The basis of my
magical practice is ancestor veneration so I can assist here. This is what I recommend:
*NOTE: In folk magic, ancestors are pretty much any familial person who has passed on. It doesn't necessarily mean someone from hundreds of years ago. This is usually what people think of when someone says "ancestors"; people from centuries ago. But an ancestor can be your grandmother/father who passed on last year. Or even your cousin who is 5 years younger than you who passed away a short time ago. An ancestor is anyone in your bloodline who passed before you, young or old.
SPECIAL NOTE: There are some traditions who include leaders and luminaries of the tradition as ancestors in addition to one's own bloodline. If you truly don't know who your ancestors are OR you don't feel a connection to them for w/e reason (maybe your family is/was involved in some highly illegal or immoral things) you could potentially go the route of using the "ancestors" of a tradition*
1.
Build An Ancestral Altar:
Use a small table such as an old nightstand, end table or even one of those breakfast/lunch/dinner fold out individual tables that college kids and old people use when eating food in front of the tv and they don't have a coffee table. Get a white cloth that can fit across the surface of the table and use it to cover the table. A singular glass votive candle (white) is also needed and a simple glass of water. Incense isn't necessary upfront but if you like incense or want to make this rite more "magical" you can include whichever incense you like, however I've noticed the dead like Frankincense, Dittany of Crete or Ambergris. There are even "necromantic incense" out there from creative practitioners out there if that calls to you. If you have physical photos of your ancestors and personal items that your ancestors owned place those on the altar as well. If you have neither, that is fine. You are connected by blood. But physical items or photos can help make a stronger connection.
2.
Invocate Your Ancestors:
Your ancestors are already nearby, you are connected by blood. Light the candle (and the incense if you decided to include some). Call to your ancestors. You can prepare a pre-written invocation if you like or make it up as you go along and IMO in situations like this (though I don't recommend this for most other rituals) doing so is the best because it comes right from the heart....or rather the subconscious. I say something along the lines of:
I call to my ancestors
on both my paternal side
and maternal side
Known and unknown
African, European and Native (my ancestry includes African, Europeans and Native Americans)
I call you here to witness and attend this rite.....
After the last line you can state your purpose, which is to invite them into your life to guide, direct and assist you - both in your everyday mundane life and your magical practice. The big thing at this point is to ask them to visit you in your dreams and offer you guidance and advice. START PAYING ATTENTION TO YOUR DREAMS AFTER THIS. Get a dream journal if needed, and you don't even have to spend money. Google Docs is free and available on literally every internet connected phone, at least in the US. Use that or your phone's note app. Ask them to intercede on your behalf in the spirit realm (this is a MAJOR benefit). Ask them for healing, both spiritual and physical. And whatever you may need or want.
3.
Close Out The Rite:
After calling to your ancestors no need to wait to feel their presence. You invited them into your dreams so they'll meet you in the astral/dreamscape. Take the glass of water and either take a sip OR pour it on the ground. Now, I realize many people may have carpeted floors and don't want liquid seeping in and getting under it and damaging the original floor. Even with hardwood or concrete you may not want to pour water on it, so if you're near a window, open it and pour it outside. If you live in an apartment and this particular window is facing a sidewalk or high foot-traffic area, be sure to look out for any people who may get hit with the water below. I use the pouring out method, I do not take a sip. I was trained in the thought process of the water being a manifestation point and portal of sorts for the ancestors so drinking it isn't wise. However, I have heard others who do take a sip and they provide their own arguments for doing so. Do whatever your spirit is leading you to do.
Once completed, leave the candle burning if you feel safe to do so. The candle is in a glass container so it should be relatively safe, just make sure there's nothing like a window curtain or shade or a blanket or w/e is nearby that can catch fire and cause a major problem. I highly recommend keeping the candle burning but if you don't feel safe doing so, you can extinguish it. Do your best to not blow it out, use a snuffer or wet your fingers and put it out with your fingers (be careful here, I'm not responsible if you burn yourself). Then go to sleep and pay attention to your dreams. Upon waking, write/type down anything you may have learned during the night. Note that they may not appear in your dreams on night one. It is recommended to do this ritual for 30 days. Eventually they will come to you and offer their guidance and assistance. From here they should instruct how to best move forward with them.
Good luck!!
Recommended Reading:
Honoring Your Ancestors - Mallorie Vaudoise
Badass Ancestors - Patti Wiggington
Ancestral Grimoire - Nancy Hendrickson
Guide to Serving the Seven African Powers - Denise Alvarado
The Witches Book of the Dead - Christian Day
