Harriet Tubman is a pivotal figure in American history, renowned for her courageous efforts as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, where she led hundreds of enslaved people to freedom. Her contributions significantly advanced the cause of abolition and the well-being of Black Americans, making her an enduring symbol of resistance against slavery and oppression.
Backstory: this ancestor's characteristics and vision
Harriet Tubman was born into slavery around 1822 in Maryland as Araminta Ross. Her story is a lesson in transmutation. Since an early age, she endured harsh conditions and brutal treatment that included severe head injuries from an overseer. This fuelled the fierce tenacity, bravery, resilience and determination she exhibited.
She remained fiercely committed to freedom, not only her own but also to that of others. After escaping slavery in 1849, she sacrificed her safety by returning to rescue others.
These symbols reinforce her legacy as a beacon of hope and resilience for future generations.
The North Star: This symbolizes guidance and hope for those seeking freedom; it was used by Tubman and others on the Underground Railroad as a navigational aid.
The Lantern: Representing illumination in darkness, it signifies Tubman's role in guiding enslaved individuals toward safety.
Broken chains: These symbolize Tubman's life long vision of freedom from slavery.
Other noteworthy points
Despite facing immense challenges, including threats to her life, Tubman's mission was largely successful during her lifetime; she made approximately 13 missions back to the South to rescue enslaved people. While some aspects of her broader vision for social justice were not fully realized during her lifetime—such as full equality for Black Americans—her legacy continues to inspire activism today.
Notable quotes attributed to Tubman include the following.
"I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves."
This statement serves as a powerful call to action for current and future generations to recognize subtler forms of current day racism that enslave black people and the remaining space for improvement.
In summary, Harriet Tubman's life exemplifies courage in the face of oppression and serves as an enduring inspiration for ongoing struggles against injustice.
The Black community of Tulsa, particularly during the early 20th century, is historically significant for its establishment of Greenwood, known as "Black Wall Street," which became a prosperous hub for African American businesses and culture. The community's resilience and economic success served as a beacon of hope and empowerment for Black people across the United States, illustrating the potential for self-sufficiency and prosperity despite systemic racism.
Backstory: the ancestors' characteristics and vision The individuals within the Tulsa Black community were characterized by their determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong sense of community. Leaders like O.W. Gurley, who was instrumental in developing Greenwood, exemplified these traits through their commitment to uplift their community against racial oppression. The lesson in transmutation here is in resistance that intensified through personal experiences with discrimination and violence. The result is fostering a collective resolve to create a thriving environment where African Americans could live freely and prosperously. This spirit was tragically tested during the Tulsa Massacre in 1921 when white mobs destroyed much of Greenwood, yet it also ignited a fierce desire among survivors to rebuild and advocate for civil rights.
Symbol ideas for ancestral altars
The Phoenix: Symbolizing rebirth and resilience after destruction; it reflects the community's ability to rise from the ashes of the massacre.
Greenwood’s Historic Buildings: Representing economic achievement and cultural pride; these structures serve as reminders of what was lost but also what can be rebuilt.
The Color Green: Often associated with growth and renewal; it signifies hope for future generations to thrive.
Other story points with inherent calls to action for current and future generations Despite facing immense challenges following the massacre, including loss of life and property, the legacy of Tulsa's Black community has endured through ongoing efforts to reclaim their narrative and seek justice. While many initiatives faced setbacks during their lifetimes—such as limited reparations or recognition—their struggles laid groundwork for future civil rights movements. Current generations continue to draw inspiration from this history, advocating for social justice reforms and economic empowerment within Black communities nationwide. Notable quotes that resonate include those from leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois who emphasized the importance of education and activism: "The cost of liberty is less than the price of repression." This call to action remains relevant today as communities strive toward equity and justice.
Kandake Amanirenas recognized that the Emperor Caesar had already conquered Egypt and would soon thereafter expand further South to also conquer Nubi (Northern regions of Africa, below Egypt).
Her husband King had died in an earlier battle, leaving her to manage on her own. She needed to think swiftly and strategicallybecause her army was much smaller than that of the Romans. Consequently, she planned a surprise attack against the Romans in Egypt. She did not even await their approach or attack. She lead her roughly 30,000 soldiers Northward for this attack with swords, bows and arrows, and won. In fact, the victory was so good that she captured 3 Roman cities.
Not surprisingly, the Roman emperor was angered and retaliated by invading Kush. The Romans destroyed an old capital and sold thousands of Kushites into slavery. Kandake Amanirenas counterattacked quickly and repeatedly. Her spirit was that of an unapologetic fighter. For instance, paintings suggest that she fed captives to her pet lion and used war elephants. In one of these battles, she lost her left eye. However, that did not stop her. As if arising out of a short autumn to winter hibernation, she continued fighting once healed. After 3 years of further battles, Amanirenas was able to force the Romans into a stalemate. At this point, she sent a peace treaty with terms that would assure the well being of her people which he signed before retreating, even from Egypt.
Overall, the battle between Caesar and Amanirenas lasted for 5 years. However, Caesar agreed to leave Egypt and leave Nubia alone.
One-eyed. She only saw through her right eye because her left one had been blinded in battle with the Romans. CK. I find it oddly coincidental that the Egyptian Eye of the Sun god Ra symbol is usually depicted as the right eye and represents power, fury, and violence. Ra's eye, like Amanirenas' remaining eye, symbolizes power, fury and violence. I would add laser focus. Amanirenas’ ability to succeed her entire family that consisted of only males was likely responsible for her being described (by European scholars) as masculine. While this description was likely a butthurt, her energy was necessarily masculine. It is coincidentally significant that she succeeded her husband and sons who had died in battle. Again this parallels the way that Ra sent his daughter to punish his disrespectful followers. In short, the one-eye symbology also embodies the mission of Ra’s daughter.
Bundle
of golden arrows symbolizes the kandake's brilliant achievement of peaceful resolution, albeit with defiance. When she had stalemated the Romans, leaving them unable to advance in their attack against her (new) capital, she sent a peace treaty with a bundle of arrows. The defiant message read "This gift is from the Kandake. If you want peace, this is a token of her warmth and friendship. But if you want war, keep the arrows because you are going to need them." (As typical of her people, she was an archer).
3 cities (she captured three major Roman cities). Somewhat like the biblical story of Gideon, the repetition of the psychic number 3 might suggest that she accepted a spiritual calling and was consequently granted supernatural intervention because, like Gideon, her army was considerably smaller and, ordinarily a huge mis-match against the opponent. Other mentions of 3 include the length of her reign, 30 years.
Other general details.
Her full title was Kandake Amnirense Qore Li Kdwe Li. She lived in the 1st century BC and ascended the throne in her early 20s and bore 2 sons with her husband king (likely Emperor Terigetas).
Amani (as a name or name prefix) pays homage to the kandake. Several successors adopted her name ‘Amani’ in their titles like Queens Amanishakheto (10 BCE – 1 CE) and Amanitore (1CE – 25CE).
She died in her 50s.
Kush is modern-day Sudan.
The description of her being a masculine woman unsurprisingly came from a Greek scholar, Strabo. This continues to be the butthurt of white supremacy when faced with black women who resist and win against European imperialist antics. Afterall, she had succeeded her entire immediate royal family that consisted of only male relatives. Besides, she never remarried after her husband's death. Regardless, as the study of the hermetic principle of gender shows, masculine energy has little to do with the male gender. It is therefore fitting to commend her for knowing when and how to use masculine energy.
CONTENT RELATED TO HISTORY TO MEET THE ANCESTOR KANDAKE AMANIRENAS
Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr was a Jamaican political activist. He was the founder and first President-General of the still operational Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).
One of the earliest fathers of pan-Africanism (Pan-Africanism is a general term for various movements in Africa and the diaspora that have as their common goal the unity of Africans and the elimination of colonialism and white supremacy from the continent. It focuses on upliftment.)
Revolutionary, visionary and action-oriented. In fact, he roused the suspicion of some governments, like the US and Costa Rican governments. They considered him a 'trouble maker'. In fact, the FBI surveilled him and tried to find ways of imprisoning him until they forced the issue, imprisoning him for 3 of a 5-year sentence. Example(s) of his revolutionism.
He founded a shipping company that owned a ship called the SS Black Star Line. This ship's mission was to repatriate the diaspora to West Africa.
He was very publicly vocal about pan-Africanism in public speeches and articles, even owning newspapers for this purpose in different countries. He held the first international conference for like-minded black people. Among his messages was the, at the time, novel idea like reparations and trade unionism in support of fair treatment of black workers. These ideas were particularly revolutionary for their time because black people had only recently emerged from slavery and were even far more severely marginalized than today. Consequently, many of his ideas likely seemed hard to conceive and even overly ambitious.
To continue from the SS Black Starline, which was to make a positive spin on the Trans-Atlantic trade, was entrepreneurial by also including commercial ventures like the restaurant business and laundry services. His vision was to expand a black commercial network. He was already promoting the idea of buying from black-owned businesses.
He promised that, even in death, he can be counted on to be the Marcus Garvey he aspired to be. Essentially, this is his call to action to others who will step forward to welcome his ancestry. Ancestors had visions that could not be completed in their life time for one reason or other. The baton is therefore passed on.
Symbol ideas you may use on your altar
Pan-African flag.
Red: the blood that unites all people of Black African ancestry, and shed for liberation;
Black: for the people whose existence as a nation, though not a nation-state, is affirmed by the existence of the flag;
Green: the abundant and vibrant natural wealth of Africa, the Motherland.
Other details about the pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey
His life spanned from 17 August 1887 to 10 June 1940. He was born in Saint Ann's Bay, Jamaica. However, he traveled widely, living at different points in countries that include his home country of Jamaica, Costa Rica (Limón province), Panama, the US and England.
He needed to start working at 14 to help his household. To this end and somewhat prophetically, he worked as an apprentice in a printery.
He died after a series of strokes in 1940. Although initially buried in London, in 1964 his remains were moved to Jamaica.
CONTENT RELATED TO HISTORY TO MEET THE ANCESTOR PAN-AFRICANIST MARCUS GARVEY
Ken Saro-Wiwa (10 Oct 1941 to 10 Nov 1995) was a Nigerian writer and activist for human rights and the environment. He was killed while fighting a non-violent campaign against the extreme environmental damage that indiscriminate petroleum waste dumping caused by foreign companies, especially the Royal Dutch Shell company to his Ogoni people's homeland in the oil-rich Niger Delta. This suffering occurred because his people's land was a key target by oil companies who dug for oil without adequate safety and human rights measures.
He became such a thorn in the side of corrupt government officials and Shell that he was eventually hung on trumped up charges. Needless to say, his execution provoked international outrage, even resulting in the suspension of Nigeria from the Commonwealth of nations for 3 years. For a while, his activism placed him in the crosshairs of those who benefited from the corruption. For instance, he was imprisoned for several months without trial by the military police as an attempt to silence him.
The legal, non-spiritual conclusion: Lawsuits against Royal Dutch Shell
Human rights cases were brought against Shell for criminal human rights violations, including summary execution, inhumane treatment, arbitrary arrest and detention. With an abundance of material wealth, Shell paid this sum easily, albeit grudgingly. However, do not lose sight of that the spirit guiding a company to act this way is hardly likely to truly change. Rather, like any other psychopathic energy, it learns to be more surreptitious. For instance, rather than more easily recognizable tactics like summary execution and other physical warfare, it uses more spiritual forms of warfare like character assassination and gang stalkingpsyops. In short, it simply continues in this vein whenever opportunities present themselves.
Backstory: this ancestor's characteristics and vision.
This ancestor had a mission but was unable to complete his mission in his desired way (ie to immediately protect the well being of his people). You decide whether aspects of his characteristics will help or hinder your specific set of circumstances before inviting them into avatar. It is painful to watch Ken Saro-Wiwa's dignified calls for peaceful protests, knowing that greed for money would ultimately motivate the military government to respond by killing him. Essentially, he projected onto Shell and the military government the positive response he would likely have given had the tables been turned. The imagined response was, "We respect your humanity. Let us talk about how we can invest our vast resources to devise a mutually beneficial path." When you call upon the ancestors, they are often those who were unable to complete their mission. Calling upon ancestors who were unable to complete their mission is a matter of not only thanking them for the point to which they brought us but very importantly of volunteering to succeed them in their cause so as to either push their mission further or succeed. Regarding his success. At the very least, Ken Saro-Wiwa's death brought international awareness and roused emotions. Furthermore, the unique legal approach to tackling Shell created a noteworthy precedent.
He made sacrifices for his people's future. He understood that he was dealing with a war. It is worth also noting that many youths died as they protested. This created tensions among his people, many of whom began to think he should revert to more peaceful, albethey ineffective forms of protests.
After his peaceful protests and requests were being ignored as his people struggled with the negative impact on their wellbeing, he organized a group of youths to sabotage Shell's infrastructure which successfully forced Shell to pause operations in his people's land for a short while. Unfortunately however, this meant that the military government went from perceiving him as a small nuisance to be ignored to being their single biggest internal threat because a significant part of their income was this operation. In response, the military government responded with ever-increasing violence and thuggery against Ken Saro-Wiwa's activists. The mysterious killing of 4 chiefs of a rival tribe was blamed on him. Not only was he imprisoned without evidence but the court case involved various false witnesses that later admitted to being bribed. Despite the international outcry, he, along with 8 other leading members, together called the 'Ogoni 9' were sentenced to be hanged.
He organized people.
In response to the social injustice and environmental degradation of his people, he founded an activist group.
His dying words (about the fight continuing after his death) were not only prophetic but also a call-to-action, especially to you who have chosen to seek out this type of content.
He was a peaceful and respectful, yet bold negotiator. Example(s)
He sent a bill of rights to the government. (A bill of rights is a summary of rights and privileges guaranteed to a people against violations by the government. Common terms include the freedom of speech). This was bold because his group was a micro-minority (accounting for only 1% of the country's population and he had no real bargaining power). From the perspective of the government and Shell, he was too big for his britches and can be brushed aside and ignored without regard for his humanity.
He was persistent. As anyone understanding the West knows, this characteristic encourages organizations like Shell to consider Ken Saro-Wiwa as a 'trouble maker' to be cut down rather than consider his humanity and that of the many people whose suffering was clear from Shell's irresponsible practices. For instance,
After being unable to get a response from the government or Shell, he organized 1/3 of his people for a peaceful protest.
His words just before being killed were "Lord, take my soul but the struggle continues." These words almost seem like the result of his divine opportunity to give a final call-to-action. Specifically, he said these final words after the executioner's 4th failed attempt but succumbed in the following attempt.
“I am more dangerous dead than alive"
“Whether I live or die is immaterial. It is enough to know that there are people who commit time, money and energy to fight this one evil among so many others predominating worldwide. If they do not succeed today, they will succeed tomorrow.”
“In this country (England], writers write to entertain, they raise questions of individual existence, but for a Nigerian writer in my position, you can’t go into that. Literature has to be combative.”
A pen / a pen and a (symbolic) sword. He was a writer, as he said, not of stories but activism to save the future of his people.
CONTENT RELATED TO HISTORY TO MEET THE ANCESTOR KEN SARO WIWA
A libation is an African ritual that involves pouring usually a liquid as an offering / sacrifice to a spirit with which you are nurturing a relationship.
Relationships that are honored in libations
The relationships are typically with
ancestors
named
others (likely un-named) who can pass down knowledge and traits [that you specify during your calling upon]
shamans. (Shamans is an intermediary between the physical and spirit words. They are healers, speak with the spirit world using altered states of consciousness and escort depart souls to the spirit world. They have the power to influence the spirit world)
those who fought for a cause with which you align. I refer to these ancestors as the covenant bloodline.
energies from the [4 cardinal points] / the energies in the [4 elements]
animals in nature (who may send you signs)
Libations may be offered to the living and dead.
Relationships are not limited to those with humans but can also include those with the spirits of the Earth, animal kingdom (who gave you signs), feminine or other specific energy within yourself and so on. If you garden with passion, consider that, when you water your plants, you are essentially offering libations to the spirit of the Earth.
Purpose of Libations Libations are used for a few reasons.
The predominant reason is to pay homage. Paying homage is an acknowledgement that essentially says something like 'I am grateful for your presence', 'I respect you greatly', 'I admire your a-b-c traits'.
To make an offering.
Offerings are way of saying 'thank you'.
In some religious practices, offerings have otherwise been used for making atonement for a past wrong. I do not know if libations as offerings are typically done for this purpose. However, since libations are a matter of expression within a relationship, I think that offerings to say 'I'm sorry' is also fitting.
To request something.
Occasions during which libations are used Libations are a matter of communicating your position within a relationship. They are much like how you communicate for the same reasons in human relationships to pay homage by saying 'I love and respect you'; to give gift offerings, whether for special occasions or for no particular reason or say 'Can you help me please?'. Like any other human connection, your timing and frequency for doing libations is a matter of the closeness of your relationship with the spirit. Libations may therefore be done
The offering most commonly involves pouring a liquid. Regardless of the substance, it has some very personal and spiritual symbolism and significance to practitioners.
water
coconut water
alcoholic beverages, like wine, rum and so on
oil, like olive oil, palm oil, ghee
milk
honey
rice (not common)
Single practitioners may use different substances according to the current purpose of the libation. For instance, water is used for a subtler effect when doing work that involves healing and blessings. Conversely, alcohol is used for more fiery ceremonies that may involve deploying energy, striking back at enemies and so on.
Vessels into which libations are poured
The vessels often are a matter of practicality. For instance, people unable to pour libations onto the ground may do so into a glass jar, bowl, a house plant or other.
The Process of Pouring Libations Do not worry about doing the process perfectly. Sincerity is most important.
Before you begin:
decide for whom you are pouring libations and the appropriate greeting
Optional. Spend time contemplating their work, their photographs, words, writings, things they said to which you wish to respond and so on. in the case of famous people, look at documentaries about them.
Call upon the spirit in a very specific way. Example(s)
I invoke / call upon the spirit of ... [to be highly specific about who or what you are calling up, describe traits of the spirit that are specifically relevant to you in the moment.]
I salute the energies from the [4 cardinal points] / the energies in the [4 elements]'
Assume a body posture that is most meaningful and practical for you. Example(s)
Kneel while pouring the libations. Specifically, place the right knee to the ground. Remember to proceed in comfort. Consequently, if your knees are hurt, stand.
Stand
Pour a small amount of the libation substance.
Pour libation liquid (water, wine, etc) onto the bare earth in your garden
Pour libation liquid (water, wine, etc) into a ceremonial bowl on your altar
Pour libation liquid (water, wine, etc) into the soil of a house plant
Say 'Ase' / 'Axe' [pronounced AH SHAY'] which means 'power' or 'Amen' which means 'so it is'.
-- --
Give your message as per your reason for the libation.
Close with your word of supplication (like 'ase' or 'amen') 3 times.
See a gentleman pouring libations with water for his ancestors at the 'Door of No Return' on Goree Island in Senegal. This was an historic point from which captured Africans were placed on ships to cross the Atlantic to their slavery.
Connecting with your African ancestors (Ancestral Reverance)
Most people call upon the ancestors to build a relationship, much like the relationship one would have with a physical person. However, the relationship is based on honoring and taking guidance, just as you would regarding highly esteemed elders. Ancestors are perceived as elders that are capable of sharing wisdom and guidance. You can invite ancestors to be your spirit guides, but somewhat in the way that psychic mediumship occurs. Specifically, you can ask them to give you signs, make you feel and sense things that help to guide you. Of course, you must select the ancestors that are appropriate because of their knowledge and wisdom.
The interaction with ancestors can take several forms. For instance, in many African traditions, ancestors are invited to attend major functions with libations during the birth of a child, weddings, funerals, before major interviews, speech engagements and so on. However, do not wait for big community level events, African people should connect with the ancestors alone in the privacy of an altar at home.
If you develop a close relationship with your ancestors, they can download knowledge and wisdom to you that is beyond your normal human capacity, this is especially the case when you have a special mission and they have chosen and gathered around you very specifically in accordance.
Here is a very beautiful artistic production depicting a calling upon ancestors to unlock and bestow powers within our DNA. My layperson interpretation is that the protagonist, a (spiritual) descendent called upon her ancestors. She made her intentions very clear by even writing them down to bring them into the physical. She intended to consciously "carry her ancestors with every step and decision she makes". With that, her consciousness entered into the spiritual realm, perhaps through sleep, deep meditation, trance or the like. While in the spiritual realm, she met ancestors who performed rituals to honor her intentions. When she returned to the physical realm in a conscious state, she sees how her work in the spiritual realm can manifest into physical reality, as depicted by what seems to be a trifoliate cross (of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity that online sources suggest alludes to the cross as the Tree of Life as well as to the divine aureole of Christ borne on the wings of the Four Beasts). The fact that each of the 3 projections of the cross has its own 3 additional projections suggests to me that the magic of the trinity is magnified in the trifoliate cross. The eldest of her ancestors to represent her 'ancient' ancestors had given her that cross while she was in the spiritual realm. However, it is now with her physically. While in the spiritual realm, she was given special insight (as symbolized by the glasses she wore in order to see, receive and appreciate what the gift was). The ancestor explained that the cross was "magic". Once she got that gift, a scene that had been previously shown repeats. However, instead of her running in the upside-down state, depicting a state of confusion, the scene is upright because she now runs with the internal presence of her ancestors and the birthright magick they have returned to her. Another before - after contrast is her clothing. Before meeting her ancestors, the scene is monochromatic. Consequently, the white clothing she wore that featured vertical stripes resemble black prison bars. However, since awakening with the presence of her ancestors, she appears in yellow clothing. This is noteworthy because yellow is the constant color of Yoruba goddess Oshun's clothing. Oshun symbolizes feminine power. Coincidentally, yellow is also the color of the solar plexus chakra which is an energetic center of personal power. The surroundings in the physical and spiritual realms are precisely the same, except that, when in the spiritual realm, she can see and interact with her ancestors who have always been around her. For instance, at the start, she seems alone as she lies down in a bedroom. However, when she awakens within the spiritual realm, the ancestors seem to have always been standing around her in that same room. They stand around her as if on guard and always ready to give support. They are so benevolent that they have laid flowers around her body, even though she cannot see any of this in the physical realm. Her magic is felt energetically by the rest of the natural world as depicted by the momentary startling of birds and deer when her power gets re-beamed onto earth. The yellow light that hovers around the levitating body of her spirit body symbolizes her empowerment. Perhaps she still needs to work on her activation because her clothing is the same, albeit with color that makes the vertical lines look blue, and therefore less insurmountable. However, the scene turns from grayscale to color once she stretches upon awakening and realizes that the cross has manifested physically. Interestingly enough, the film is 4:44 long, an angel number that reminds you that the spirit realm has your back. The video carries so much symbolism, much of which I sadly do not understand. However, here are some other symbols. When the ancestors hold the already-plaited hair of their descendant, they were alluding to how African hair connects African people to the other realm and their ancestors. Perhaps it is a reminder of this and a call to continue plaiting traditions (not only for special events). Maybe the fact that there are 4 ancestors coincide with possible correspondence with Four beasts on whose wings Christ was carried. The ritual of jumping over a flame is to cleanse the spirit of an old period in preparation for the new period (usually year). Skull symbolism is also very strong as the descendant walks through the house. Perhaps the deer is symbolic. It was dead in the spiritual realm, its eyes becoming the focus as she spoke of an inability to see light while falling through darkness but alive when she returned has some significance.Video by Witch Project "Witch Prophet - DNA Activation (Short Film) | Polaris Prize 2020"
What examples do you have? Maybe Joan of Arc was an example.
Who are ancestors? ... or which ancestors are you calling?
Much like the physical world in which we can not reasonably expect any single person to be capable of meeting all of our needs, so too is the spiritual world. I will therefore discuss the different types of ancestors so that you can figure which you need.
Ancestors may be passed blood relatives (recent or from more ancient times), adoptive family and or significant role models who have followed a path which you now choose to emulate. Common mainstream examples of the latter include figures like Buddha, Haile Selassie, shamans, Christs and so on. High level work on the planet often attracts and gets the attention of ancient ancestors, ie ancestors with more psychic power and wisdom, untainted by modern life adulterations. These powers often involved agreements with the living planet that allowed our ancestors to have close collaborative relationships with the plant and animal kingdoms. This is why they often knew healing herbs and so on.
'Ancestors' very often refer our spiritual ancestors. For clarity, these ancestors are not necessarily blood relatives but those ancestors who are part of the same spiritual covenant. Consider the saying that "the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb". While referenced 'blood' sacrifice may be literal, it can also refer to any type of pain or sacrifice a devotee to their covenant endures while honoring that covenant. In fact, devotees even give up their blood relative family if that is what it takes to honor the convent.
I sometimes think of spiritual ancestors as my 'covenant brothers' with whom I share a covenant bloodline. Even if they were born and lived on a different covenant, their actions in history spoke loudly. I know they had made an agreement with God / the spirit world, ie the same agreement to which his descendants (like me) is bound. When I look at developments in the news with a new generation of youths I have never met shout their allegiance through their actions, I see that they are my 'covenant offspring'.
To be clear however, this reverence for the ancestors is not worship. It is meant to be a relationship, much like one has with blood relatives. In our physical relationships, we do not worship blood relatives or friends when we throw them parties, give toasts in their honorat elaborate ceremonies like weddings or speak with a bowed head on the altar of their funeral. Anyone who has watched shows that feature modern day mediums (like Long Island Medium, Tyler Henry and so on) knows that real spiritual communication and relationship occur.
When entering into a new environment, you may address its ancestors. This is much like the respectful act of requesting entry from a doorman. If he lets you in, you are more likely to have a safe and peaceful stay.
Your ancestors of interest may even include those before you who have passed on their negative karmic debt, aka ancestral debt. As in the physical world (like when your parent dies before paying off for an item they bought), passed on debts refer to unresolved issues that you inherit because of your association with the ancestor(s). Debts may show up as family cycles of certain kinds of (social) traumatic situation or particular physical or mental diseases. For instance, there is a statistically significantly higher incidence of diabetes among oppressed people of color, a fact that also correlates with physiological forms of suffering involving increased stress hormones and significant spikes in blood sugar levels (Dr Dawn Elise, aka on YouTube as Doc Snipes, her video on C-PTSD). Part of your mission may involve breaking generational curses and clearing those cycles from your lineage. For this reason, like a loving family member, you may call upon those ancestors to clear their ancestral debts. (Needless to say, hopefully, the same may be done by those whose families have caused the trauma.) See more about ancestral debts (below).
Getting back to my discussion on calling on the appropriate ancestor, you will want to call upon ancestors with ancestral debt to help to clear their debt before meetings of groups, like family or other group members. These might include shamans that have unfinished business because they were killed off but you will finish their work or restore their glory. Ancients who conquered illness or other problems that you face may be the ones to call upon and so on.
Not All Ancestors Are Worthy !!!
Before calling upon any ancestor, find out as much as you can about them.
This is particularly important because not all ancestors are good and worthy, just as living family members are not all good. For instance, your uncle Paul who molested children will not be suitable in your home with your little children. This is because the energy of someone in life is transferred into their death.
Know what you want from the relationship with the ancestors. After all, this is likely ... or should be how you approach new relationships in your life. You approach the baker for bread, not a mechanic.
In other words, be clear in your mind about who and why you wish to invite ancestors. Then be highly specific when inviting ancestors into your life. Here is an example of steps to take when inviting ancestors into your life.
Do not embark on this process with fear.
Make a ceremony of this invitation. Be in a quiet space. Visualize white protective light around you.
Explain your goals.
State that you want only those willing and able to support you to meet those goals to come through.
State your conditions. For instance, you may demand that they come through only if they come in the spirit of love and healing.
How to Commune with Ancestors
Do not embark on this process with fear.
Set up an altar. Thoughtfully personalize the space to you and your ancestors. Here are some examples.
If you like incense, include that element.
Include elements of their heritage.
If the ancestors like blue, place gifts in a blue plate that no one else uses.
An additional tradition is to use noise makers like
shak shaks (which are very typical in African spiritual practices)
maracas
bells
When time allows, build the relationship by connecting with your ancestors from time to time, just as you would a loved one in the living world.
As with any guest, thank the ancestors for coming.
Have regular, heartfelt conversations. Do not go through the motions.
Play music that your ancestors liked or was part of their heritage. Cook traditional foods, while listening to the music of your ancestors' heritage.
There is no need for fancy speeches. You are among family!
Be a loving relative; connect purely for the sake of doing so and not only to ask for something.
They are your elders. Seek their help and guidance. Your ancestors may be the solution for when you are unsure of who you can discuss certain problems. Allow your ancestors to act as a shoulder on which to rest and release burdens.
Carry gifts. Do not meet your ancestors empty handed. Here are some gift ideas. However, be guided by what they like, even if it is to speak to them in their language or play music they like.
Offer items the ancestors enjoyed in life. In other words, you would not want to offer meat to people who were vegan. Fruits are a common example, especially those that will not rot or create problems if left out on your altar like uncut apples. (Food is for the ancestors and not for your consumption afterwards. You can offer the foods to the garden, especially if they can be easily composted).
Gifts may be used to commemorate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
You may offer your talent like music, poetry and so on.
Your summons, as for
the completion or at least furthering towards completion of missions that, for some reason or other, they were unable to complete.
"I declare and decree that all warrior ancestors of righteousness, justice & divinity are now awakened from sleep and that they rise to bring justice and righteous judgment upon the heads of our enemies yesterday, today and tomorrow, in spirit and in flesh, across all timelines, realms and dimensions, known & unknown." by Chhavi Zaine Tarot Investigator. This is a message for those ancestors who really knew who they were. They tended to be shamans, healers, seers, spiritual warriors, teachers and the like.
breaking generational curses against your ancestors. Here is a declaration by YouTuber Chhavi Zaine Tarot Investigator. Chhavi explains to write the following onto paper and then burn it with fire (a transformative energy).
I
declare and decree
that
all generational curses
over
myself, my ancestors, my offspring, the parent of my offspring
are now destroyed in spirit and in flesh
Thank God and your spiritual team for helping you to destroy the energy of the generational curse and restoring the rightful inheritance of gifts, talents and so on. Then write a personalized version of the following onto the holder of or directly onto a white candle with permanent marker. Allow the candle to burn through.
Visit daily if you can, even if you can not make a full ceremony of the encounter. Consider how, when life is hectic, you might only have a chance to rush in to the home of a loved one only to say 'hi' and 'bye' with a kiss. Keep the relationship with your ancestors alive in the same way. It counts.
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What to expect?
After you have begun to invite ancestors into your life, they may appear to you. A common way in which this happens is in your dreams.
