Creating an ancestral altar is a simple, loving way to remember your ancestors this Autumn, or anytime of the year. Traditionally, we think of Fall as the time when the veil thins, allowing us to connect with loved ones who have passed over. But, the truth is, the veil thins throughout different points of the year, & we can connect with our ancestors whenever our heart desires.
With that being said, Autumn is the season of water for many cultures, which brings with it the power of cleansing & connecting deeply with our emotions. Water allows us to wash away what no longer serves us, releasing stuck trauma, old habits or patterns that might be holding us back from living our best life & highest timeline. The watery energy tends to bring up grief, allowing one to hopefully honor that grief & let go of resentments, healing a part of themselves. This is a beautiful time to honor & heal your ancestors as well, healing yourself & in turn healing your lineage. Celebrate, forgive, heal, love your ancestors by creating an ancestral altar this season!
#1 Rule: only welcome evolved ancestors. Below are a few ways that I've been taught to phrase this -
"I welcome my evolved ancestors"
"I only welcome my ancestors who love me unconditionally"
"I welcome my ancestors who honor my highest timeline & highest good"
Find the phrase that feels right, but ensure it's honoring light & love, protecting you on your journey.
Creating Your Ancestral Altar
Find a space to keep sacred in your home - this might be a shelf, mantle, table, nightstand, or even a box with items that you bring out & place around you or hold when connecting!
Cleanse your space with the tools you have. Examples below!
wipe down with Moon Water & sea salt to cleanse
smudge your space with incense or a bundle (cedarwood, sage, lavender, etc.)
use cleansing essential oils (lemongrass, thyme, etc.) & witch hazel to clean your space
place a cleansing crystal grid to keep clear - the Crystal Grids Handbook by Judy Hall is a great starting point! And, check out my blog post: "Crystals for Letting Go"
Once your space is cleared, start to add items to your altar with intention. Ideas below!
images of your ancestors & passed loved ones
ancestral totems - jewelry, trinkets, personal objects*, etc.
piece of ancestral home - rocks, sticks, seashells, earth, sand, water from ancestral lands
art, postcards or images of ancestral lands
Once you've got all of your ancestral items displayed on your altar, add 1 or more candles to your altar to light daily/weekly to sit with, reflect, honor, & heal your ancestors
I like to leave little pieces of seasonal treats that I make for my ancestors as well! This might be some pumpkin bread, a little hard apple cider, or maybe a little apple cinnamon cookie. I place the food/drink on a wee plate or glass & then sprinkle it throughout my garden the next day.**
Come to your altar daily, multiple times a week, or as often as you can! Light your candle(s), sit with or even chat with your ancestors, in a centered state as you connect with your heart.
Enjoy, & let me know if you have any other ideas or ways in which you connect with your ancestors. I typically create my altar at the end of September to beginning of October, & leave it up until about Thanksgiving. Do what feels right for you!
*Anything belonging to or connected with your ancestors works!! I have perfume bottles, old pipes, rings, candles, beads, all sorts of items that my ancestors have left me!
**Obviously do not leave food out if you have a pest or rodent problem!
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