TOOLS Table, shelf, or box to use as altar | Pictures, jewelery, anything you may have that belonged to your ancestor | Glass of water (or specific drink or food if you know what they liked) | Any other tokens that feel right | Pen | Paper | 1 white or black votive candle | Lighter or matches | Cauldron
For this ritual, you will first create an ancestor altar, which will become a special place to connect you to your ancestors.
First, cleanse the new space, and set up your ancestor altar in the same way you’d set up your regular altar. Start the ritual by casting a circle and grounding and centering, and inviting your ancestors to the ritual. Next, take the piece of paper and pen and write a letter, either introducing yourself or greeting your ancestors as you would an old friend. State your intention—to connect and build a relationship—and tell them about yourself, or write about times that your ancestor has not been able to share with you. Then, fold the letter, light your candle, and burn the letter to release the message into the air. Say the words:
May this message reach you swiftly and surely, so mote it be.
Thank and release the spirits, and open the circle. Watch for signs to come, such as animals or insects that you may have never seen in your area before, or sudden random smells with no source. An additional step you can take is to ask for messages from your ancestors using tarot cards or other divinatory tools—note these in your journal.
BEST TIME Dusk or dawn, New Moon
TOOLS Bowl | Sand or soil | Knife | 1 pomegranate | Pen | Paper or picture of person or pet who has passed away | Red or black thread | 1 black candle | Lighter or matches
This ritual is for when you wish to say your goodbyes to a passed loved one. A pomegranate is used here, a symbol of the Greek goddess Persephone.
Start by casting a circle and grounding and centering as well as cleansing the tools. Fill the bowl with the sand or soil, and draw a pentagram with your finger for protection. Next, cut your pomegranate in half but not fully, so it is still connected. Put it aside and pick up your paper or picture, and on it write the words:
Farewell dear [name], may you pass into the next stage with ease, know you are loved and thought of. May you be in peace, and may your soul find rest, so mote it be.
Or feel free to write intuitively chosen words. Then place the paper or picture inside the pomegranate and close it. Tie the thread around it securely, then light the candle and seal the pomegranate with the wax drippings. Place it in the soil or sand bowl and say your own goodbyes.
Sit in meditation, and open your senses to anything you may receive from the passed loved one, such as images in your mind, or smells and possibly even sounds, or simply a sense of presence. Take this moment to fully let go and be emotional if you feel you need to. When you sense that you have completed your goodbyes, ground and center once more.
Then open the circle. Keep the pomegranate for three days and either bury it or dispose of it respectfully in the trash.
BEST TIME Saturday, Waning Moon