Our ancestors are those members of our family who have passed on, they are grandparents, great grandparents, etc. Our ancestors are those who made us to become who we are today. In this sense, you can already imagine the importance of serving and honoring those before us. If it not for them, we would not be here. One can serve those that once were here with us, and even those we did not get to meet.
Serving the Ancestors is not only essential in Vodou, but in many of the ATR's(African Traditional Religions) and many different paths. They guide, protect, and help us from where they are. They are the core of the religions that come from Africa, serving the ancestors is of great importance. In Espiritismo(Spiritism), one creates a "Boveda Espiritual" which is an altar dedicated to the ancestors which has 7 glasses of water, candles, offerings, etc.
Lighting a white candle gives the ancestors light to guide their way toward ours and giving them "progreso" advancement. They are essential in the religion, as they are to your well-being and spiritual development. The ancestors protect and guide us through our path. The ancestors are around you, they are your "corte espiritual" spiritual court, they are with you at all times.
Everyone really has their own way of serving the ancestors, for a very simple reason: Everyone is different. This also goes for the ancestors as even when they've passed they still retain their own personalities. This is something that should be taken in account when serving the ancestors. Common offerings to the ancestors consist of their favorite foods, coffee, tobacco, cigarettes, etc. For example, if your grandfather liked sweets during his time on Earth then that is what you will offer to him.
As for the altar, this can greatly differ between paths as well as the person. If you are beginning to serve them, then the best thing to do is simply set up a table with a white cloth, glass of clean water, fresh flowers(white would be best) and a white candle. Eventually, your altar will grow as you dedicate more time to it. Choose a peaceful place in the house for setting up your ancestors. When setting up the altar, this should be done respectfully and in Espiritismo we pray Catholic prayers. Such as Our Holy Father, Hail Mary, etc. Again, it all depends on the person. Give a little of your time everyday to talk to them and pray at the altar.
Remember, We stand on the shoulders of our ancestors.
My life has improved since I went to the graves of my ancestors and paid for their dirt. Money has been flying in, more attention from ladies, making less mistakes, and just feeling all around better. I suggest everyone starts working with their ancestors. You can all try this
to be done every Saturday will help you establish a strong relationship with your ancestors. This is to be done before you go to sleep at night. You will need a white plate or cloth, a tea light, and a glass of water.
Face East In your right hand is your lit tea candle in your left is the glass of water. Say: "In the name of Legba, by the power of Cafou, I salute you, spirits of my family father's side and mother's side, Love, Honor, Respect." Now pour a drop of water on the floor and bow by slightly bending your knees and straightening back up. Don't bow you whole body just bend the knees like a curtsy.
Then turn right until you are facing West. Say: "In the name of Legba, by the power of Cafou, I salute you, spirits of my family father's side and mother's side, Love, Honor, Respect." Pour a drop of water on the ground and bow.
Then turn left until you face North. Say: "In the name of Legba, by the power of Cafou, I salute you, spirits of my family father's side and mother's side, Love, Honor, Respect." Pour a drop of water on the ground and bow.
Then turn right until you face South. Say: "In the name of Legba, by the power of Cafou, I salute you, spirits of my family father's side and mother's side, Love, Honor, Respect." Pour a drop of water on the ground and bow.
Now take your candle and water and put it on a white plate or cloth on your nightstand, or near your head where you sleep. This allows your ancestors to refresh themselves while you sleep. You may snuff the candle when you go to sleep but do not blow it out.
You don't have to wipe the water from the floor, it will be dry in the morning. This alone is enough to get you started.
