This ritual to gain the advice of an ancestor is always potent — but Halloween’s full moon makes this the perfect weekend to reach out to the spirit world. The working is discussed in detail on the Lucky Mojo Hoodoo Podcast from November 11, 2018.  

You can perform this rite on an ancestral altar or any other space dedicated for such work. Kitchens and family rooms work well…bedrooms not so much, for the simple reason that you don’t want to expose your ancestors to private and intimate acts. But we work with what we got, so if your living quarters are a single room, do what you gotta do.  

For the work you will need:

1. A new, small picture frame with a picture of the ancestor you’re calling upon. If you have no picture, write their name on a piece of white paper, and put it in the frame. If you don’t know a name, write “My Head Ancestor.”

2. A small glass of cold water

3. Self lighting incense charcoal  

4. A heat proof container to burn incense

5. Herbs and Curios:

Anise
Wormwood
Tobacco
Mugwort
Mint
Acacia
Gum Arabic
Sandalwood

6. Personal Concerns

A few hairs from your head or body, or a few nail clippings will work too.  However, if there are genealogical or genetic concerns (perhaps you’ve been adopted into a family, and want to connect to the line you’ve been adopted into and not your, own genetic ancestors) use Quassia chips or shavings instead.

Mix together and crush Anise, Wormwood, Tobacco, Mugwort, Mint, Acacia, and Gum Arabic first, and put to the side. 

Separately, combine some Sandalwood with your personal concerns or Quassia.

The Ritual:

Set the picture frame, the glass of cold water, and the incense burner in a triangular shape — with the frame being the back tip of the triangle.

Get into your spiritual zone. Breathe deeply. Meditate. Pray. Do that which helps you to shift the atmosphere from mundane to spiritual, so you can perform the work ahead. 

Now, that you are in the proper head space, take your shoes off and declare the space a holy space. This can be done in any way that is appropriate to your spiritual tradition, like sprinkling holy water, or calling on the quarters, or invoking the archangels. There’s no one right way to do this. Do what resonates with you.

Next, carefully light the charcoal and let the little sparks run across the whole disk, so it’s ready for your incense.

Add a pinch of the herb mix, letting the smoke rise and consecrate the space.

When you feel it is time, take a pinch of sandalwood mixed with your personal concerns, and say in a commanding manner:

“As The Lord spoke to Moses from the Burning Bush,
So I rightfully petition you, [say ancestor’s name], 
my ancestor, to speak to me and guide me!” 

Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths into the belly, and allow the energy to permeate your consciousness. There’s a good chance you’ll feel a presence, or if you are psychically inclined, even receive a message. 

Essentially, you could stop the ritual now, or keep adding incense as you speak to your ancestor, asking them about a specific matter you’re seeking guidance about. 

When you are ready to finish the work, thank your ancestor and any other Spirits who might have been in assistance, and close the spiritual space — again, per your personal spiritual tradition or occult path.

This working can be done at times of need for ancestral intervention or guidance, or on a regular schedule if you chose to deepen your connection with your ancestors. If you have some leftover incense mix, you might want to keep it for next time you’ll be performing this rite.

May your workings be blessed and your ancestors talkative, whether you acknowledge Halloween, Samhain, All Saints’ Day, or Dia de los Muertos. 

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In addition to her decades of adept card readings, Hoodoo Psychic Madame Nadia embraces the role of the modern rootworker as a necromancer, psychopomp, and facilitator of death rites. 

© 2022. Used With Permission.

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