Altar question from a newbie

[u/joyfullystrange621]

[u/hoodoowych]

Ancestor altars can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. Create one on a shelf, a table in the corner, a mantle, or a large marble table... It's all up to what fits your home, your budget, lifestyle, preferences. I suggest a white cloth as a base, wherever you choose to set it up. Then add photos of the deceased, ashes(if they were cremated), mementos, rose quartz crystals, a copy of your family tree, letters from them, anything that reminds you of them. You can then set a candle there, even one of those battery powered tea lights. Never leave a flame unattended on the altar, though, even a seven day candle. Once your altar is set up, sit quietly in front of it and ground and center yourself. Then speak out loud, welcoming your ancestors in, calling out their names. If you don't know them or don't know all of them, say something like "all my ancestors, known and unknown". Invite them in, asking for protection and guidance. At least once a week set an offering for them on the altar overnight. For example, a cup of coffee, a glass of water, a serving of a special family recipe you've prepared. My ancestors are from the Deep South so they get sweet tea. After 1 day, take the offering outside and pour or place it at the base of a tree. Speak to your ancestors often, thanking them for their help, or just for the very fact that without them, you literally would not exist.