Receiving Spiritual Guidance From Your Ancestors

The ancient tradition of ancestor worship is a powerful, yet often misunderstood spiritual practice. It is typically viewed as a form of idolatry, mainly because of the inaccurate use of the term ‘worship.’

In truth most cultures practicing such rites do not refer to it as ‘ancestor worship.’ The more appropriate terms to use is ‘ancestor reverence’ or ‘ancestor veneration,’ because it is about living descendants paying respect to and seeking the guidance of their loved ones in spirit.

It is a common practice among indigenous people and an integral component of most shamanic traditions. It is not the same as the worship of gods or deities.

In fact, as a spiritual practice it is not much different from looking at old pictures of departed loved ones and rememembering them fondly. We might even tell them how we miss them or share our problems with them. Some of us have even asked them to help us find solutions to problems, or pull a few strings on our behalf from the Other Side.

Although I cannot say I have any special reverence for my ancestors, I do respect them for all the trials and tribulations they experienced while they were in this life. In my ancestral lineage there were courageous prisoner-of-war experiences, the conquering of grievous setbacks and material harships, and even suicides, to mention but a few. Several of my predecessors had truly unique, and even exceptional life stories that still dwell in my cellular memories.

The ancestral technique I use in my spiritual practice is similar to that of the Yoruba people of West Africa. My greatest connection is with my father, and he is the one I communicate with daily in the Yoruba fashion. You can create an altar or sacred space in your home for this purpose.

I am listening to a deeper way. Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands ~ Linda Hogan

For my daily ritual I place a bowl of clear water next to my father’s photograph, together with his war medals that I had framed in his honor. Focusing on the reflective surface of water, glass, or crystal, (also known as scrying or crystal-gazing) whilst addressing our ancestors powerfully activates one’s connection with their spirit.

It is important to me that I perform this practice daily. These days my ancestral practice has become such a routine that it only takes a few minutes to complete, but there is no set time requirement for this ritual. I focus on the water as I address my father, and although my words vary from day to day, they always come from the heart.

For example, I might say: “My beloved father, I send you unconditional love and boundless energy, for you to progress on your side of the veil. I thank you for your contribution to my personal and spiritual growth in this lifetime, and the challenging lessons you taught me while you were in the physical body, due to your human shortcomings and insecurities. I thank you for the wisdom, strength and support you now provide me with from the spirit realm.”

I usually also send love to other family members that are important to me, such my favorite aunt and uncle. I name them one at a time, with a special greeting or a message aimed at each of them specifically.

Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies ~ Shirley Abbott

I then end by saying: “I honor all my relatives in the spirit realm, including those I never personally knew. Is send you my love and devotion, and humbly ask for your guidance and inspiration, so that I may reach my goals and dreams and help others to the best of my ability.” Then I drink the container of water upon completion of the session.

During your ancestor veneration session you can share all areas of concern, such as your love life or financial difficulties, and also request that your ancestors help others in your family with problems presented to them. A daily ancestral ritual is extremely powerful and those who practice it consistently usually notice a remarkable difference in their lives on all levels – mentally, physically and spiritually.