Choose the table, mantle, dresser, etc.,
where you will set up your altar.
Pick four stones or crystals for the four corners -
the four corners of the world.
You will need a carafe or wine decanter 
to hold spirit water -
white rum or vodka and spring water that you bless.
 

You may wish to include family pictures or objects 
that either belonged to family members,
or that you decide will represent them.
If you use an altar cloth it is traditional
to have one that is fringed.
Fringe is one way to connect your consciousness
with that of the Ancestors.
Candles and incense are optional
but a nice addition.
 

There are three classes of Ancestors;
our blood Ancestors,
the Ancestors of our spiritual lineage,
and the Ancestors of the land where we live.
We may choose to honor all three classes.
 

One way to honor the Ancestors of the land
is to place a pot of earth on the altar.
A way to honor the spiritual Ancestors
is to place an object with a symbol of your spiritual path,
e.g., a Pentacle for Wiccans,
the Awen for Druids, etc., on the altar.
 

Dedication of the Ancestor Altar:
prepare food and drink that would appeal
to your Ancestors in life,
and offer them to the Ancestors.
State your intentions that this is a sacred space
where you will honor and remember your Ancestors.
Ask them for their aid.
You don't need to include all your Ancestors -
it's a good idea to state that only those Ancestors
who come in love and peace, 
and to do no harm,
are welcome.
 

At the first feast, at the time of Dedication,
and for future food and drink offerings,
(remember the Ancestors regularly with food)
bless the food and say,
 

"O blood of my blood, I am your child.
I bring you (name the food and drink)
for your nourishment.
Know that you are loved and respected.
Accept this offering for our good.
Watch over your descendant:
Let there be no death,
let there be no illness, let there be no accident,
let there be no upheaval,  let there be no poverty,
let there be no ill fate
(name any other attributes you wish to dispel).
Stand fast for me, for my good fortune,
for my wealth, for my happiness,
for my home, for my health
(name any other attributes you wish to attract).
Thank you, blood of my blood.
Thank you, O mighty dead".
 
 
 

Daily Prayer to the Ancestors:
 
 

"O Good and Mighty Dead,
you who wish me only good, hear me:
guide and guard me, 
and when the time comes, greet me.
You are neither blind nor deaf to this life I live;
you did yourself once share it.
I come to you in love and trust.
I seek to honor you".
 
 

A Prayer for the Living:
 
 

"To my kindred (name all you wish to remember).
May the blessing of the spirit be upon you.
May you be your best self.
May you walk in beauty.
May your guides be with you at every crossroads.
May you be honorably greeted when you arrive".
 
 

                          Prayers from Luisah Teisch, "Jambalaya"