To Bless an Ancestor Altar

Set up your altar as you would like it to be. Arrange the objects with care, with room for tokens and offerings to be added. Alongside your altar components, prepare your space with a candle and/incense, salt, water, and a sprig of some cleansing herb (such as rosemary or juniper). As you lay out each item, say:

As this shrine is laid, so too is the veil drawn open.

As these trinkets are placed, so too is the gate prepared.

Light a candle and incense (if used), allowing them to burn steadily before proceeding. If you are not able to use a candle or incense, you might consider using a battery operated candle alternative or ringing a bell to signify the ‘activation’ of the space. After a moment, pick up the candle (if used) and hold it over the altar so that the space is bathed in its light, saying:

By flame’s tongue and fire’s breath,

I ward this space from harm and death.

Let only kin and kindred pass—

The rest be turned, every last.

Take up the bowl of water and hold pour the salt into it, saying:

By water of well and salt of the earth,

I cleanse this place and mark its worth.

No shadow linger, no ill draw near—

This ground is hallowed for the honored dear.

Take up the herbal sprig and use to stir the salt into the water. Sprinkle the salt water over the altar, saying:

Come now, ye blood of my own,

Kin of spirit, flesh, and bone—

Come from the field, the fell, the sea,

From distant lands and honored be.

I call you to this table laid,

This hallowed hearth, this sacred shade.

Take up this seat, this bless-ed ground—

Be fed, be named, be homeward bound.

Pause, and listen. Feel for their presence. Place a photograph, token, or effigy on the altar, saying:

I give you face, I give you form,

I name you kin—fated, chosen, born.

Here may you rest, and here remain,

Until the veil is drawn again.

Pour or place your chosen offering before the candle, saying:

Take now this boon, by light and flame,

Take it as love, as gift, as name.

May you be warmed, may you be fed,

May peace be yours, my honored dead.

Bow your head and offer a thought or whisper of thanks. Ring a bell, knock thrice upon the table, or simply say:

The gate is opened, the seat is claimed.

This altar is now your home and hearth.

Let the candle burn at least a while longer in their honor. Tend the space as often as you desire with fresh offerings, words, and remembrance.