Well, I finally joined the crowd. Anxiously, I await the results of the genetic stew that makes up who I am. I received the DNA test, two small vials, two cotton swabs, and with a quiver of excited apprehension, I went into the mindset to meet the ghosts of my ancestral past. Wow! My sister takes this very seriously and also wants to know her genetic diseases and life expectancy. I’m not that brave yet. Crazy, I too will become someone’s Ancestral Ghost, a distant Psychic relative who loved gardening and animals and writing. I wish I could meet this future relative, have dinner with them, and advise. And in that vein of thought, I found this beautiful ceremony and want to share it.
CEREMONY FOR HONORING ANCESTORS
For family gatherings, there is a ceremony to bring out the photo albums and research of newly discovered genetic ancestors. For kids who could care less about their heritage, taking it beyond photo albums and adding the mystery and intrigue of a dinner with ancestral ghosts will get them excited. Sisters and brothers anxious to share the results of their DNA tests and newly discovered historical family research will find the dinner with ancestors an excellent catalyst for discussion. It is the discovery of genetic interests, appearance, hobbies, and personality similarities that makes this such fun Each person brings a picture of an ancestor and places a trinket representing their heritage on a shared shelf or table. What follows for dinner with ancestral spirits can lead to readings, blessings, prayer, and mediumship. Here are the steps.
STEP ONE –
Ancestral Items to add to your table, shelf, or alter are old photos, postcards, flags, and heirloom trinkets from the country of your roots. Kids can be encouraged to add to the collection encouraging them to know the story of their family. If you have a family tree chart, place it here. Those fortunate enough to have ancestors buried close by can do a gravestone rubbing and add to the collection. Your ancestral shelf should feel safe and be a blend of many different people and cultures. Don’t worry if it looks cluttered. Your Ancestral table will be interesting and energetically beautiful.
STEP TWO – THE FAMILY MEAL
A harvest dinner shared with family, a circle of spiritual friends, or just by oneself. Serve food that represents the harvest with homemade bread. Prepare the table with tea candles. If a family member has recently died, light a candle in their honor first, and say their name. For each person in your genetic family light a candle and say their name.
When all the candles on the table have been lit, the entire family should circle the collection of pictures and related trinkets. Choose the oldest adult in the room present, or the family matriarch, to lead the meditation prayer.
THE MEDITATION PRAYER
“This is the night when the gateway between
our world and the spirit world is thinnest.
Tonight is a night to call out those who came before us.
Tonight we honor our ancestors.
Spirits of our ancestors, we call to you,
and we welcome you to join us for this night.
We know you watch over us always,
protecting us and guiding us,
and tonight we thank you.
We invite you to join us and share our meal.”
Because this is a meal to honor and invite the spirits of your heritage, a serving of each food will go on the ancestors’ plate first. This symbolic gesture is of respect, courtesy and heartfelt love. Now, over food, laughter and wine is the time to share the fascinating stories you have discovered on ancestral family members.