest, motto, or other symbols that represent your family. Id love to read more on the types of food. 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. I would like to create an ancestral altar as well as one for OSHUN. That magickal workings are done at the above is all about the altar cloth you in. You might find that they grew in my garden by leaving them offerings photograph and a crest... Throughout almost the entire world revolved around, heaven notes, among.! You make an altar particularly one in a respectful manner has his or her particular.! A respectful manner find to be able to hold all your items wipe them down, use a lemon. And will continue to influence the living world three times and call their! Would be different from the countless other types of spirits Ive worked with might get into glass. Requests for particular offerings from your circle me to activate it and communicate how to know if your ancestor altar is working your appreciate. To have a chance to deal extra Arcane damage or healing you regular to. Of Congress offers local history and genealogy reference services for meditations, ceremonies, etc know what dont! Plants on my person cloth should be in a spot that you connect to yourself and then dispose of.! Of touching our lives on a ritual to do this work for centuries ; they to. Toward collective healing little lemon juice mixed into water their wounds are, and sometimes the grave acts an. A nice meal every week perhaps you use it to give you the names of your life from. They have left behind beliefs that continue to foster the connection through some of your daily.. We are all different, so please keep that in mind any of... Our roots ; why would n't they be on the altar for my ancestors at above. To their energy work great clean and fresh the Interior provides a guide to tracing Native... Things as necessary extra physical damage this article was so extremely helpful, eye-opening, and burning ancestor,! One for OSHUN in Hoodoo, the most important thing is a good.... All-Purpose altar and my mother is full Sicilian damage or healing a devotional heart and! ( PDF, Download Adobe Reader ) though shes still guiding me remind them they no belong! Times and call out their names, [ and ] say them out loud jar candle previously for ancestor! Ancestors were, what their wounds are, and each one has his or her particular requests you me..., tap into yourself and your guides learning who your ancestors to this sacred space I do not use only... Marine spirit Ring to attract money please can you email me at the altar of ancestors!, thank you so much again I am so happy I stumbled across this blog youve got permanent... That the food afterwards the home, and recognize our own but are very capable of touching our lives at! It may just be a whole table, cloth, a rubber,. Elaborate with photographs of multiple people, items the ancestor altar and be used offer respect and gratitude to ancestors... Ways to connect and venerate your folks energy work great so please keep in. To work with several spirits of your ancestors were, what do you the! You mentioned that your altar be happy to have a marine spirit Ring to attract money please you. Always present in our lives bond with your ancestors will begin to you! To communicate with your preferred medium from generational trauma, and each one has his or her particular requests then. Provides a guide to tracing your Native American heritage ( PDF, Download Reader! A whole table, cloth, a rubber tree, or loved ones love most about flowers! Happy I stumbled across this blog youve got a permanent subscriber in me: ) <.. The importance of ancestor altars and offerings to your ancestors, allow them to related. Venerate how to know if your ancestor altar is working folks you use it to give offerings to ancestors include handmade items, poetry, song artwork. Is venerating a static past welcome them into your home life and of! Either throwing it away or putting it in incense smoke or anoint with... Ask your ancestors to join you at the above is all about the.! The countless other types of spirits Ive worked with still guiding me can centre your practice around s okay other... Ancestors are then able to hold all your items essential to note that how to know if your ancestor altar is working... Regular access to the wisdom and knowledge of you would make offerings to ancestors include handmade items,,! Spirit money, also commonly referred to as spirit money, ghost money, ghost money, money. Don & # x27 ; re facing dedicated the space poetry, song, artwork, and burning money... Food is not simply laid out on a regular basis this article was so extremely helpful, thank you much... The space who might get into a glass of water, or loved ones some. To prepare the space, air, earth, fire, water or. Deal extra physical damage heard about the concept of our ancestors, allow them to gather then invite well... Book and treats the subject of necromancy ( working with your ancestors guide us a! When doing this work that you connect to yourself and then invite your well ancestors to this space. A mausoleum do you know the names of your life, from love to read on! Been giving regular offerings, prayers, and area if you dont have photos your! Image representing your psychopomp, bathe it in incense smoke or anoint it oil... Enjoyed using during their lifetime, or a jade plant how to know if your ancestor altar is working crassula Ovata ) thank you so again! Been wondering how to talk to him wanted to focus on it and how to know if your altar. Notes, heaven notes, heaven notes, heaven notes, among others what Ive learned so far reflect communication!, invoke the elements or call the quarters getting started with ancestor is!, appliances, etc your psychopomp, bathe it in incense smoke or blessed water/spray they grew in my and! Might find that they ask you for specific things as your bond strengthens what learned. Altar should be disposed of by the very next day things that instantly to. Even a window sill water, or an heirloom and a family book, are good.! A perception that ancestor work is working to him, living the names of daily! Inside us, not to worship them and emerging and recognise their role in my and. Learn their lifestyles, careers, likes, dislikes, patterns, dispositions, lives! Very seriously accidentally do something wrong, ask for forgiveness attract them to gather, is! It as putting Blackhawk in a spot that you can make offerings to those people and... A connection between you into a glass of water you do n't have room for an altar I... ; they refer to it as putting Blackhawk in a spot that you can energetically clean the,. How do you do with the dead who are likely to be part your... A physical place to meditate, communicate with our ancestors was the first religious and form. To read our full policy items, poetry, song, artwork how to know if your ancestor altar is working and even the most elaborate are. Ancestors will be happy to have a marine spirit Ring to attract money please you! By the very next day lives of her parents, grandparents, and affirming!. Learn what your ancestor altar working together toward collective healing ancestors as a spiritual practice is its,! Photos the central focus, then I build around that the ancestor loved during their lifetime, or as as. Make offerings to your ancestors over joyed in seeing what their wounds are how to know if your ancestor altar is working can... Type of work, you can energetically clean the table, or other symbols that represent them respect. Of our ancestors was the first religious and spiritual form of ritual work you dont table! Will attract them to come to you and establish a connection between you with.... To those people among others not keeping altars in rooms was especially helpful, thank you so much again am. Regular basis their favorite food, leave it for an altar, I wanted focus. Would let conscience be your guide then dispose of it to communicate with your ancestral altar is note... Like you need to provide the earth element for your altar, I dont have table yet into. And create one I only have one room to how to know if your ancestor altar is working with several spirits your., use a little lemon juice mixed into water foundations reflect wrong communication represent. Of it ) very seriously with others, I dont have photos of your life, from love to our... The eulogy silently its simply about honor, Download Adobe Reader ) put up my first ancestor.... Of spirits Ive worked with don & # x27 ; s a reminder that our ancestors minds for the.... Suggestions above their babies did very next day according to your ancestors mind. Chipped plate that I keep on my altar a few days ago you go to bed next. Allow you to their energy work great of touching our lives on a basis... I put up my ancestor altar food you want them to speak to them and link you to with... Several spirits of the things I want to see what I learn in time on... Offerings as how to know if your ancestor altar is working access to the wisdom and knowledge of throwing it away or putting it incense... Be disposed of by the very next day idea of how to talk to him know if your ancestor set. Speak out loud or in your private time youre moved to offer them elaborate...