For this Samhain season, our beloved Secretary Kat Kurfman has built an altar to the ancestors in the River Hall. Please reflect on her description and observations written below… and then, as you are comfortable, bring a picture or item or an offering to honor your beloved dead… Blessed Samhain!~Jean
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
There is a remembrance altar up in the hall. This is a mix of cultures and traditions and is very fluid rather than specific. I can share how I would use this altar, but I cannot say it is how you should use it. There is room for many ideas, many memories, and many paths.
I bring to the altar pictures of loved ones recently lost. Next to their pictures I place items and treasures that bring forth memory and connection with those individuals. What you bring and how you place it is completely up to you. Along the table there is room for roughly 2 small picture frames, and a few small items per person ~ please use discretion when choosing what items to place… Perhaps larger items would be better suited for your own home.
I’ve gathered some photo book pages that can be hung off the front of the table to allow for more photos of family and friends and those who have passed. Anyone is welcome to use them, they are available in the hall.
In the middle of the table I have setup a ritual space. In the center is a large bowl that can be used to gift offerings of food or spices. Please use proper disposal once you have completed your prayer/offering/ritual. Next to the bowl is a cup for offerings of liquids. Again please use proper disposal once you are done. I have also placed a lamp with a candle inside to light the way from darkness, a 1-minute sand timer for use in multiple ways, an Alebrije, and an incense burner. Please use fire safety measures and perhaps get permission from council before burning things in the hall. Also be mindful of those around you with scent sensitivity.
At the top of the ritual space is a picture frame with cabinet style doors. Inside these doors is a blank picture frame. This is a space for mindfulness and working with the veil. To connect with lost loved ones, older ancestors, and our connection to the divinity within death. This spiritual tool has been cleansed and made with pure intentions of allowing one to call loving, peaceful energies with no ill-intent. Please be mindful of your intentions when using it, and keep the doors closed when not in use. Covenant of the River is an open eclectic group, and I would use this altar as a tool to focus intent, and bring forth connection.
I have bells spread throughout the table and electric candles (no fire hazards!) That can be used to offer/request blessings and open/close the space. Remember to turn off the candles when you are done. These items can be moved or shifted to accommodate more space on the table. They do not need to be in your space. Please be extra mindful of other people’s belongings and space on the table.
How you use the space is highly up to the individual.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
May the gods and good spirits guide us all as we navigate this turning of the Wheel and the blessings of the shadow season.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Council or Kat.
