How to Create and Maintain an Ancestor Altar
My magic is based on ancestral veneration. When thinking about who I want to aid me, my family is the first to come to mind. That doesn't mean that my family is perfect (far from it), but I know that my ancestors have a vested interest in me so I'm more likely to receive assistance from them than a deity I've never worked with. This makes it a great starting place for a beginner witch. You can't accidentally summon a demon by saying 'hello' to Grandma. There's also the belief that spirits are all seeing since they are no longer tied to the physical plane which could mean an extra boost to your divination practices and extra protection from outside forces.
What is an Ancestor Altar?
An ancestor altar is simply a place you create to worship your ancestors. It doesn't have to be elaborate. This is where our differences shine from witch to witch. I have seen some amazingly elaborate altars that seem to take up an entire room. I have also seen a minimalist altar set up in the corner of a television stand that was so perfect in its pureness. I say it repeatedly: Do what feels right for YOU, especially if you're still in the broom closet or renting from people who might be prejudiced against magic. Never put yourself in any danger. The altar can be very small, such as a picture and a small candle. Visitors can come into your home and just see a few pictures of your family spread on your mantle and never know that it was an altar. Different religions have different practices on ancestor veneration and how to set up an altar, but I ascribe to no specific religion and therefore cannot comment on those. If you are part of an ancestor-worshipping religion, please ask your leaders for more instruction. This guide is only from my point of view and how I have set up my altars for my family.
How to Set up an Ancestor Altar
Decide where you want your altar to go or if you want it portable.
As I stated above, the altar can be small with just a picture and a small candle that you place on a nightstand table. Some witches use baskets or boxes that can be tucked away in a closet when not in use. I am blessed to have some open shelving in my living room that I use. When my landlord comes by, it looks like I'm displaying my family photos. My only caution is to be sure Grandma and Grandpa can't watch you do the horizontal tango in the bedroom. If your altar has to be in the bedroom, try to have it in the closet where you can shut the door, behind a curtain or partition, or in a box or drawer with a lid.
Cleanse the Space
Once you've decided on a location, cleanse the area however you like. Click here to learn how to cleanse your home. After cleansing, I like to gently rub the area down with Florida water or herbs. Cleansing removes everything in the area but we want something to draw our ancestors in. Stronger smells such as patchouli or bergamot seem to draw my ancestors in, but perhaps you have a fond memory tie with roses or lemongrass. Every time you clean your ancestor's altar, try different scents and see how your ancestors react. If you suddenly feel compelled to use a scent you never have before, that's probably because your ancestors pushed for what they wanted.
Add Photos
Here's the point when we finally start adding things to our space. The most important ingredient is the photos! Don't forget to add photos of beloved pets. They are family, too. If you aren't close to your family or don't have pictures of them, that's ok. No family is perfect. Instead, find or create a picture that represents the culture that your family derived from. This can act as a stand-in for ancestors of generations past that didn't have the blessing of photography. If you are adopted, you can add photos of your adopted family. Don't forget to add those friends and teachers who chose to treat us as family. They are just as much family as any blood relation can be. If you want to learn more about the different types of ancestors you have, I would suggest reading this book.
Decorate your Altar
If you have space and plan to decorate your altar, now is the time. What you put on your altar is as unique as each witch. Some suggestions I have or have seen others do:
A potted plant to represent the family tree with soil to represent your roots
The four elements (incense for air, candle for fire, crystals for earth, cup of water)
Seasonal items for the sabbaths (eggs for Ostara, Sunflowers for Litha)
Family heirlooms or mementos
Book of Family Names
Invite Your Ancestors
Now that you have set everything in place, now is time to welcome your ancestors by lighting your candles and incense. I suggest offering food, water, coffee, and any vices they may have liked in life such as cigarettes or alcohol. Caution: my maternal side of my family has a hard time with addictions. This is why I do not put any vices on my altar. Feel free to put what you like, but you don't have to add anything that had a negative impact on you. Your offerings don't have to be very large, a simple spoonful is enough. I like to place my offerings on a small mirror. Mirrors are said to be gateways between our world and I like to be sure that my ancestors can reach my offerings. Leave the offerings there overnight. It is considered rude to through the offerings in the trash, so in the morning, bury or burn your offerings. (This is why I don't leave large offerings). Any liquids left over can be poured down flowing water from the sink.
Maintaining the Altar
The time between offerings depends on your situation. I usually offer something to my ancestors once a week, but when I really need their help I will place offerings daily until the situation is resolved. I don't want my ancestors to ever think I've forgotten them and they should know that their help is appreciated. Your altar is a sacred space so it's important to treat it as such. Try to keep it spiritually and physically clean. I like to clean mine on the New Moon so that it never becomes cluttered or dusty. Of course, Samhain gets an extra cleaning and offers.
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