From: egun@aol.com (Egun)
Subject: Re: spirit guide
Date: 14 Jul 1994 21:34:04 -0400

Hi there, those of us who follow the traditions of the Afro-Cuban
religion, Santeria set up a shrine for our ancestors.  It is usually
an ancestor who guides us and protects us.  After all, they're family.
They want to make sure their descendents are safe and well.  May I
suggest that you set up an altar especially for you ancestors?  I know
you're not of my tradition, but I'll tell you how we do it, and you
can decide what your ancestors would be comfortable with.

   Take a piece of white cloth with frayed edges and place it like a
table cloth on a small table or bookshelf.  Place nine small glasses
in a circle on the table.  One is usually larger than the others, and
can be put in the middle.  In this middle glass, always keep fresh
water as an offering of energy to your ancestors.  In this glass also
put a religious symbol of significance to your ancestors - for example
if they were Christian, a cross.  You can of course include more than
one symbol for more than one religion.  Remember, it doesn't matter if
your not of their religion, you're doing this for them, honoring their
choices by displaying their chosen symbols.  Fill the other glasses
with fresh water as well.  It's nice if you have photographs of
departed family members to put those on the altar as well.  Offer your
ancestors a small portion of every meal you eat.  Sometimes it's nice
to make a meal especially for them, something you know they loved in
life.  Put flowers on the altar from time to time.  Burn a white
candle once a week. (Traditionally we do this on Sundays.)  Just sit
with the altar while the candle burns and talk to them.  It's best not
to call on anyone recently dead because they have their own work to do
for themselves.  But if you were especially close to someone who died
years ago, talk to them.  Do this enough and they start to respond.
Nothing to it.  They want to help you.

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