The Importance of Ancestor Veneration in Magickal Practices.
By Mambo jMarie
We die with the dying:
See, they depart, and we go with them.
We are born with the dead:
See, they return, and bring us with them.
T. S. Elliot, "Four Quartets"
I grew up listening to my Grandmother wind tales of the old South. She would tell me how in the Great Depression, they subsisted off navy beans and ketchup. How she could not imagine washing clothes in a machine; by hand in a washer tub was the only way.
When I was younger these tales would captivate me. Now I treasure them. The woman who once a colorful raconteur is no longer on this plane of existence. She has become an ancestor. It was not until I became aligned with my spiritual path that I realized just how powerful the connection we have with our ancestors mean for our daily lives. Even more so when you are a magick practitioner.
Ancestor veneration is the practice of honoring those who are deceased. This encompasses all whom you hold in affection. They do not have to be blood-related: spouses, partners, good friends and those related by marriage all have their places. Every morning when I wake up, I thank the ancestors for the gift of breathing. Because I believe that my life has been directly influenced by the decisions my ancestors made it is important to let them know they are valued, appreciated and missed.
In my spiritual practice of Voodoo, your magick and practice is not going anywhere without your ancestors. They are to be honored and consulted before any work begins on a spell or ritual. Without them we can enjoy no success. I maintain an ancestor altar in my home, as do many followers of Voodoo and Hoodoo. I venerate my altar daily, ensuring my ancestors get the first sip of water every morning to honor them. However, ancestor veneration is not unique to my religion; it shares a widespread connection with many cultures and traditions throughout the world, both past and present.
Here are a few ways that one may incorporate ancestor veneration into their daily lives:
Say their name! – I find so much power and comfort in just saying “Thank you (foremother/forefather). You have laid the path for me and I am forever grateful.” Just by giving vocalization to who they were, you are honoring them. You can also try journaling about them. Writing to them like you would someone who is still on this plane. Spelling is a spell. Let them know what you need!
Start an ancestor altar –Ancestor altars are amazing ways to show your transitioned love ones they are missed and held in high regard. Your altar can be something as simple as a picture of them to including something they loved on the altar. I even suggest that people can start altars on their phones, just by adding pictures, words or even songs. Your spiritual journey is as personal as you are.
Visit Their Resting Place – If you are able, go see about your folks! Their final resting place is a sanctuary for them as well as yourself. Spend some quiet time alone with them. Leave them an offering and say a blessing.
I am grateful and humbled to have a relationship with those who came before. As a practitioner, it is important to me for them to know they are the reason for my being, and the being of those after me. I wish that closeness for all. Feel and revel in the light of ancestral joy, Lovelies!
I remember the names of my ancestors. I speak the names of those I love.
I speak their names and they live again. May I be so well-loved and remembered.
In truth, may the gods hear my name.
From Awakening Osiris: The Egyptian Book of the Dead (p. 54)
Translated by Normandi Ellis
