Chapter 8: Ritual success and Development pt.1
“Time, patience, and persistence are the makings of successful ritual.
Clean your house - remove whatever is not needed.
Get rid of clutter, especially in corners, closets, and under beds. dirt attracts negative vibrations. Get rid of plastic bags - they collect unwanted energies, organize items in boxes and bins instead.
Spiritually clean area with a floor wash or herbal mixture, and burn purifying incense to cleanse and lift the vibration levels.
Create sacred space - can be an altar or shrine sometimes called a white table, boveda or vovoda).It can be on a small table, dresser top, or the floor.
Floor shrines are set in the corner of a room; usually the basement, kitchen, or bathroom.
Basic altar should consist of:
One large glass of water
White candle
Sacred symbol of choice such as a cross
The color white is recommended because it sets the mood for a pleasant and uplifting environment that will attract superior spirits.
Depending on expertise or culture there will be one altar specifically designated for ancestors and a separate shrine designated for all other spirits.
Novice at spiritual communication are recommended to use only one glass of water and one candle in the initial stages. dedicate water and candles to specific spirits. Many spirits need and want light and prayer and will try to get it any way they can.
Those familiar with spirit communication may use numerous glasses of water.
each glass should be dedicated to a spirit guide or group of guides as they reveal themselves to you.
A variation is to take 7 glasses of water and place a cross on the top of one glass which should be dedicated to G*d. Create a circle around this one glass with the other 6. Those 6 glasses will generally be dedicated to different groups of spirits. One to the Africans, Indigenous Americans, Asians, Madamas or Slaves and so on.
Some cultures 7 glasses are placed to appease and gain aid from the spirit realm to help only family members.
9 glasses to invoke African spirits.
Glasses lined up in a ‘V’ formation for defense.
Start a dialogue with Ancestors / spirit guides to build a relationship. Set aside a day and time when you will be able to pray / talk uninterrupted.
*optional* Begin communication with prayer;
The Lord’s prayer
23rd Psalm
Guardian angel prayers
poems of inspiration
Dreams are the easiest way for spirits to communicate with us.”
- Aladokun, Oba Ilari., and Oba Ilari. Aladokun. Ancestor Paths: Honoring Our Ancestors and Guardian Spirits through Prayers, Rituals, and Offerings. Two Harbors Press, 2009.