As Dia de los Muertos approaches, it’s time to prepare for welcoming our ancestors. This sacred time allows us to connect with our lineage, but it’s important to cleanse any lingering negative energy first. Here’s a ritual to help you prepare:
Cleansing Ritual with Candle
Materials
– Black candle
– Herbs (examples below)
– Olive oil or sunflower oil
– Salt
– Veladora candle (tall candle in a glass vase with a protective deity image)
Herbs:
Select herbs based on the specific issues you want to address:
– For laziness: Melissa (lemon balm)
– For alcoholism: Angelica or Mugwort
– For domestic violence: Lavender or Yarrow
1. Prepare the black candle:
– Crush your chosen herbs
– Dress your candle with the olive oil (for peace) or sunflower oil (for clarity and truth) as you intend it’s purpose.
2. Set up your space:
– Light the Veladora candle as your protector
– Create a circle with salt
– Place the black candle inside the circle
3. Light the black candle and recite an incantation: (or recite your own)
“Ancestors of old, I cleanse your energy.
Negativity BE gone, only love may remain.
Only in peace and understanding, shall we meet again.”
4. Stay with the candle until it has fully melted.
5. Thank your ancestors for their work in evolving together.
6. Thank your Veladora and the deity it represents, then extinguish it.
You can do one candle for each Ancestor you feel the need to cleanse from, or one candle for a general problem (for example: mental illness). Once you are finished with the cleansing ritual, it’s time to begin to prepare your altar to welcome your ancestors. More on that, next time!
1. Clean your altar space thoroughly.
2. Decorate with:
– Photos of your ancestors
– Marigolds (cempasúchil)
– Favorite foods and drinks of your ancestors
– Candles
– Sugar skulls
– Personal mementos
3. Add elements representing the four elements:
– Earth: Salt or bread
– Air: Incense or feathers
– Fire: Candles
– Water: A glass of water
Remember, this is a celebration of life and a time to honor those who came before us. As you prepare, reflect on the positive memories and the lessons learned from your ancestors.
¡Feliz Dia de los Muertos!