This weekend marks the beginning of Summer; family BBQ's, trips to the beach, a long weekend, etc, but let us not forget why we have this long weekend. Please take at least a moment to remember those who sacrificed everything so that we are free to enjoy this weekend and this day
In Santeria or 21 Divisions, we also honor our ancestors, not just on a special day, but always. As in most spirit based belief systems, our ancestors are the root of our power. Literally, without them, we would not be here! There are many ways that you can honor your ancestors, from very basic, to elaborate. What I want to talk about today is a very basic service that most anyone can do in their home, no matter where they live, even on a very limited budget.
Now, this should be common sense, but still, please follow these rules when working with your ancestors, and any spirits or Saints!
Never present yourself before your Ancestors after sexual relations. Cleanse the body, wash yourself first.
Women, refrain from working with your dead during the time of your menstruation. Greet them casually as usual.
Do not go before your Ancestors or dead with a heavy heart, with anger or frustration. Always present yourself calm and cool.
Listen to them. They speak to you through the voice of your subconscious mind.
They will often come to you in your dreams.
If you have an altar to them, treat it with great respect, clean and clutter free. Keep your ancestral shrine apart from those of your Saints.
If you would like to say a prayer, this is a good one:
Prayer to the Ancestors
O BLOOD OF MY BLOOD. I AM YOUR CHILD. AND I COME BEFORE YOU BRINGING OFFERINGS OF FOOD, LIQUOR, TOBACCO AND WATER. (Omit anything you are not offering, add anything you do offer) MAY IT BE A NOURISHMENT FOR YOUR SOUL.
KNOW THAT YOU ARE GREATLY LOVED, REMEMBERED AND RESPECTED. ACCEPT THIS HUMBLE OFFERING FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF YOUR FAMILY WHO IS ALIVE.
WATCH OVER YOUR DESCENDANTS, FOR WITHOUT YOUR WATCHFUL EYES AND GUIDANCE WE ARE AS LOST SHEEP AMONGT WOLVES.
KEEP AWAY FROM US, ILLNESSES, ACCIDENTS, UPHEAVAL, POVERTY, ILL FATE, SORROW, UNTIMELY DEATHS, AND ALL FORMS OF UNJUST ACTS UPON OUR FAMILY.
STAND STRONG AND FAST FOR US. FOR OUR GOOD FORTUNE. OUR HEALTH. OUR HAPPINESS. OUR HOMES. AND ABOVE ALL, OUR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES.
THANK YOU, BLOOD OF MY BLOOD. IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST. AMEN.
(If you wish, you may leave out the "Christian" ending)
Some excellent offerings to one's dead are.
Breads
Fruits
Candies
Coffee
Cigarettes
Sweet pastries
Hot Cocoa
Or the foods you commonly eat.
Fruits
Candies
Coffee
Cigarettes
Sweet pastries
Hot Cocoa
Or the foods you commonly eat.
It is always important to purchase a brand new white plate, utensils, new coffee cup and a clear glass used as vessels for offerings only for ones dead, and should be only used for this purpose. All of these items can be purchased at the Dollar Tree, nothing fancy is required, and not all items are even required. If you are only going to be offering a glass of water, or a cup of coffee, then only buy the items needed for that. I do recommend that you obtain a white plate to burn a white candle on, as burning a candle for them is a very simple way to channel your energy as you sit quietly and pray to your ancestors and ask for their help.
You do not need to set up an altar if you do not wish to do so; you can just set aside a space to put the items for a short period of time (while the candle burns, for a day in order for them to receive the energy, etc.) or you can leave an altar up all the time. As I stated before, if you do set up an altar, it needs to be separate from your altar to the Saints or other altar you may have. As with any altar, do not have this in your bedroom or sleeping space. The spirits of the dead and ancestors that one can give offerings to are, those ancestors that lived a good, moral peaceful life. If a deceased relative was a murderer, rapist or committed suicide then offerings are not to be given to them. Their energy is often of a negative sort and can bring much turmoil, confusion, and distress into one's life.
Prayers should be given to God asking for forgiveness on their behalf, and that if they are to return to life, may they find forgiveness for their past deeds. A glass of water to quench their thirst and a candle just for them can also be given so that they may see the light and recognize the wrong they did in life.
If a morning offering can not be made, then a simple greeting and acknowledgment should be made, knocking on the altar three times or a ringing of an altar bell, asking them to walk with you during the day and bestowing their benedictions (blessings), a simple glass of water or coffee is also greatly appreciated. In the evening when you are at home and settled for dinner, set aside a plate of food and liquids to them. They will not physical consume the food offering, what they partake of is its energy. One's ancestors and dead understand your financial situation, and even a slice of bread, raw fruit and a glass of water is greatly appreciated by them and they will show their gratitude with blessings.
If a morning offering can not be made, then a simple greeting and acknowledgment should be made, knocking on the altar three times or a ringing of an altar bell, asking them to walk with you during the day and bestowing their benedictions (blessings), a simple glass of water or coffee is also greatly appreciated. In the evening when you are at home and settled for dinner, set aside a plate of food and liquids to them. They will not physical consume the food offering, what they partake of is its energy. One's ancestors and dead understand your financial situation, and even a slice of bread, raw fruit and a glass of water is greatly appreciated by them and they will show their gratitude with blessings.
If you do offer food, you can leave it out for them for a day, then take it outside and place it under a tree to give it back to the earth. Do not just throw it away! Water, coffee, and liquor that is offered should be poured out onto the ground after a day and you can say a little prayer or just thank you to your ancestors for their blessings.
I hope this was helpful, and if anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to ask
