Ancestor Veneration
Ancestral veneration was not new to me when I started in my witchcraft/pagan practice. My family and the area I am from, there is a huge importance on community and family. It was not uncommon as a child where we would celebrate a family members birthday even after they had passed on or made a special remembrance during holidays like Easter or Christmas. This made a huge impact on my personal ancestor veneration practice.
There are many places where ancestor veneration is common even among the cultural norms of society. For example Día de Los Muertos is a very well know practice coming from Latin American communities. Many AAPI (Asian and Pacific Islander) also practice some form of ancestral veneration such as Pchum Ben . Looking as other historical examples of ancestor veneration those places that would have practiced nordic/germanic paganism also place a big importance on venerating their ancestors, essentially believing that their belated family members continued on in their spiritual ecosystem and enacting blessings and protection upon their families. In fact, most spiritual practices have some level of ancestral veneration.
Another important aspect of ancestor veneration is blood relatives don’t have to be the only ancestors you work with. For example, your adopted family, friends and ancestral linage (e.g. if your family is German, Scottish, Polish etc). Additionally, some people may also consider saints part of their ancestor work. Personally, my work with saints are would somewhat fall into this category, although not completely. Finally, the concept of the “Rainbow Dead” is another common group of ancestors that are important to those of the LGBT community. This idea is that those queer people before us are our ancestors because they faced similar life stories and challenge as us. The idea of chosen family is important in queer life and this is just another aspect of that in my opinion.
My ancestral veneration practice has become a large and important part of my overall spiritual practice. My practice largely involves a dressed candle that I light for them. I try to aim for daily but I always do it several times a week. Other things on a ancestor altar might vary based on your spiritual path. Some common things are: glass of water, food and other items important to your ancestors, incense, pictures, etc. I like to leave offerings periodically and after workings that my ancestors have helped me with. For me my ancestors are a core part to my workings and are often involved with many of my spells!
