The call of the ancestors is strong. It runs deep in our bones and DNA. I have been feeling the call especially strongly this October when the veil between worlds thins. Maybe the same whispers of the ancestors are calling you.
Is it time to harken home?
5 Signs the Ancestors are Calling You
1. You have an interest in time periods or geographical locations your ancestors lived in.
2. You hear your name being spoken, but no one is there.
3. You dream of your childhood home or hometown.
4. You’re drawn to foods that you ate growing up or that was made during holidays.
5. You dream of family members living or deceased.
There is no one on Earth who does not have ancestors. Anyone can form a relationship with them if they feel the call, but we may not know what the outcome will be of this relationship.
Why work with the ancestors at all?
10 Reasons to Work with the Ancestors
1. We share a unique connection through shared history that is hard to find with any other type of spirit.
2. They’re the first ones who greet us when we die. This belief is found in many cultures across the world. I’ve seen it first hand.
3. They can offer protection and guidance.
4. They can give blessings and boons.
5. They have been human and can understand the human experience.
6. They can be initiators into folk magic traditions and/or other spirit work.
7. They can grant us spiritual inheritance. They pass down all the knowledge they gained in their lifetime through their hardships, mistakes, and successes.
8. They can help us have a sense of belonging.
9. They are our family, and have a special interest in seeing us succeed.
10. Working with them does not condone their actions when they were living, and they may seek atonement through us.
There are so many more reasons to work with ancestors beyond this list, and some reasons are so personal that it differs from person to person. The only way to know the benefits of these ancestral relationships is to experience it yourself!
What the Research Says:
1. Achieving high levels of self-transcendence through ancestor veneration may lead to decreased risk for depression and anxiety. More research is needed on this topic to be a conclusive finding (Choi et al., 2022).
2. Family history research has the potential to positively impact well-being, confidence, and self-esteem even while discovering unsavory events or people within the family tree. More research is needed on this subject (Moore, 2022).
3. Ancestor veneration may be replacing organized religious community and can give one feelings of purpose, belonging, and identity. More research is recommended on this phenomenon (Robinson, 2021).
Before you dive into ancestor veneration and spirit communication, it’s important to be aware of certain ground rules.
3 General Ground Rules:
1. As with any type of spirit work, it’s important to know your boundaries. Know who you are and what you believe. What you’re willing to do and what you’re not.
2. Vet each ancestor spirit who comes forward like you would any other spirit. What does their energy feel like? Do you get the sense they want to help or harm? What is their motivation for working with you? What do they want out of this relationship?
If it sounds like this is a lot of work, well, it is.
3. Don’t be afraid to remove an ancestor from the altar. Ancestors are just like humans. Sometimes you meet people who you get along with well, and sometimes...you don't. It's okay to take a break from certain ancestors or stop working with them altogether. Your house, your rules.
How to Start Venerating Your Ancestors:
All you need to make an ancestor altar are a white candle and a cup of water. That's it.
Some people find saying their ancestors' names forms a powerful connection, but not everyone knows their ancestors names.
Here is something you can recite if you don't know their names:
This is adapted from an excerpt from The Magical Power of the Saints: Evocation and Candle Ritual by Reverend Ray T. Malbrough.
"Blessings to all my departed ancestors. I pay my respects to all those who have come before me."
Offer cup of water and the lit candle.
"Accept this cool water that you may have refreshment. Accept this light and energy that you may have comfort and strength. Your presence is greatly missed here on earth. Forget not your posterity. May you continue to bring us guidance and wisdom, peace in our lives, health and prosperity for our homes."
Resources for Further Reading:
The Book of Ancestors by Claire Goodchild
Ancestral Magic by Frankie Castanea (coming out Nov. 11, 2025)
Honoring Your Ancestors: A Guide to Ancestor Veneration by Mallorie Vaudoise
Ancestor veneration is an extremely personal journey. I wish you all the best in your ancestral reconnection path and hope that some of this information is useful to you. This is the work of a lifetime, so remember to take it slowly.
References
Choi, S. H., McClintock, C. H., Lau, E., & Miller, L. (2022). The impact of perceived relationship to ancestors on the association between self-transcendence and psychopathology: A cross-cultural examination. Sage Journals, 62(4), 461-477. 10.1177/13634615211049072
Moore, S. M. (2022). How ancestor research affects self-understanding and well-being: Introduction to the special issue. Geneaology, 6(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy6010020
Malbrough, R. T. (2002). The Magic and Power of the Saints: Evocation and Candle Ritual. Llewellyn Publications.
Robinson, R. (2021). Pilgrimage and purpose: Ancestor research as sacred practice in a secular age. Geneaology, 5(4), 90. https://doi.org/10.3390/genealogy5040090
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