A Remembrance Altar: Using Sacred Space to Honor Your Ancestors
As the month of October unfolds and the daylight hours grow shorter, many witches and other practitioners of magic begin to turn their thoughts to honoring their ancestors. This practice is especially prevalent in the lead-up to Samhain, a Celtic Pagan festival that is often incorporated into the magical calendars of solitary witches and magic-folk. In its modern observation, it commonly celebrates the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, and is a time for remembering the dead. One practice that allows us to express this desire to reconnect with our honored dead is the creation of an ancestral altar or shrine. Creating an altar dedicated to honoring one’s ancestors is a magnificent way to connect with your roots, remember loved ones who have passed, and tap into the themes of death and remembrance associated with the autumn season.
It's important to note that ancestry doesn’t have to begin and end with blood relation. Incorporating a broader spectrum of ancestral figures on your altar allows you to celebrate the richness of your heritage and the people who have played pivotal roles in shaping your identity. Spiritual ancestors, whose wisdom and teachings continue to guide your spiritual path, can be honored with symbols or representations that hold significance in your faith. Cultural heroes, whether historical figures, artists, or leaders, who have left an indelible mark on your culture, can be acknowledged with images or symbols that represent their contributions. Additionally, including chosen family members—those individuals who may not be connected by blood but have forged deep emotional bonds and provided unwavering support—strengthens the sense of community and love on your altar. By weaving these diverse threads into your ancestral tapestry, your altar becomes a testament to the interconnectedness of all the influences that have shaped your life's journey.
Creating Your Ancestral Altar
Choose a Meaningful Location: Selecting the right location for your ancestral altar is crucial to many practitioners of magic. It could be a dedicated table, a corner of a room, or even a windowsill. Ideally, it should be a quiet and peaceful space where you can easily access and tend to it. Consider placing it near a window or in a place where it can catch the soft glow of candles or natural light. Or, place your shrine in an area that is significant to the theme of remembrance—such as the kitchen your family and friends have often gathered in, or a garden your relatives planted.
Decorate with Meaningful Items: The items you choose for your ancestral altar should hold personal significance and resonate with your ancestors' memory. Here are some suggestions:
· Photos: Display photographs of your ancestors. This could include grandparents, parents, friends, or even beloved pets. These images serve as a visual connection to your personal history.
· Mementos: Place meaningful objects, heirlooms, or keepsakes on the altar. These might include jewelry, clothing, or any item that has been passed down through generations.
· Candles: Light candles to symbolize the light of remembrance and to serve as a lantern to guide the spirits of your loved ones home to you. White, black, or purple candles are often used for ancestral altars. You can also use electric candles if you prefer or have concerns about open flames.
· Incense and Scent Offerings: Burning incense can help create a sacred atmosphere and honor your ancestors' spirits. Scents like lavender, frankincense, and sage are often used. Additionally, you can incorporate small simmer pots into your home or altar as a pleasing scent offering. These can be created in brewing pots or simple tealight oil diffusers.
· Offerings: Some people choose to leave offerings of food and drink for their ancestors. This could be a small plate of their favorite meal, a cup of tea, or a glass of wine. If you prefer, you can also use votive offerings—small items, trinkets, or crafts that are intended as gifts for the spirits.
· Symbols: Incorporate symbols that are meaningful to your family, community, or culture. This might include symbols of protection, prosperity, or guidance.
Set an Intention: Before you begin arranging your altar, take a moment to set your intention. Consider what you wish to achieve through this practice. Is it to connect with your ancestors, seek guidance, or simply remember and honor them? Your intention will infuse your altar with purpose and energy.
Arrange Thoughtfully: Arrange the items on your altar with care and thoughtfulness. Place the photos and mementos in a way that feels harmonious to you. Consider using a cloth or scarf in colors that resonate with your intentions and the season, such as autumnal hues.
Maintain and Connect: An ancestral altar is not a static display. It's a living tribute that benefits from regular attention. Take time to connect with your ancestors through meditation, prayer, or simply by sitting quietly in their presence. Share your thoughts, ask for guidance, or simply express your love and gratitude.
Celebrate Samhain: If you are creating your altar with Samhain in mind, you may want to hold a special holiday remembrance rite on October 31st. Light candles, burn incense, and share stories or memories of your ancestors. This is a powerful time to feel their presence and honor their legacy.
Remembrance & Tradition
Creating an altar dedicated to honoring your ancestors is a beautiful and deeply spiritual practice. It allows you to connect with your roots, remember loved ones, and embrace the traditions that have shaped your family and culture. Whether you follow the Celtic tradition of Samhain or have your own cultural or personal customs, this altar can serve as a bridge between the past and the present, fostering a sense of continuity and connection with those who came before us.
Thomasin (they/them) | Thomasin Strange is the owner of Crowsbone Boutique and founder of Broomstraws Arcanium. They have been a practitioner of magic since 1999 and has spent the past ten years focusing on reconnecting with their family’s magical heritage. Thomasin lives with their partner and their shared pets in a haunted hospital-turned-apartment-complex.