Honoring Your Ancestors 🦋🕯️
Because it’s spooky season, I was inspired to share a little about this time of year, our loved ones who have passed, and the beautiful ways we can honor and remember them.
Until recently, I never really thought much about the month of October in relation to the spirit world, nor had I paid much attention to the celebration of Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.
Día de los Muertos is a Mexican tradition celebrated primarily on November 1st and 2nd, honoring and remembering loved ones who have passed away. Rooted in Indigenous Mexican traditions and influenced by Catholic customs, it is a time when families welcome the spirits of their loved ones through remembrance, offerings, and celebration.
There are also spiritual traditions that believe the veil between our physical world and the spirit world becomes thinner during this time of year, making it easier to connect with those who have passed. In Mexican Day of the Dead traditions, November 1st and 2nd are especially meaningful days for welcoming loved ones home.
Personally, I believe we can connect and communicate with our loved ones throughout the entire year, but I find something especially beautiful about these traditions and the intentional ways they honor those who came before us.
Last year, I attended a yoga retreat along the coast of Mexico during the first week of November. Our resort had a grand and absolutely beautiful ofrenda (an altar honoring loved ones) displayed near the entrance. Guests were invited to add photographs and personal items representing their loved ones.
I placed a picture of my mother on the altar, and there was something incredibly comforting about knowing her picture and memory were there with me all week. I walked past that altar multiple times a day, and each time, I had an opportunity to pause, think of her, and feel connected to her.
There were also these beautiful, enormous white butterflies, or mariposas, around the property. We were told of the belief that butterflies can represent the souls of loved ones returning to visit.
Interestingly, monarch butterflies have their own special connection to Día de los Muertos. Each fall, millions of monarchs migrate to the mountains of central Mexico, with their arrival traditionally associated with this time of year. In some communities, monarchs are believed to represent the returning souls of ancestors. How beautiful is that? Especially for someone like me who has spent so much time caring for monarchs!
Anyways, that experience stayed with me, and this year I felt inspired to create my own ofrenda.
I did a little research online and consulted with my healer, who is Indigenous, to learn more about the traditions and symbolism. From there, I created my own ancestral altar here in my home. I've included pictures of both the beautiful ofrenda in Mexico last year and the one I created this season.
And here's what I've learned: It doesn't have to be anything elaborate, large, or complicated. It can be as simple or meaningful as you would like.
One thing I realized is that placement matters, at least for me. I initially created mine in the basement, where my meditation and Reiki room is located. But I don't spend nearly as much time there as I do on the main floors of my home. So I moved it upstairs into my living room, where I can see it throughout the day.
And I'm so glad I did!
If you're inspired to create your own, here are some traditional elements you might consider including:
Photographs and personal items: Pictures of loved ones, favorite belongings, or little things that remind you of them.
Candles: Representing light and helping guide the spirits of loved ones home.
Water: Traditionally offered to refresh the spirits after their long journey.
Food and favorite treats: Favorite meals, fruits, sweets, chocolate, or other foods your loved ones enjoyed. Some families also include favorite drinks or spirits.
Marigolds: Their bright colors and fragrance are traditionally believed to help guide loved ones back to the altar.
Elements of nature: You can also incorporate representations of earth, air, fire, and water. Traditionally, these elements are represented in various ways on an ofrenda. I've incorporated things like feathers, candles, stones, and crystals into mine.
For me, this isn't necessarily about religion. It's about spirituality, connection, remembrance, and showing respect for those who came before us.
And of course, you don't need to build an altar to honor your ancestors or remember those you've lost. There are so many ways to do that.
But this traditionally Christian girl, who has become a little more witchy in her older years (LOL!), has found something deeply meaningful in this practice.
And honestly, it's become kind of fun! I'm constantly finding little things to add to my ofrenda. I even created a special area to honor pets and other creatures who have passed. My sweet dog Dexter has his place, and I also included a couple of monarch butterflies that didn't survive this season. They deserve to be remembered, too. 🦋
What I love most is that every time I walk past my altar, I see the faces of those I love. I remember them. I think about them. Sometimes I smile. Sometimes I pause for a moment. And sometimes I simply feel grateful that they were part of my life.
It's such a simple practice, but it has made my heart feel so full.
If you feel inspired, I encourage you to create your own little space of remembrance. It doesn't have to be perfect or follow any particular formula. If you're creating a traditional ofrenda, I encourage you to learn about and honor its Mexican cultural roots. And if you're creating a more personal ancestral altar, let it reflect your own beliefs, memories, and connections.
It's the intention behind it that matters.
And if you do create one, please send me a picture! I would absolutely love to see it.
My hope for you is that during this spooky season, and throughout the entire year, you find ways to feel connected to those you love who are no longer physically here.
Because while their physical presence may be gone, the love and connection we share with them can continue. ❤️🦋
