Giving Offerings to Spirit Guides & Ancestors
When you are choosing to actively work with Spirits on any compacity, it is customary to give offerings. Spirits just like us humans, need energy to be able to do things. When you are giving offerings, it is generally a means to replenish and honor the spirits. There are many ways to provide and supply to our Spirit Guide Team, in this blog post we are getting specific on the different ways you can accomplish this for your Spirit Work practice and spirituality journey.
Please keep in mind that Spirits can also have preferences on what they like and dislike. Use your own discernment and intuition for the offerings that you will grant the Spirits. Culture and the nature of death can also play a factor with offerings. It is best to be specific and intentional when you are presenting, allow the transaction to be a dedicated moment for the Spirit that you are connecting with.
OFFERINGS FOR THE DECEASED
HERBS
Lavender - for peace & tranquility
Thyme - to give peace to those who have lived and died in violence
Apple - a common Irish symbol for the dead, often given to Ancestors
Pomegranates - to honor the dead while they are processing their life review, also associated with Persephone
Rosemary - for remembrance; to bless the spirit to successfully cross over
Myrrh - commonly used in Necromancy; also used to give blessings and offer high vibrations to Spirits
Mugwort - usually used to aid in Divination, communicating and channeling with Spirits
Bay Leaves - (same as mugwort); helps to “send” the offerings and/or messages to the Astral Realm
Lemon Balm - for peace and healing
Wormwood - to strengthen the communication with the dead, also great for healing and revenge
Frankincense - to honor the dead
FLOWERS
Calendula - for blessings and eternal love
Rose - for love and healing
Marigolds - perfect for Ancestor Worship
Lilies - for a sense of security, ideal for children
Orchids - for balanced emotions and adoration; ideal for former lovers
Daisies - ideal for former lovers and lost family members
Tulips - to spread happiness
Dandelions - best given as an herbal infusion tea when Channeling or communicating with Spirits
LIQUIDS
Water - a traditional offering for the dead, often left out for passing spirits (great for replenishment and healing)
Wine or other Alcohol
Juice - pomegranate, grape, apple, or beet juice are common
Oils - olive oil, pomegranate oil, coconut oil, or sweet almond oil are common
OTHER TYPE OF OFFERINGS
Crystals & Gemstones - best for Nature Spirits, Angels, Star Seeds, and (mystic healer) Ancestors
Coins or Money - best for Ancestors or Deceased Loved Ones
Tobacco - traditionally used for Ancestors and communing with the dead
Grains - traditionally brown bread) to honor and replenish the Spirits
Meat - best for Ancestors and Nature Spirits
Candles - to honor and replenish the Spirits (the spirits are given the energy from the flame of the candle as it burns down)
Song & Music - you can sing, play, or dance to music as a means to honor the Ancestors & Spirits
Pictures, Jewelry, & Sentimental Items - best for Ancestors and Deceased Loved Ones for honoring and remembrance
Art - best for Ancestors and Spirit Guides (they love to see you create) to give honor, love, and remembrance
WHAT TO DO WITH THE OFFERINGS ?
Burn herbs or flowers with a written message to “send” the offerings to the specific soul/spirit
Leave coins, flowers, or herbs on the grave or an altar space
Pour liquids into the Earth or Leave them out in a bowl
Leave offerings out as a “standing offering” for the spirits who pass through
SPECIFIC TIPS FOR ANCESTRAL OFFERINGS
Have Images or Figurines of Family - to honor and remembrance
Give Money & Food or Drink - give specific to culture and personal preference
National & Regional Flag, Foliage, Flowers, or Herbs - for honor and remembrance and to give comfort
Poppets - to offer a “body” to inhabit
Shells, Beads, & Jewelry - for honor
Pipes, Tobacco, Coffee, or Alcohol - give specific to culture and personal preference
5 WAYS TO HONOR YOUR ANCESTORS (Besides Offerings)
Fulfill your soul’s purpose - your Spirit Guides & Ancestors want the best for you and the bloodline. They are rooting for your personal development and growth. Seeing you going further into your own soul evolution journey may bring them peace.
Dedicate positive actions in the name of the Ancestors - pick up litter, clean up toxic habits and language, plant a tree or plants to replenish the earth, or just do good deeds in the name of your family to help clear karmic debt and give honor to your bloodline
Stay open to direct communication from the Ancestors - Spirits are always communicating with us. It is up to the living to be fully present and open to receiving the messages and signs when they come. Developing your Clair Senses and practicing Meditation and Divination can help with connecting with Spirit.
Dream Visitation - You can set the intention to meet or connect with your Ancestors or Spirit Guides. You can do this by putting a photo or writing a petition (name and date of birth with the death date on a piece of paper) and putting it under your pillow. Say your intention or a prayer out loud before you go to sleep. (This can take a few attempts to be successful).
Walking Encounters - Sometimes Spirits may speak through others to connect with us. A friend or even a complete stranger could receive an intuitive download for you. Allow yourself to be aware and open for any potential signs or messages. This may also be an opportunity for you to teach, inspire, or share with another who may be in need of your perspective, knowledge, or energy. Use discernment and your intuition.
Keep in mind synchronicity in your life and establish a physical place to honor your Ancestors by creating sacred space or an altar for them.
Basic Rules of Spirit Work
When you are working with Spirits on any compacity, there are some general basic rules and ethics to keep in mind.
Be respectful, but commanding
Use protection (aura shielding and protection wards)
Give appropriate offerings
Make contact a few times prior before requesting anything besides goodwill from them
Be SPECIFIC in requests
Don’t summon or invite anything you cant dispel or banish
Go to the spirit where you can, rather than expecting it to come to you (the physical realm is so dense, it is best for us to raise our vibration and become present to connect with Spirit)
If you feel stuck in life, request help from a Crossroads Guardian like Hecate
Request appropriate aid from an appropriate spirit (don’t ask the glorious dead for money and ask a tree in your garden to hex someone)
Working with Spirit is a practice and a journey. Make sure you are going about this appropriately and respectfully at all times. Ancestors, Power Animals, Archangels, Angels, Star Seeds, Light Beings, Soul Family, Deities, Nature Spirits, and Spirit Guides want to connect with you. Allow yourself to give offerings and build a relationship before making specific requests.
If you have any general questions or concerns specific to Spirit Work & Offerings,
feel free to contact me at my Email ( Natasha@psychicmediumnatasha.com )
