I decided to write this because ancestor veneration is both the most important and least practiced aspects of magic. People are too content to jump into spirit work without having, or knowing, the proper constitution to do so. They can neither interact with the spirit nor do they have spiritual protection on case they are attacked. Then, when the spirit doesn’t work they don’t understand what they did wrong. This is especially true when it comes to demons and other dark entities that people want to work. It is imperative that you have balance when you call upon dark entities because they can easily unbalance you. The darkness can, and WILL, consume without light.
By working regularly with one’s ancestors, you will develop the ability to hear spirits naturally. This might happen quickly, or may take a longer period of time. Patience is key here. Furthermore, you will also have them there to cleanse you of execess darkness/negativity, to heal, protect, etc. They can do ANYTHING for you. A relationship with one’s ancestors can immensely beneficial.
Now, to actually Venerate one’s ancestors, you’ll need a table or space to call them. In some traditions, you dedicate a piece of the floor to them. The reason for this is because the earth is where our ancestors are. They are our roots. You can also make an elevated space, such as a shelf or table. The traditions that do this believe that by placing the ancestors on an elevated surface, they are elevated out of spiritual darkness. Either way is fine and perfectly acceptable. If you choose a table, a white cloth is used to represent purity and light.
Whichever you choose, it is cleaned with water mixed with Florida water or Siete Machos cologne. Then, you will burn frankincense, allowing its cleansing smoke to clean the space for your ancestors.
Gather any items or momentos your ancestors adored for your altar. Pictures are especially recommended. Items will be left on the altar itself, while pictures are hung on the wall behind the altar. These items are not required, but help to collect you to your ancestors. Next, get yourself several clear cups. Anywhere from one to nine cups are necessary. These should be washed and cleaned of all dirt. You’ll also need a separate cup for your Guardian Angel, who is served alongside the ancestors. Finally, you need a white candle. A single white candle will be burnt all the way down in honor of the ancestors on a weekly basis to give them light, heat, and energy.
The formula for calling one’s ancestors are many, but this is what I do:
Fill each cup with cool drinking water and place them on the altar. Remember to wash them each week before putting more water in them. Arrange the cups in a circle in the center of the altar. In the middle of the cups, place the list of names and put the white candle on top of it (don’t light it yet!). Place the cup for the guardian angel next to the ancestral cups but not part of the circle. You can also place a censer of incense next to the white candle. Begin the rite by crossing yourself three times and reciting 3 Our Father’s. This can, of course, be changed according to the primary religion of one’s ancestors (or yourself), so don’t be feel restricted.
Pray :
O Almighty God, Creator of the universe who endowed us with our immortal souls. Who formed Spirit that we may ask for their aid, to intercede on your behalf. Extend over me your spiritual light through the protection of my Guardian Spirit that you have appointed over me on the first day of creation. Unknowable, All Powerful, True Creating Being, ever keep spirits propitious to me and help to elevate my soul. Amen.
Pray, three times, offering water to the guardian angel:
Angel of God’s light, whom God appointed to guide me for the days of my life, protect me from all evil and negative spirits and help me to walk in the pathways leading to spiritual evolution. Angel of the True Creator, whose perfect knowledge serves what is true, protect me from deceits and temptations. Help me to know the truth and always live the truth. Angel of the Creator’s Light, sustain me as I walk besides my ancestors of blood and spirit. Thank you, my companion from Heaven, for your watchful care. Shield me, guide me, elevate me! Amen.
Prayer to the ancestors, recited 3 times, (prayer is borrowed from The Conjure Workbook by Momma Starr)
Almighty God, Grant me access to my ancestors!
Blessings to all my ancestors, especially: (here, say the names of ancestors 3 times)
As well as all those whose names I do not know, but whose blood runs through my veins. Please accept the coolness of this water so that you may be cool and comfortable. Please accept the light and energy so that you have brightness and strength. I miss your presence on earth but gather strength and wisdom from your continued energy and guidance. May that guidance continue to open my paths and roads and the paths and roads of those I love. May your wisdom bring love and prosperity into my home. May you place a wall of protection around me and those I love that no harm or anything negative will be able to breach. Amen.
Light the candle and burn frankincense in the name of your ancestors. Sit down on front of the altar and just relax. Allow your mind to wander as it may. Ask for your ancestors to speak to you. Do this for thirty minutes, then thank your ancestors and close the session.
Repeat this once a week.
In time, you will hear your ancestors speaking clearly. You can check that through obi divination.
Thank you for reading! I hope more newbies will start with their ancestors first and be enlightened by this thread!