ancestor altar recipe

A collaboration with Lisbeth White—exploring the ancestral function of altars as places of devotion, dreams, and invocations.

this is a ceremony for deepening connection to the earth and the heavens, your ancestors, and the promise you were born with.

results may vary, and can include synchronicities, prophetic dreams, and even miracles.

this recipe is not one that should be followed to perfection. in fact, i encourage you to follow your intuition. spring and waltz through the steps, so your heart can land into it with full presence. bring your own spices and grandmother wisdom.

ingredients of central essence / essential substance:

1. a flat surface
2. a large jug of water for spiritual connection and to quench the thirst of the dead
3. salt, a knife, or precious stones in red and black for protective measures
4. (this is the most important) intention. clarity of purpose for this ceremony
5. a candle to reflect your intention, and bring warmth and connection

optional:

• money and rare coins
• rosemary, calendula, and other grandmother herbs
• photographs of your deceased if on hand, if not an heirloom will suffice
• perfume and cologne
• blessed trinkets and treasures
• tobacco and candy
• a pen and paper
• florida water or herbal sprays
• dried herbs or incense to burn
• small, musical instruments
• cleansed crystals and rocks
• cards or a pendulum
• food you know your ancestors would love (see family recipe or read Lisbeth’s piece for more)
• a fork, a spoon, and a knife

steps:

1. create a literal or metaphorical circle of salt at the front of your altar for protection.
2. fill the jug with fresh water and place on flat surface, any will do. after a day or two, you may notice the water level to be lower; this means your offering was accepted. regardless, replace staled water regularly with fresh water to re-energize.
3. bless your trinkets with florida water or smoke before setting them down.
4. prepare food with gratitude and memory. if it’s not prepared by you, carry and express these emotions with your plate before setting it down. dispose of it after a day. some say you can eat it with them, some say you can’t — do what feels right to you according to your cultural background.
5. before lighting your candle, you may dress it with herbs and oils, even carving your name, an emblem, or wish unto it.
6. affirm that this is a space for ancestors that support, love, and guide you in every way. you may do this verbally, with music, with a pen and journal, or with a silent intention.
7. sit by your altar. you may meditate, journal, or pray. you might sing, ask questions, or reflect.
8. have an intentional closing of the space to ensure that the energy of the ceremony is complete.
9. repeat as you feel called.

considerations:

• our ancestors are always a call away. playing music to dance to, offering perfume/cologne, a little of whatever you’re eating, a little bit of a book you’re reading, and other earthly things are nice invitations into your space.
• specificity of intentions is so important: find your clarity of purpose, and hold it with you to anchor your experience.
• reciprocity and respect are integral to good relations. pour and serve offerings to your dead before asking for favors. work with what you have; they will understand.
• divination practices, while helpful, aren’t necessary for communication. we are all born with the ability to communicate with the spirit world. This can be a simple practice of speaking and listening. ask questions at your altar; you may receive a knowing in response during ceremony. You may also request the response to show up as a sign. you will hear, see, know it when they come. (perhaps you ask their name, and you can’t stop hearing this one name wherever you go. or maybe you want to know what herbs will connect you to them–ask and it’ll come in a dream or perhaps an offering from a friend.) you can also invest in an ancestor reading with a trusted practitioner. prepare for synchronicities.
• while learning the language of your ancestors is truly radical in the case of native tongues, your family will understand you best when you are speaking in the language that comes most naturally to you.
• remember, ancestors are still human with debts and pain, and growth: your healing and expansion is intertwined.
• your altar is an extension of you and you are a walking altar.