One of the cards repeatedly appearing in clients’ readings lately is the Ancestros, or ancestors’ card. Many are facing tragedy delivered by this pandemic. Some of us will know someone who has lost a dear one to coronavirus. Unimaginable is the suffering of families who cannot say final goodbyes or pay respects to family and beloved community members. These newly departed souls cannot be at rest until their final remains are properly honored. Until then, their souls wander aimlessly, searching for understanding and direction. This year, many may encounter disembodied spirits once cities open up for the living again.  We will discuss practices for that in future newsletters.

When the Ancestros comes up in a reading, you are receiving the proverbial “cosmic phone call/knock at the door” to come visit and chat awhile.  Your ancestors want to communicate with you. Depending on the placement in the card spread, it may be that they have been “knockin'” for some time and you haven’t heard or responded, or you need to go visit them. Working with your ancestors is often your best line of defense, to protect you and the family.

Ancestor work is a large part of any indigenous spiritual practice or religion. The “old ways” knew that the future stood on the shoulders of the ancient ones. Time spent with Elders was essential. “Eggun before Orishas,” my Godmother always said. It took me a long time to realize and accept this, as I had developed a difficult outlook regarding one of my parents. As children, we rarely know the whole story nor understand the circumstances or actions of family members. Time and wisdom, experience and lessons change that perspective.

If family trauma is in your history, once you resolve any hurt that your parents’ actions (when alive) caused you, you can begin working with them in a peaceful, loving way. The simplest altar is a white doily on a table or chest of drawers, in a quiet part of the house. Ancestors’ spirits do not do well in a high traffic, busy area. Avoid your bedroom, as you may not rest well with their energy in your private space. It is best to keep this and all altars out of the bedroom.

Once you establish your altar, add a glass of water. Use a glass you won’t drink from again. That odd wine glass in the cabinet is ideal, or go to the dollar store for a stemmed glass to dedicate to your ancestors alone. They will appreciate it. Fill the glass with cool water and place in center of table. This simple ancestor altar is effective for those on a budget or limited space. You may add a white candle, whether a 7-day “novena” vigil candle in glass, or a tealight. All light is appreciated, to illuminate their rise through the seven layers of Heaven.

Each morning, rise early to greet your ancestors. Take the glass of water from the day before and pour into the grass or a planter outside (where you will not walk over it) and refill the glass. Some change water once a week, usually on Sundays; choose what fits your schedule. After placing the glass of fresh water on the table, greet your ancestors on each side of the family tree by name, listing them one by one, and follow with a request for insight, blessing, and protection. 

Here is an example for you to create your greeting:

I greet my ancestors, both known and unknown,

Father’s name
Mother’s name
Grandmother on mother’s side
Grandfather on mother’s side
Grandmother on father’s side
Grandfather on father’s side
Brother’s name
Sister’s name

and all my relatives of both sides of the family, known and unknown,

I offer you this glass of cool water to refresh you on your journey and ask for your blessings, protection, love, and knowledge as I, your daughter and granddaughter, make my way.

(If offering a candle as well, say “I offer this light so that the energy of the flame will illuminate your progress in spirituality.”)

I thank you in advance for the love and care you have shown me and continue to show me, as I go about my day.

Thank you.

This list should include brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, children — any blood relatives.

Your ancestor work might also include a bud vase with a white flower, usually a carnation or a rose. White symbolizes peace and sanctity, and the flower will absorb any negativity in the home. You may also get a shot glass or tiny aperitif glass and offer rum, whisky, or any other alcohol your ancestors enjoyed. You might also include an unlit cigar, or an opened pack of favorite cigarettes.

A grand demonstration of devotion to your Ancestors might be a full tabletop or top of dresser or hutch. It might include a glass for each relative, framed photos (*see below), candles for each, flowers on both back corners of the table, a Bible, a crucifix, incense, candy, perfume bottles, mints or gum, foods, special dishes (like a tea cup or saucer/plate) for each ancestor, liquor, chocolates, cakes, etc. Some serve cups of coffee (black) before taking their own first cup. On birthdays, celebrations and holidays, some set a plate (**see below) from the dining table with a spoonful of each item on it. Some place whole birthday cakes on their altar for all to enjoy. Just make sure the cake YOU eat is from another cake, as once you dedicate a whole cake to the ancestors, it is not a good practice to take a slice of their cake. It is OK, however, to offer one slice from your cake to the ancestors, and leave the remaining cake for the living.

You will find that once you begin a ritual to connect with your ancestors, they will send you messages, like dreams you remember, a “whisper” in your ear, a clear vision of a future event in your mind’s eye, or movement on their altar. Sometimes ancestors visit and move an item, tip over or crack a glass, spill drinks and “nibble” the offerings. They are enjoying the feast you have given them. You will find over time that they are smoothing your path and removing blockages for you so that you can serve as a respectable representative of their legacy. When you achieve something you have asked for their help with, always give a bit more in offerings, such as having a Mass said for them, more candles, or a big potluck for the family to gather around and do a communal prayer service for them. Your ancestros will appreciate it.

* When using photos, make sure there are no living people in the photo. It must be a photo of your deceased relative only. 

** Make sure all plates, cups, and bowls have a crack or chip in them, or are plates that you will NEVER use for feeding someone who is still alive.