Getting to know your ancestors.
The ancestors to connect to easiest are those you know,
Because they've lived during your lifetime,
Or you know a lot about them from stories or pictures.
When I first started working with my ancestors,
I put up pictures of my parents and family members,
My cats and friends who have passed.
I left those I had unresolved relationships with off the altar.
You want to start with those you love and trust,
Because they make you want to return to them over and over.
With time,
More and more ancestors were added.
Animals,
Plants,
Stones and mushrooms.
The elements,
Ancestors from outside of my lineage.
Other people's ancestors who helped me and I found interesting.
Images of what we would call saints,
Because they have helped people before me.
Celebrity ancestors who had a large following,
Whatever the word large may mean to you.
You can also write down the names of your dead ancestors.
They like it when you say their name,
Or when you make an offering of food,
Drink,
Incense,
Or light a candle.
It attracts their benevolent spirits into your home.
The following meditation will help you get started.
Imagine family members and friends who have passed and who you loved.
See them in your mind's eye.
Remember their names,
What they looked like,
What they enjoyed.
Some details about them that come to mind.
Add animals,
Pets,
Trees you may have known.
Extend a greeting to them and tell them that you want to be in touch with them.
Acknowledge that they have much wisdom to share.
That you come from them and in recognition of non-linear time,
They come from you.
See a web of connections that runs from yourself to them,
Amongst each other,
And far beyond those people and beings you consciously know.
You are a part of an infinite web of beings that you belong to and supports you.
Notice if some of them want your attention.
If they show up in your thoughts,
In other people's comments or pictures.
If they want your attention,
They are ready to help you.
The dead are powerful allies to have.
By cultivating a relationship with them,
You begin to improve and expand your own life.
