We usher in November with the Mexican tradition of El dia de los Muertos, and the Catholic traditions of All Soul’s Day and All Saint’s Day. Numerous traditions recognize this last full month before the rebirth of the sun as a time to remember those who have gone before us. Try this simple candle ritual from Janina Renée to pay your respects to your ancestors this November.

A Rite for Honoring Your Ancestors
Use a candle in the color that feels right to you for this ritual. A white candle can symbolize the whole spectrum of ancestral gifts and blessings, as well as the state of purity to which most souls return in death. Yellow or peach would be good for extending warmth and affection, while silver could symbolize the ethereal qualities of the world of spirit. Similarly, numerous fragrances or incenses could be appropriate for this rite. Lemon, lemongrass, and copal have been associated with spirit communication, and frankincense, myrrh, rosemary, rose geranium, anise, sandalwood, and cypress are known as spiritually protective fragrances. Set up your altar with photographs and heirlooms that remind you of your ancestors. You may even want to include their favorite food or drinks as an offering.

Light your candle, and read aloud or recite silently to yourself the following blessing:

O my forbears, O my ancestors,
You whom I have known and loved,
And you who have gone before,
with names and lives unknown to me,
yet alive within my body,
and within my family’s traditions,
let the warmth of this flame
convey my blessings.
At this time I honor you
and claim the best from you,
that everything good be preserved,
and that every good thing be remembered.
O my ancestors,
in whichever worlds you wander,
may your ways be blessed.

Allow the candle to burn as long as you wish. As you go throughout your day, think on the ways in which your ancestors have influenced you; how they have helped to inform the way you live your life.

A Year of Ritual author:
Sandra Kynes
Booksigning
Nov. 13, 2004,
3-5 p.m.
SoulJourney,
Butler, NJ
For more info call:
973-838-6564

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7 Days of Magic author:
Ellen Dugan
Booksigning
Nov. 19, 2004,
7-9 p.m.
Transitions Bookplace,
Chicago, IL
For more info call:
312-951-7323

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Magick of Reiki author:
Christopher Penczak
Workshop:
Real Magick & Astrology
Nov. 20-21, 2004
SoulJourney,
Butler, NJ
For more info call:
973-838-6564

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Sticks, Stones, Roots & Bones author:
Stephanie Rose Bird
Harvest Celebration
& Booksigning
Nov. 29, 2004,
7-9 p.m.
Transitions Bookplace,
Chicago, IL
For more info call:
312-951-7323

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