Ancestor Altars

Well it is getting closer and closer to Samhain, and we are in the midst of preparations and decorations (we actually decorated a part of the front porch by flashlight last night - the lightbulb went out on us, we were determined!)

Which also included the cleansing, arranging and decorating of our Ancestor Altar. Now I have an Ancestor Altar set up most of the year, but I usually do not decorate it. Around Samhain, I will add something from the season, which this year meant a little Samhain Tree (it's a black tree looking thing) with little pumpkins hanging from it. It still has plenty of space to make offerings, which we will place on it on the coming Full Moon and on Samhain itself.

A Simple Version - Beautful

Ancestor Altars are not only a part of Wiccan Traditions, but also a part of Hoodoo as an example. In Hoodoo, this type of altar is also left up all year round, and is a place for petitions. I find the practice of "adopting" and ancestor specially charming.

This place of honor is usually not used for ritual, and you can include anything that was special to the Ancestor you are celebrating. Also this is not limited
to those whom are recently deceased. For example my Grandfather passed a week after my 12th birthday, and has a special place in my heart and on that altar.

A more elaborate version of an Ancestor altar from http://mentalmohair.blogspot.com/2012_10_01_archive.html

Do you have an Ancestor Altar? What do you have on it?


Goddess Blessings!