This ritual is designed to foster a sense of remembrance and gratitude for your ancestors.

This ritual can be done at any time of the year, however many cultures believe that the days around Halloween are the most powerful time for ancestor work.

Materials Needed

• A simple candle that holds significance for you. ( I always use natural beeswax candles because parafin and soy candles can be harfmul to your health. Here’s a link to my favorite, american-made beeswax candles )*

• A small dish of water (to symbolize reflection)

• Optional: Photos or mementos of your ancestors

Ritual Steps

1. Create a Sacred Space: Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Set up a small altar or table where you can place your candle and any photos or mementos. Decorate with marigolds or other symbols of the Day of the Dead if you wish.

2. Light the Candle: Hold the candle in your hands for a moment, setting your intention to connect with your ancestors. Light the candle, taking a moment to focus on the flame as it flickers to life.

3. Gaze at the Flame: Sit comfortably and focus your gaze on the candle flame. Allow your mind to settle, breathing deeply and slowly. As you watch the flame, visualize it as a bridge connecting you to your ancestors.

4. Invite Their Presence: With each breath, invite your ancestors to join you in this space. You can say a silent or spoken invitation, such as, “I welcome you, my beloved ancestors, to share in this moment with me. If you feel conflicted about your ancestor, you can invite “only those ancestors who work for my highest good.”

5. Reflect and Listen: As you continue to gaze at the candle, be open to any thoughts, memories, or feelings that arise. The flame may bring to mind stories or messages from your ancestors. If you feel comfortable, jot down any insights that come to you.

6. Water Reflection: After gazing at the candle for about 10-15 minutes, take the dish of water and gently place it next to the candle. Look into the water’s surface, allowing it to reflect the candle’s light. This symbolizes the flow of energy between the living and the spirit world.

7. Express Gratitude: Conclude the ritual by thanking your ancestors for their presence and guidance. You may wish to share a memory or a message of love, either aloud or in your heart. You may also wish to release them back to the spirit realm, sending them on their way with your love and blessings.

8. Extinguish the Candle: Allow the candle to burn for as long as you feel comfortable. When you’re ready to extinguish it, do so gently, perhaps saying a final thank you.

Closing:

Keep any photos or mementos on your altar for as long as feel right, as your transistion into the Winter season. Yule is a good time to clear your altar and refresh it for Winter Solstice.

*Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through those links. Thank you for supporting my work!