5 Tips to Begin Working With Your Ancestors

Ancestor Veneration in the Modern World

Photo by Aziz Acharki on Unsplash

Honoring your ancestors is a sacred practice that isn’t used enough by modern practitioners. Since the early days of our first steps upon the Earth we have been interested in where we come from, and of those who came before us.

Ancestor Veneration is prominent in folk traditions across the world, one example are African Spiritual Traditions such as Hoodoo and Santeria. Ancestor veneration is now gaining more popularity among modern day witchcraft communities for its magical potency, and the benefits of healing familial lines.

“Open your ears to the ancestors and you will understand the language of spirits.” -African Proverb

What is ancestor veneration anyways?

Ancestor Veneration is simply honoring your ancestors and working with them for guidance, support, and aid in performing magick. It is believed by many that the ancestors hold strong influences over the affairs of the living.

It makes an easy entry into spirit work, for your ancestors will work for your highest good. This ancient tradition can add a much needed boon to anybody’s magical practice in regards to manifesting your desires, developing as a person, and honing in on psychic and intuitive abilities.

Ancestral Altars can be as intricate or as simple as you wish. -Source: Ancestors of Land, Blood And Spirit, Patreon

You can get started honoring your ancestors with these 5 simple tips:

1. Research your familial origins and family history: Learning about your background can give you an idea about where you come from, and the trials and victories your ancestors experienced while walking the Earth. It can allow you to appreciate the hardships they’ve endured to get you where you are today. It is a form of veneration to honor their memory as well as connect to them on a deeper level. This is helpful when you begin to call them into your space and practice.
2. Build an Ancestral Altar: Building an altar provides a sacred space for you to reach out to them, honor them, and give them a foothold in your life. You can place offerings, such as things that immediate deceased family members enjoyed during life, or if you don’t know where to begin food is always a good choice. In many folk traditions they will offer ancestors things such as special meals, alcoholic beverages, sweets, and water. Burning incenses and fragrances is also another way to provide an offering to them.
3. Communicate with them: This one seems like common sense, however most people forget to do so. It is a belief that the dead can take part in our lives which would allow them to listen and speak to us. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it can be simple as talking about your day, discussing your aspirations or fears in regards to what is going on in your life, or asking for general guidance. Your ancestors want to help you, and show you their love for you. This means supporting you in what you do and achieving your destiny.
4. Incorporate them into your daily magical practice: Every aspiring witch should have a daily magical practice, it will propel your craft to the next level. Including ancestor work will empower your spells and move you forward to the next level as well. You can do this by leaving offerings to them on your ancestral altar everyday, giving them thanks and gratitude for watching over you, and either connecting with them through meditation, or by divinatory means. One such divinatory practice is omen interpretation.
5. Ancestors are not limited to your family: Ancestors can also include those who are related to your interests, career, or other important things in your life. If you don’t know where to start, research influential people in a field or subject that really resonates with you. For example, I am a witch, and I consider the witches who came before me as my ancestors as well. I honor them and connect with them as a part of my practice, to walk the crooked path with confidence and empowerment.

Ancestor Veneration is a beautiful tradition that will propel your personal magical practice and provide a deeper connection with your personal history, as well as the spirit world. It can serve as a great starting point in beginning to work with spirits.