I never wanted to blog. But my sister talked me into it. The main reason was because I couldn’t find the best time to write and stay on one or two topics per post. I quickly realized the need for what I have to say.
Back in 2015 when I started my spiritual journey, there were very few blackity black ass blogs, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook pages sharing information for newbies. Most of them were written with the lack of melanin in mind or were ran by shady and very petty people. I questioned what I did read and found come black occultists on YouTube, Ashera Star Goddess and Magick Lacroix. They were my virtual mentors for a while, but they were doing occult magick. I wanted to learn how to get closer to my ancestors.
How should I start an ancestor altar for black people, where can I get that help without paying thousands of dollars? So, I had to learn and figure out what to do and what NOT to do on my own. I have a good concept of what generally works but mostly I just followed whatever popped in my head or what I saw myself doing in dreams.
Today, there’s a root worker, witch, priestess, damn near everywhere you turn AND the information for basic things are STILL under lock and key. There’s still that “I can’t tell you because you might use it for the wrong reason,” or “You have to be initiated in order for you to get the information.” I’ma tell yall two things: One, I can give you the information all day long. I am not responsible for how YOU decide to use it nor am I responsible for the way it works and or backfires because of how YOU used it. Two, Ain’t nothing being posted without given permission from my ancestors and spirits.
With that being said, that brings me to the first tidbit. Ancestor Altars. Now I am not the altar police and I can only share information that I have beared witness to and that I know works for ME. This is not a guide but more so of a “here’s how it started working for me, try it yourself” kind of thing. Things you will need are a glass, a plate, a candle, a coffee mug, and utensils. Of course, you’ll also need a space for these things to sit. Guess what? You don’t need to have a concrete spot if you don’t have that luxury.
How you arrange the items is totally up to you. The color, shape, size, and fragrance of the candle is your choice. Paper, plastic, or china is up to you as well. Our folks used solo cups and butter containers for multiple purposes so I doubt they will snub food and libations in those if that’s all you have.
Another question most people have is about where to put the altar. And the answer is wherever the eff you want to. I keep them posted in my living room because that’s near the kitchen and in my family, we tend to gather in those areas the most. Put them where you feel comfortable for you. You will be spending time sitting, talking, crying, and listening so make sure you’re comfortable doing those times. The most asked question or reference is about ancestor altars being in bedrooms because you may have sex in there. Listen family (in my best Young Pharaoh voice), If you think they just sit around while you have sex and watch you, you’re the dead one. Plus, the altar in your room isn’t the only way they come and hang out. They go where they want for the most part. The altar is a sacred place for you to build a human connection with your spirits. They already have peeped your craziness without you feeding, lighting a candle, or setting up a lil spot for them, especially if they were nosey before they passed.
First thing that should be done is cleaning the items. Most use Florida water or some sort of blessed water for that but when you cannot get your hands on those things a simple mixture of water and salt will do the job. Now go and arrange those items according to how you feel. Put some food on the plate, water in the glass, and light the candle. You want to announce yourself. “I am whatever your name is. I am the child of (your mother’s first and last name and your father’s first and last name). I have lit this candle and served this food for the ancestors of my bloodline. Please enjoy it and may it elevate your spirits even more.” I follow up with this prayer:
Ancestors, I am presenting myself to you all with the intention to be taught, guided, protected and blessed by you while carrying out my soul’s mission. I am willing to complete the noble tasks set in place by y’all. Please share the knowledge and ways of our traditions with me so that I may be the bridge for generations to come. Bless me so that I can bless we. Protect me from seen and unseen blockages. Help me to cut through barriers that have prevented those that came before me so that I can manifest your dreams. I pray for your elevation and your grace and mercy because you know I’m not always going to listen the first time, but I will not let you down intentionally. Thank you for always having my back and making ways when I can’t see a way. Ase.
The food doesn’t have to be anything fancy; just a light snack will do. The only rule I make sure gets followed is that no one eats or drinks from the ancestor dishes. Simply because my grandma had her own things when she was living and I’m just keeping up with that. Now here’s a closet tidbit for when you’re at functions and you feel the need to feed your spirits but don’t want to alarm the muggles. Take a bit of the food and put it on the side of your plate and let them know it’s for them. Leave a lil bit of drink in your cup for them as well. This works for those in college with roommates, those deployed or just at home with family that are not yet ready to acknowledge the power of those that came before them.
I hope this helps. If it does please share it with someone that may have some questions and may be starting their journey. I only ask that you be patient with yourself and find a routine that fits your lifestyle. Til next time, love yourself on the inside and out because you were created with the highest image in mind.