Ancestors: Veneration, Blood, Land & Spirit

from Episode 42: Samhain, Ancestors, the Dumb Supper, the Lunar Eclipse & One Last Spooky Tale

Ancestor work is extremely personal, so, rather than walk you through a how to, I’m going to touch on some of the common basics — which is how we roll here at A is for Agrimony anyway — at least that’s what I aim for.

What is Ancestor Work? 

Ancestor work or ancestor veneration is a common practice in various witchcraft and folk traditions. It involves honoring and connecting with one's ancestors, typically to seek guidance, wisdom, and support from those who have passed on, as well as to preserve the traditions, knowledge and the legacies of the individuals who have come before us. The practice is rooted in the belief that our deceased ancestors and loved ones continue to influence our lives.

Our ancestors are considered a valuable source of wisdom, protection, and spiritual connection. When we connect with them and cultivate that connection, they can bring unique insights into the challenges and experiences that we face in our lives. By honoring and acknowledging them, we maintain a strong bond with our ancestral lineage and develop relationships that we otherwise would not have the pleasure of in this life.

Some ways that individual practitioners engage in ancestor work include:

• Creating Altars: Many practitioners create altars or shrines dedicated to their ancestors. These spaces are adorned with photographs, mementos, candles, incense, and offerings such as food, drinks, or other items that the deceased enjoyed in life. The altar serves as a focal point for communication and connection with the ancestors. Some practitioners may choose to incorporate this into their working altars while other believe it is important to keep them separate.

• Offerings: Ancestor work often involves rituals and offerings where practitioners may light candles, burn incense, and offer favorite foods or drinks to the ancestors as a way to show respect and establish a connection. These rituals can be performed on specific days, like Samhain or the Day of the Dead for example, although many practitioners agree that nurturing a relationship with ancestors is something that should continue on throughout the entire year.  

• Communication through Divination or Meditation: Divination tools, such as tarot cards, pendulums, or scrying mirrors, are sometimes used to communicate with the spirits of our ancestors. Practitioners may ask questions or seek guidance from the ancestors through these methods while Some also use meditation or trance states to establish a connection and receive insights.

• Genealogy and Research: Learning about one's family history and genealogy is often an important part of ancestor work. By discovering and understanding one's lineage, practitioners can better connect with their ancestors and understand the cultural and spiritual traditions that have been passed down through the generations.

• Protection Magick: Ancestor veneration is not only about receiving guidance but also about seeking protection. Ancestors are believed to watch over and offer protection to their descendants, similar to the concept of a guardian angel. For some witches these are one in the same, while, for others, they are altogether different. Practitioners may invoke their ancestors' presence during times of difficulty or uncertainty for not just guidance but protection from harm.

Ancestor work takes on various forms and customs depending on the cultural and spiritual background of the practitioner. But all will agree that Practitioners of ancestor work should emphasize the importance of approaching this practice with respect and sincerity as well as humility and gratitude.

Ancestor work is a deeply personal and culturally influenced practice that varies among individuals and traditions. It is a way for practitioners to maintain a connection with their roots, seek guidance, and celebrate the lives and wisdom of those who came before them.

In various spiritual and cultural traditions, there is a concept of different types of ancestors, namely ancestors of blood, land, and spirit. These distinctions represent various ways in which people connect to their ancestral heritage and their sources of guidance and support. Here's an explanation of the differences between these types of ancestors:

Ancestors of Blood

Definition: Ancestors of blood refer to one's biological or familial ancestors. These are the individuals who are genetically connected to you through your family lineage, such as parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on.

Connection: The bond with ancestors of blood is based on shared genetics and familial ties. They are the people from whom you directly descend and inherit your physical traits and genetic characteristics. – and although you may not know them, you can learn about them through relatives or genealogy work, if you have a connection with your biological family.

Importance: Ancestors of blood are often seen as the foundation of one's family heritage and are usually the first ancestors people think of when considering their lineage. However, many spiritual practitioners have no connection to their biological family or have no knowledge of them, which can make ancestor work seem challenging or even impossible. The work can still be done on a spiritual level but many are of the belief that our ancestors need not be blood relatives in all cases. Our beloved dead can be ancestors with no blood ties to us — and as the saying goes in life, “The blood of the covenant is stronger than the water of the womb.” So too can this can apply, beyond death.

But we also may connect to ancestors of land and spirit…

Ancestors of Land

Definition: Ancestors of land are the spirits or entities associated with the specific geographic area or land where you reside or have a connection. They are often related to the natural environment, local history, and the spirits of a certain place.

Connection: The connection to ancestors of land is based on a deep relationship with the land and natural environment, its history, and the spirits that inhabit it. People who practice land-based spirituality often venerate these ancestors to gain a sense of belonging and rootedness in their specific environment.

Importance: Ancestors of land play a significant role in many indigenous and nature-based spiritual traditions, as they are believed to provide protection, wisdom, and a connection to the land and its ecosystems.

Ancestors of Spirit

Definition: Ancestors of spirit are non-biological ancestors who are connected through spiritual or cultural traditions. They can include revered historical figures, spiritual teachers, mentors, inspiring figures, deities, and other entities who have influenced your spiritual or cultural path.

Connection: The connection to ancestors of spirit is based on shared beliefs, teachings, and a sense of spiritual guidance. People often seek wisdom and guidance from these ancestors to navigate their spiritual or magical practices.

Importance: Ancestors of spirit are especially important in religious and spiritual practices. They are viewed as sources of wisdom, protection, and inspiration. They may be honored through prayers, rituals, and offerings.

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As a witch, I will sometimes energetically reach out to witches of the past, specifically those who resisted the oppressive systems of their times, for guidance, inspiration or simply to honor them with ritual and offerings.

It's important to note that these categories are not mutually exclusive, and individuals may have a relationship with ancestors of all three types. However, the distinctions are useful for understanding the different ways in which people connect to their ancestral heritage and seek guidance and support. In some cultures or belief systems, these categories may be expanded or modified to suit their specific practices and beliefs.

However you decide to engage in ancestor work, remember to do so with an open heart and a strength sense of respect and gratitude. Your ancestors will return the sentiments in kind.