Twice a year those following the paths of Wicca, and Paganism prepare for the “thinning of the veil.” It’s a special time when the worlds of the living and the dead grow closer.
Whatever your spiritual background and whether or not you have developed your intuitive abilities, you, too, can honor your ancestors and seek connection with them on the two weeks before or after Beltane (May First) or Samhain (Halloween).
This process is really meaningful to me, as I noted last October. I think everyone who has lost someone close to their heart should have access to this process. Discovering how to do this a few years ago really brought me peace and healing. I look forward to this deep experience every six months, and the opportunity to reach greater understanding with my loved ones who have crossed over.
I do believe that shortly after a death (within a year) it can sometimes be hard to reach a spirit as they may be in transition–this isn’t the same as reincarnation, it’s a gathering with other passed spirits to process their passing. Once completed, then spirits may be available for contacting. This is how I’ve come to understand it. In my learning from The Mighty Dead by Chrisopher Pensack an aspect of an ancestral spirit will remain for seven generations or more.
There are several preparations I would suggest for contacting Ancestors, including Casting a Magic Circle, Shielding, Preparing an Altar or Token, Grounding, Centering, and Raising Your Vibration. That’s a lot to cover!
Let’s begin with Step One—-1. Casting a Magic Circle.
When opening yourself up to spirits, its easy to have fears concerning unwanted visitors. The first time I felt a connection afterwards I swore it felt like people were watching me all the time in my room!
Here’s how to ensure your space remains friends-only. Before attempting contact, stand in the center of the room and cast a Magic Circle. This can be done by pointing and turning while imagining a white line surrounding your space. The most important thing is your intention that this area is for the people you want to talk to or general friendly positive messengers if you wish to be more broad.
Magic doesn’t have to be super-structured: I make words up as I go, but I like magickal numbers. A little ditty I might say is “By the power of three, safety surrounds me, by the power of six, let it stick, by the power of nine, space and time. So mote it be.” Feel free to make up your own words or look up different ways to Cast a Circle.
Note that sometimes Watchers are attracted to the edges of the circles. This is what freaked me out once upon a time but now that I understand, it’s pretty cool—Watchers are spirits experienced and interested in magic, so they just come to hang out and see what’s going on. You can speak to them or you could ask them to leave. They mean no harm.
Practice casting a circle so that when you are ready to connect with your ancestors, you feel safe and comfortable in your working space.
Doing work in a space often can set a room up with special energies. Some people clear it after making the circle. When complete my ceremony or exercise, I usually say, “the circle is open but never broken.” When leaving or entering one can use a pointer finger to cut a space for a temporary doorway that shuts behind. I like having this extra protection in my space as given that I am a HSP or Highly Sensitive Person.
I recommend a place that is quiet, alone, and private. If you don’t have a lock put a box in front of the door!
And the next step?
2. Learn how to shield. next Wednesday.
Enjoy the first step to your meaningful ceremony to contact ancestors this Beltane!
xx
Sofia
