Samhain Ancestor Altar

 

Altar Items needed: pictures of your Beloved Dead, items that belonged to them, image of Hecate (Goddess of the Dead), food and/or drink that they liked, myrrh incense, black tourmaline, smoky quartz, candles, Ancestor book

All Hallows Eve is a great time to create an ancestor altar. This is the time of year when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. It is a time when we can connect more easily with the spirits of our Beloved Dead. I usually put mine up about 3 days prior to the 31st of October and leave it up until approximately November 7. I place pictures of my family and friends that have passed and a good incense to use is Myrrh. You may also place any items that had belonged to them and anything that they liked to eat or drink. These don’t need to be full size portions just a bit of each. I also place orange candles but you can use any colour that you like. It is a time to reflect on them and what they meant to you in life. Many cultures call on ancestors to guide and protect them. This is a wonderful time to speak to them and ask them for their assistance (although you can do this at any time of the year as they are always a part of us). Here is a prayer/invocation to help you connect with your ancestors:

On this night, where the veil is thin

I hear the echos of your soul

My Beloved Dead, be with me

Dear Ancestors fill my heart and

Guide my soul with your love

For without you, I would not be

Lend me your strength and power

Handed down through the ages

May our bonds be my protection

As I move through this world

Be Welcome and Blessed Be!

 It is all about giving a place of honour for without them, you would not be here. I have recently created an Ancestor book where I have recorded birth/death dates and stories about my ancestors. I will read their names aloud and any stories that pertain to them. I find that for me, this helps me to understand my place in the world and how I got here. I am in awe when I read or think about their stories and everything that had to happen for me to be here in this place and time. Many people leave their ancestor altar up all year long. You are welcome to do so if you wish.