Things You'll Need:
- Two bowls
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Step 1
Recognize your ancestors as links in a chain that brought you to where you are. Honoring your ancestors has less to do with worshiping the dead and more to do with recognizing that the potential for greatness that you carry within yourself is the combined potential of your ancestry. When you hold your ancestors in your mind, let a great reverence pour from your spirit.
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Step 2
Get to know your ancestors through genealogy, the study of families and their lineages, a popular process done by many people today that will help bring you closer to the spirits of your ancestors. If you are interested in recording the genealogy of your family, many online resources can help get you started.
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Step 3
Respect and learn from your ancestors' mistakes and accomplishments. Your ancestors learned many lessons from mistakes and accomplishments during their lifetimes. You too can benefit from the knowledge of your ancestors. As you work through your family's genealogy, pause to note any mistakes or accomplishments by your ancestors. Your ancestors would appreciate your willingness to share and learn from their experiences.
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Step 4
Complete the pouring of ritual water to honor your ancestors. In Kemetic worship, your ancestors are referred to as the "Akhu", or Shining Ones, because they shine down on you from the heavens. For this rite, you will need two bowls, one filled with cool water. Meditate for a moment to purify your mind, then slowly pour the water from the full bowl into the empty bowl. As you pour the water, say, "I pour cool water for the Akhu, shining like gold in the vault of Nut. May they be cooled." This ritual can be completed daily as part of the Kemetic Daily Rite.
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Step 5
Write letters to your departed ancestors. Writing letters to the dead was, in antiquity, a common and reverential practice. In our modern times, writing letters to the dead has regrettably lost its meaning for many. Participants in the Kemetic Orthodox religion carry on this great tradition to this very day. You too can become a part of this tradition; simply write a letter to your ancestors just as you would write a letter to any living person. Your ancestors will receive your words and be grateful.
