Ritual Guidance
Sacred + Céramique offers practical steps to help you create meaningful rituals to connect with your ancestors, using your Legba’s Corner bowl as a sacred vessel of remembrance and reverence.
1. Preparing Your Altar Space
Choose a calm, dedicated area—your altar or any special place where you honor loved ones who have passed on. This could be a table, a shelf adorned with their photos, or even a quiet corner of a room. A table is highly recommended as a stable and intentional surface. You may wish to cover it with a white cloth to symbolize purity and clarity. You may add photos of loved ones who have already passed on and never anyone who is currently living.
Consider incorporating representations of the four elements in a way that feels personal to you: a white candle for fire, palo santo or incense for air, a glass of water for purification, and your ancestral pottery bowl to represent Earth. These elements help balance and sanctify the space.
If you feel called, gently cleanse the area using smoke. You can also pour a few drops of water on the ground for what we call libations to the ancestors. This is a way to sacredly honor those who came before you. Then, take a few deep breaths to center yourself, holding gratitude and reverence in your heart.
2. Invoking Papa Legba
We call on Papa Legba first—after God or the Higher Power you believe in—to open the way for clear and protected communication between you and your ancestors. You may offer words such as: “Papa Legba, I thank you for your presence in my life and ask that you open the gate between worlds. Guide this connection with love, clarity, and protection.”
3. Setting Intention and Prayer
Speak aloud or quietly hold a clear intention for your ritual. Always only ask for the ancestors who are of the light and want the best for you to be present. You may say something like:
“I open this space in love and reverence for my ancestors of the highest light. I invite their wisdom, protection, and presence into this moment.”
Pray from your heart. This is the most important part. Going to your ancestors with real and genuine love. Trust that their presence is here with you.
Focus on what you seek—connection, comfort, gratitude, or guidance.
3. Offering to Your Ancestors
Place heartfelt offerings in your Legba’s Corner bowl—foods they loved, tokens, flowers, written notes, or small gifts. Choose items that feel meaningful or would bring them joy. Speak their names, share stories, or simply reflect on their presence as you make these offerings.
4. Connecting and Listening
Sit in quiet reflection, meditation, or continue speaking with your ancestors from the heart. You may feel impressions, emotions, memories, or subtle insights. Journaling your reflections afterward can deepen the connection. Listen to your own intuitive guidance.
5. Closing the Ritual
When you feel ready, express gratitude to Papa Legba, your ancestors, and all guiding spirits. Gently remove offerings after a time that feels right—traditionally the same day or within a few days. Cleanse and reset your space if desired, leaving it with a sense of peace.
Conclude with gratitude for God first and foremost, Papa Legba for opening the paths, your Spirit Guides, angels, and ancestors.
6. Ongoing Practice
These rituals can be practiced as often as you’re called—daily, weekly, monthly, or on special dates like birthdays and anniversaries. I recommend spending a few minutes daily with your ancestors just acknowledging their presence or whenever you feel anxious. Trust your intuition; there is no one “right” way. The more you nurture this connection, the stronger it becomes.
May these rituals deepen your roots and strengthen your spirit.
