Calling on the Ancestors: You are the result of the love of thousands before you

Calling on the ancestors.  Many black Americans became aware of the practice in the blockbuster movie, The Black Panther.  However, the practice of honoring our ancestors has been happening since the beginning of time.  I’ve called upon my ancestors for a few years now, but have never consciously considered making it a practice.  Usually, I speak the name of an ancestor that crosses my mind or is impressed on my heart.  I speak of them and the memory I have of them.  I also thank them for that special gift of their spirit (laughter, focus, integrity, etc) that they gave to me during their time here on earth.  That’s been the extent of my ancestral acknowledgment.

But now, I want to do more.  I think back on the women who came before me and I think about all they experienced, the hardships of their lives, their loves, and their heartbreaks.  These thoughts make me feel so powerful and thankful.  The people who come before us bless us in ways we can’t even imagine.  Sometimes it is a particular characteristic, a talent, or a demeanor.  Either way, their life experience is directly responsible for how we came to be.  That in itself deserves and warrants honor.

I know I know… the practice of worshipping spirits in this way is taboo.  We were told that voodoo and other mystic practices are evil.  But consider this… you were also told to worship The Creator in “spirit and in truth”, that the Holy Spirit is real (which I do believe), and that when we call on the name of Jesus, we invite his “spirit” to reside in us.  So as you can see; ancestral worship isn’t different.  We’ve been speaking to spirits all along.  The problem for black Americans is that we have to start thinking outside of what we have been conditioned to believe.  The practice of honoring our ancestors helps us gain a new sense of self-awareness.  We reclaim our stories, who we are, what we have overcome, and how we have persevered.

I plan on creating a purposeful practice of honoring my beloved ancestors, both known and unknown.  Because I recognize that every spirit that came before me contributed to the woman I am today.  I feel their spirits rising in me when I speak on issues of black feminism, knowing that for far too long my ancestors were mistreated, underrated, abused, and passed over for being a black woman.

“Ain’t I a woman?”

I imagine each one of them thinking or speaking this thought at some point in their lives.  How do I know?  Because I’ve asked it myself.  And their spirits cry out for justice the same as they celebrate the amazing strides we have made thus far.  My ancestors are so proud of me and the power and influence my voice has.  They dance with glee each time I make another accomplishment.  They strengthen me when I am weak and they lift me upon their shoulders so that I can go higher.

For this, I will light a candle for you and call your name.

I will thank you for your gift and thank the Creator for your life.

Ase.

Do you honor your ancestors?  What is your ancestral practice?  I’d love to hear from you in the comments and let’s talk about it on Facebook or Instagram using hashtag #fortheancestors.