Definition:
A dedicated sacred space for honoring, communicating with, and making offerings to deceased family members and spiritual ancestors. 

Purpose:
• Honor those who came before.
• Maintain connection with the dead.
• Receive guidance and protection.
• Heal ancestral trauma.
• Strengthen family spiritual power. 

Location:
• Dedicated table or shelf.
• NOT in bedroom (exception: some traditions allow)
• Clean, respectful space.
• Higher than floor level.
• Away from clutter. 

What to Include:

Essential Items:
• Photos of deceased family members.
• White candles (for the dead)
• Glass of fresh water (changed regularly)
• Flowers (white are traditional)
• Incense

Optional Items:
• Items that belonged to ancestors.
• Favorite foods or drinks of the deceased.
• Tobacco or alcohol (if ancestors partook)
• Heirlooms.
• Crystals.
• Prayer cards or religious items.

What NOT to Include:
• Photos of living people.
• Electronics (some traditions)
• Clutter or junk.
• Items from recent deaths (some wait 1 year)  

Offerings:
• Fresh water daily.
• Coffee or tea.
• Alcohol (rum, whiskey, wine)
• Food (their favorites or traditional)
• Flowers.
• Candles.
• Prayers and conversation 

Working with the Altar:
• Speak to your ancestors daily.
• Light candles regularly.
• Ask for guidance and protection.
• Share your life with them.
• Thank them for blessings.
• Pour libations (liquid offerings) 

Cleaning:
• Keep altar dust-free.
• Change water daily.
• Remove old offerings promptly.
• Cleanse energetically monthly.
• Refresh setup seasonally 

Important Dates:
• Death anniversaries.
• Birthdays of deceased.
• Day of the Dead (November 1-2)
• Samhain/Halloween.
• Family gatherings 

 Who Belongs on Ancestor Altar:
• Blood relatives who lived well.
• Spiritual ancestors (teachers, mentors)
• Adopted family who have passed
• Well-loved elders  

Who Does NOT Belong:
• Abusive ancestors (work separately with them)
• Very recent deaths (some traditions wait)
• Living people
• Ancestors causing problems (need elevation work) 

Source:
Cross-cultural ancestor veneration practice, The Syncretist Realm, TheSyncretistRealm.com