An altar is a powerful tool that can support our practice in connecting and working with our ancestors (as well as other spirit powers and guides). In this episode, I break down the what, why, and how of creating and working with ancestor altars in a simple, fun, and grounded way.
This is a perfect episode for both spiritual newbies as well as those looking to expand their current altar practices.
Altar Dedication Prayer
Here is the text for the prayer example I provide in the show for how to dedicate your altar space:
“I offer this altar to my wise, loving ancestors—both of blood and other lineages. May it be a sacred space where only healed, loving ancestors and other benevolent beings may reside; and may it serve as a space for deepened connection and relationship that will only serve my highest good and well-being.”
Notes on Smudging
In the FAQ section, I discussed the cautions around using palo santo and white sage, but I missed offering my suggestions for alternate plants to use for smudging. Here are my go-to ones (or other common ones I suggest), but there are SO MANY other possibilities!
Rosemary (OMG, my absolute fave!)
Sagebrush
Red Cedar (leaf or wood sticks)
Juniper leaf
Mugwort
Cypress leaf
Sweetgrass braids (only source from ethical growers!)
For any of these, you can take fresh leaves, bundle them together with thin string (kite string works great) and let them dry for a week or two before using. I also like to take time with the plant before making a bundle to attune with its energy and offer a prayer of thanks to it and invite the plant spirit to imbue these part of its body with its magic and medicine for your ritual work.
Sections
9:40 - What is an altar?
20:05 - Finding a Space
22:20 - What items should I use?
29:47 - How do I set up my altar?
32:55 - Examples of my altars
37:16 - How to cleanse and dedicate your altar
43:03 - How do I work with my altar?
45:28 - Offerings (the what, why, and how)
53:36 - How do I maintain my altar?
55:27 - FAQs
Cultural appropriation, white sage & palo santo
Will my ancestors freak out?
What if I don’t feel or notice anything with my altar?
1:03:32 - Wrap-up & Final Thoughts
Connect!
Learn more about my work at https://ancestralhealing.coach.
