8 Jul 2008 @ 04:37, by Mike Smith

Water and Candle, it’s perfect.

Cool Refreshing Water and Warm Bright Light:
The perfect primal symbol and perhaps most effective connecting point to access, Water and Candle.

Egungun

Honoring the ancestors: There are other articles available online that offer more elaborate details (rules) on the construction but when it really comes down to it, the Issue is… build your ancestors alter how you feel comfortable. Build it with joy. Some traditions maybe suggest a white candle and clear glass of water but that does not count if you do not feel comfortable with it. Any color candle, a bowl or cup of water works fine, if that’s how you feel good about it. How you feel about your ancestor alter makes all the difference in the results, there is no rule book written in stone and frozen in time. So you might as well enjoy the ride. While constructing your alter be creative and enjoy the time and space while doing it.

The Mojuba’s: (ancestor prayers)
When I perform my ancestor ritual I do the ceremony for 5 to 7 days in a row and I do it at a specific time each day. I light my ancestor alter, then call out each one of my ancestors name three times, then contemplate / meditate for a minute or two and then extinguish the candle. Open and close the door.

More offerings:
Once you establish a basic connection with your primary ancestor. You can effectively connect with any archetype by simply making a specific offering that aligns with that specific archetype. For example, offering a jar of honey triangulates sweetness and joy. That is, if you find joy in the honey like I do.