Garden Variety Conservative Transphobia Is Going To Get Worse But Radical Feminism Is Also Going To Get

The difference between baneful and beneficial magic is like the difference between teal and turquoise. Lots of people get it wrong, folks often times can't agree on which is which, and they can look the same depending on the lighting.

have these been done yet

The Science of Magick: Implicate Order

“What is, is always a totality of ensembles, all present together, in an orderly series of stages of enfoldment and unfoldment, which intermingle and interpenetrate each other in principle throughout the whole of space.” David Bohm

Spooky Action at a Distance

In the 80s, theoretical physicists first observed the paradoxical behavior of subatomic particles known as quantum entanglement, or “spooky action at a distance” as Einstein called it.  This phenomenon has been observed whereby the properties (quantum states) of a set of particles will never be independent of each other, regardless of distance, after they have interacted. This observation would be like taking a set of twins, dying one’s hair black, and then discovering that regardless of where the twins were located, the other’s hair turned black instantaneously as well. Spooky! This property of non-locality could not be explained by the current theory of quantum mechanics, so many physicists proposed their own respective models to explain the observations.

The theory of implicate order, and its counterpart explicate order, were detailed by physicist David Bohm in his book Wholeness and Implicate Order in 1980. Implicate order theory provides a model of the universe as an “unbroken wholeness of the totality of existence as an undivided flowing movement without borders" in which space and time as we observe them are merely derivatives (unfolded, explicate order) of the deeper reality. It sounds complex, but Bohm provides an illustrative example:

Imagine a fish in a tank with two separate cameras recording from two separate angles and projecting onto two separate screens. Now imagine you can only see the tv screens and not the actual fish; two 2D models (explicate orders) of a 3D objective reality (implicate order). By observing only the 2D models, one can discern that the “two” fish are somehow interrelated: when the fish on screen A moves 90 degrees, so does the fish on screen B, etc. It is not that one screen is causing the changes on the other screen, just that all of the image content on one screen correlates with the other.

If we scale up the fish example to our observed universe, we might say that our 3D world defined by space and time is merely a lower dimensional model of a higher dimensional reality ie. the implicate order. What if the twins were never really twins? The “two” particles we compare in the quantum entanglement experiments may simply be an artifact of how our current explicate reality has temporarily unfolded, leaving us looking at one deeper reality on two screens.

The Quantum Observer Effect

Along with observations regarding quantum entanglement came other observations about… well… observation itself. The classic example of this is the double-slit experiment, in which single photons are allowed to pass through two parallel slits in a screen and the resulting pattern formed is recorded. This experiment is best known for its conclusion of the particle-wave duality of light:

“Sending particles through a double-slit apparatus one at a time results in single particles appearing on the screen, as expected. Remarkably, however, an interference pattern emerges when these particles are allowed to build up one by one.” The Fabric of the Cosmos, Brian Greene

When behaving as waves, single photons simultaneously pass through both both slits and then meet again (interfere) at the other side of the barrier. 

In one variation of this experiment, conducted by the Weizmann Institute of Science in 1998, researchers built a tiny detector which was able to observe which one of the two slits the particle went through. And here’s where things get interesting for us (my emphasis added)…

“Once an observer begins to watch the particles going through the openings, the picture changes dramatically: if a particle can be seen going through one opening, then it’s clear it didn’t go through another. In other words, when under observation, electrons are being “forced” to behave like particles and not like waves. Thus the mere act of observation affects the experimental findings.”  Source 

By observing the photons as they pass through the two slits, we are forcing the collapse of the wave function itself, turning a wave of probability into a point of certainty.

Holonomic Brain Theory

When we combine David Bohm’s Implicate Order and the nature of wave interference patterns, we come to Holonomic Brain theory of quantum consciousness developed in collaboration between Bohm and neuroscientist Karl Pribram. As opposed to Conscious Mental Field theory, which I discussed in my previous Science of Magick post here, Holonomic Brain theory models the brain as a holographic storage network. In this framework, the non-locality of memory is viewed as an inherent property of the system, since all parts of a hologram contain the whole of the stored information.

“Holography relies upon wave interference. If two wavelengths of light are of differing frequencies, they will interfere with each other and create a pattern… The hologram illustrates how “information about the entire holographed scene is enfolded into every part of the film.” It resembles the Implicate Order in the sense that every point on the film is “completely determined by the overall configuration of the interference patterns.” Even a tiny chunk of the holographic film will reveal the unfolded form of an entire three-dimensional object. Source

In essence, this theory proposes that the totality of human consciousness is enfolded into a neural hologram, making it a sub-implicate order of reality.  In fact, Bohm posits that there are infinite sub- and super-implicate orders, where higher orders organize lower orders and are also influenced by them. 

To summarize the main conclusions under these frameworks thus far:

1. Implicate Order is a hidden, all-encompassing, higher-dimensional reality which we observe only through a lower-dimensional projection (explicate order) dependent on space and time.

2. Events that are observed can be changed by the act of observation. In choosing to observe one possible quantum state, the observer defines it as such. (It’s our choices, Harry….)

3. Consciousness exists as a sub-implicate order, which is organized by and exerts influence on super-implicate orders.

Conclusions for Chaotes

Implicate Order provides a mechanism for magick. The basic definition of magick within the Chaos paradigm is the act of imposing one’s will on reality, ie. using your mind to create change in the world around you. Sorcery is performed using visualization techniques to focus the subconscious mind on a desired outcome, such as in Austin Osman Spare’s sigil methods. The practitioner, in an altered state of consciousness, visualizes the reality they desire and manifests it into reality.  Using the frameworks we have discussed, we can translate this definition into the following statement: Magick is the practice of defining a certain state of reality by encoding observational information within the sub-implicate order of consciousness which is then decoded within the Implicate Order and manifested in the explicate order of our observed reality.

It is interesting to note that David Bohm himself experienced a paradigm shift during his career. The results from his own work lead Bohm down a rabbit hole into the realms of spiritualism and philosophy, which drew criticism from his contemporaries regarding his reputation as a physicist. However, as a chemist and a chaos witch, I find his embrace of the overlap between hard-science and metaphysics relatable and inspiring.

“Consciousness is much more of the implicate order than is matter… Yet at a deeper level [matter and consciousness] are actually inseparable and interwoven, just as in the computer game the player and the screen are united by participation.” David Bohm

a couple new enamel pins! really excited about this series - eda, raine and more to come soon!

BIG shoutout to those who are practicing in secret

y'all don't get enough recognition because leading a double life is exhausting (i know because i'm one of those people leading that very same double life)

shoutout to those who can't tell anyone about their practise

shoutout to anyone who can't own tarot or oracle decks and so use household items to do divination

shoutout to those who can't have candles or fancy altars

shoutout to those who practice in secret.

BANEFUL INGREDIENTS AND USES

This is a list I have compiled and have created. With the herbs, they must be negatively charged, just like anything else. Tell them what to do and charge them with your intent. Herbs have polarity, they can heal but they can also hex.

BANEFUL HERBS

Angelica root - misery, strife, distress

Asafoetida - drives enemies away

Bayberry - depression

Blueberry - confusion, strife

Catnip - distraction, loss

Cayenne - anxiety 

Chickory - to sow discord 

Chili powder/flakes - discord, spicy misery

Clove - stop gossip

Dahlia - bad luck, loss

Foxglove - causes, nightmares, vanity

Gardenia - seal their love life

Ginger - bitterness

Hemlock - discord, misery 

Ivy - binding

Lavender - depression, insomnia

Lotus - depression

Mandrake - misery, strife

Mint - visions, nightmares

Mistletoe - serious harm, anxiety, confusion

Mugwort - nightmares, hallucinations, paranoia

Mullein - nightmares

Nightshade - nightmares, anxiety, sickness

Onion - strife

Poppy seeds - discord, nightmares

Rose - tempt into cheating

Rosemary - nightmares, insecurity

Rue - misery 

Spanish moss - bad luck, binding

Tobacco - substitute for (most) any baneful herb

Vetiver - silence

Wormwood - misery, strife

OTHER INGREDIENTS Glass shards - reflect transgressions, to cause harm

Sharp objects (pins, needles, thumb tacks, thorns, etc) - damage, cause harm

Rusty nails - cause harm

Glitter - make their problems stick to them

Price tags - Debt, financial troubles

Dead battery - drain their energy

Vinegar - to sour, to rid yourself of them

Charcoal - block their vision, lack of clarity

Hot sauce - spicy misery

Cover hex jar with tin foil - make victim feel isolated and alone

Googly eyes - evil eye, to make them always feel watched, paranoia

Agar or Pectin - stick their problems to them, cause them stagnation

dog/cat shit - to shit on their life (energetically sever the connection to your pet though)

Cigarette butts - to cause addiction and troubles

Salted earth (just combine hydrophobic soil and salt) - dry up their resources, cause infertility

Nasty bong water - it's gross, need I say more?

Dog hair - fear, anxiety

Urine - to sour

Citric Acid - to pucker, to get them to stfu.

Pro-tip: use ingredients your target is allergic to. This can really help make a powerful hex, especially if they are allergic to nuts and go into anaphylactic shock or have any other extreme adverse reaction.

Any herb CAN be used banefully. Any crystal CAN be used banefully. First see what the herb/crystal is used for and, well, reverse it. Love => loneliness/loss of love. Peace => paranoia. Dream work => nightmares. Mental Clarity => delusions. All you need to do is negatively charge them. Tell them what to do and focus your rage and hate into the herbs/crystals to charge them up.

For more information on baneful ingredients, spellwork, and other herbs' uses, check out The Cobalt Athenaeum discord server!

A Witch’s Ingredients: Sand

Sand is an abundant resource that can be found across the world including along the coasts, through deserts and even in many people’s yards and gardens. Sand is rather easy to obtain and natural making it ideal for witchcraft. Though some types of sand may be harder to obtain, and more costly, than others, let this post be a guide on how to utilize it for its magical properties.

Types of Sand & Their Correspondences

Beach/Coastal Sand: calming, grounding, cleansing, connecting to the sea, self-love, protection and warding, motivation, memory, spiritual clarity, purification of the heart, easing pain, physical and spiritual strength, can represent both the elements of earth and water

Ocean Sand (from the ocean floor/deep sea): primordial energy, banishing negative emotions and energy, grounding, mental clarity, psychic clarity and strengthening, divination, guidance, ancient wisdom and power, connections to the sea and primordial waters, birth, creation, can represent both the elements of earth and water

Desert Sand: curses and removing energy from others, weakening, draining, banishing, grounding, mental clarity, physical health, enduring hardships, “drying up” love and past emotions, healing heartbreak, burying the past, often related to burial ceremonies

Volcanic Sand: destruction, intense energy, strength, death, rebirth, banishing, secrets or hidden messages, warding, baneful magic, offensive magic, often represents both earth and fire at once

River Sand/Silt: fertility, procreation, movement, flowing energy, travels, change

Lake/Pond Sand: the present, calmness, serenity, inner focus, self-reflection and meditation

Swamp/Wetland Sand: mystery, secret keeping, silencing lies and rumors, binding, curses related to becoming lost or emotional heaviness, often represents both water and earth at once, often related to animal magic specifically those that live in swamp land

Unearthed/Buried Sand: grounding, hidden power, addressing past issues and mistakes, overcoming controversy, self-discovery, introspection, emotional healing, moving on from past scars

Biogenic Sand/Bone Sand/Shell Sand: healing, moving on emotionally, remembrance but letting go of the pain and loss, honoring those lost (often at or to the sea), close connections to necromancy

Black Sand: protection, warding, banishing, relates to necromancy and spirit work

Pink Sand: love, beauty, youth, harmony, adjusting to change, remembering the past and lost loved ones, rebirth, emotional and mental healing, forgiveness of self and others

Red Sand: strength, courage, valor, relates to fire rather than earth

Yellow Sand: divination, focus, improving memory and skills, mental health, grounding and centering, represents both earth and air elements sometimes both at once

White Sand: purity, cleansing, protection, wisdom, preparing for change, physical and emotional balance, harmonizes all aspects of oneself

Combinations of Sand and Other Ingredients

Sand and Soil: grounding, balance, cleansing, protection of loved ones and family

Sand and Salt: change, growing power, dreams, purification, warding, protection, longevity

Sand and Ash: remembrance, the past, divination

Sand and Clay: change, mental fortitude

Sand and Kelp/Seaweed: beauty, youth, birth, fertility, the ocean

The History

Not much history on the use of sand in magic from what I can find that is a reliable source, but I was able to find some bits about its use.

Sand has been used in connections to rituals for the dead and in burial practices in many different cultures to a varying degree. In some sand was used for burying the deceased such as very early Ancient Egypt for its mummification properties before better mummification methods were invented and utilized. Placing sand into graves or coffins of the deceased somethings as a means to connect them to their homelands if that person was traveling into foreign lands or countries. Some stories speak about mixing the ashes of the dead with sand to be kept in the home. Other stories tell of people mixes ashes from fires or the hearth with sand and casting it out into the sea for lost sailors who could not be brought home. 

Sand was also used historical in some types of spell jars and vessels. In some places sand was put into jars and bottles and given to sailors to keep them connected to home even when sailing. Others said carrying sand could protect one from being lost at sea or from disaster, likely where the history of sand being used for protection properties came from. It has also been used in witch’s bottles and for burying spells for varying purposes. Some cultures would bury offerings to deities into the sand of beaches or deserts.

Modern Use

Sand is still a common ingredient for many sea witches and worshipers of ocean related deities to utilize in their craft and in their altars. Deities commonly related to sand are Poseidon, Aphrodite, Psamathe, Thalassa, Aegir, Neptune and Veles. Sand is also often used in altars to represent either earth or water when representing the cardinal directions or the 4 elements. Some will use sand to represent both in cases of smaller altars.

Modernly, sand is often used in spell jars and bottles when used in spellwork or as a vessel to charge, cleanse and bury objects or tools such as crystals, poppets, amulets and trinkets. Sea witches or witches with accesses to large amount of sand will often use it for grounding and circle casting. Some will use it for runes and sigils as well.

Storing Sand

For those wishing to store and use collected sand ensure that there is nothing undesirable in it - garbage, sharp bits of glass, decomposing fish or animals, insects etc. Shift it thoroughly to ensure anything that could be potentially dangerous is removed and if needed properly disposed of. Once the sand has been shifted ensure it is dry before you seal it into anything.

Wet sand can house bacteria and mold - which can also smell quite foul when the container is opened again. You can use the sun to dry it or indoor heaters at a safe distance. Spread it out thin and flat to help ensure it is thoroughly dried if it is damp or wet.

Once dried the best way to store sand is inside of glass or ceramic vessels. Jars and bottles are the most ideal. Ensure that they are sealed tightly to ensure no spillage or condensation can get inside.

**this post was personally researched, compiled and directly from my personal grimoire. Please do not repost**

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My Personal “Pillars of Hellenic Polytheism”

You may have seen or heard of the “7 Pillars of Hellenism”. The creator of these pillars, Timothy Jay Alexander, is known to be extremely homophobic and bigoted, and therefore these pillars aren’t seen in a positive light by many Hellenic Polytheists, including myself.

That being said, personally, I like to have sort of guidelines to follow, and Alexander isn’t the only one to have created “moral pillars”. So I took inspiration from multiple sources, including @/hyakinthou-naos in one of their recent posts, to make my own pillars. These are things that are important to me, personally, and they may differ from yours if you have some. I chose to have 5 pillars as it is a number associated with Lady Aphrodite, and the pillars will be listed in alphabetical order.

Hekousios- Ε´κουσίος

ἑκούσιος translates to “free will” or “voluntary”. To me, this means to do things at your own pace, and to always have worship be a personal choice, not something put on someone.

Kharis - Χάρις

Kharis can be translated to “grace, kindness, goodwill, elegance, favour, joy, charity, beauty”, “reciprocity”, “grace, favor, goodwill”, or a reciprocal relationship with the Gods. To me, this means to not ask for things without offering something in return, to not take advantage of gifts from the Gods.

Periergia - Περιέργεια

Periergia translates to curiosity and is often associated with devotion to researching something. For me, this means to always be curious, open to new ideas, and never stop learning new things. It also means to never claim that I know everything, and be willing to research things I don’t know much about.

Symmakhia - Σύμμαχία

Symmakhia translates to “allyship”. It also happens to be an epithet of Lady Aphrodite! It is usually used in the context of military and war, but here, I am using this word in the context of allyship and support towards marginalized groups. Allyship is active, and so to me, this pillar means to show active support to those that are a part of marginalized or minority communities.

Xenia - Ξενία

Xenia is the concept of guest-friendship or hospitality. For me, this means kindness and hospitality towards those from all walks of life and lived experiences, as long as it is safe to do so.

You can call me Mae or Birdie. I’m 25+ witch with over 20 years of experience and research.

This is a side blog for: feartheactualgoat.

_

TABLE OF CONTENTS

If there’s something you want to see me discuss feel free to send me an ask!

~

Research Tips

Important notices

Original posts

Witchy 101

Red flags

Terminology

Symbols

Recommended reading

Being in the witch closet

Ceremonial witchcraft

Practical witchcraft

Folk witchcraft

Low Spoon / Chronically ill friendly witchcraft

Paths

Closed Practices

Craft Tools

Astrology

Zodiacs

Planets

Constellations

Birth charts

Moon magic

Solar Magic

Alchemy

Apothecary

Herbs & flowers

Trees

Foraging

Food Recipes

Tinctures

Oils

Teas

Salves

Baths

Sustainable Spellwork

Healing

Protection & Wards

Baneful Magic

Household Magic

Crystals

Divination

Tarot

Osteomancy

Runes

Ogham

Pendulums

Palmistry

Spell work

Rites

Incantations

Spell jars

Shadow work

Unfiled Posts

Ancestral Veneration and Why it’s Important

This is going to be a post about a topic that people seem to forget or deem unimportant even fearful about with either good reasons or just never thought about it. I just wanted to mention YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WORK WITH ANCESTORS IN YOUR PRACTICE this blog is mostly for those who are interested in it and not sure what ancestral veneration is.

I’m a pagan and a witch that practices Ancestral veneration in my practice, not around it but it’s definitely a big part of why I practice certain paths. I’ll go in beginner tips, what to expect and the myths, the offerings and the recommendations. But let me go a bit into the importance of Ancestral Veneration and worship in human history since it’s still prevalent today.

Historical importance of Ancestral Worship

Ancestral worship and veneration has been at least one of the oldest religions that humans have ever believed in. Archaeological evidence shows the early humans taking care of their dead and burying them for respect and dignity maybe even courtesy to the deceased. It became sacred to them, imagine back then without fully understanding about the world someone that you spoke and saw now gone, it’s a profound moment one’s life that they must believe that their spirit lives on and they themselves wanted a peaceful resting place. It’s a cycle, many cultures and religions believe that life is a cycle, death is never the “end” rather an end of a journey to a new part of one’s life.

To this day people honor their deceased loved ones, visiting their graves, offering them gifts at their resting places, speaking to them, having their picture on a table surrounded by their favorite flowers, etc. Honoring the dead and respecting the dead is a very revered part of human life and something that we all would like to expect when we’re gone from our living family. Spirits also related or not, the dead as well should be treated with outmost respect and dignity like our ancestors did.

Some cultures like the Romans believed that if the spirits especially ancestral spirits (Lares) weren’t appeased they become angry if worshipped improperly or their will have not be been fulfilled. In Ancient Greek tradition they would place a coin in the mouth for the deceased to make sure their spirits would go into the afterlife safely and less traumatic. Each culture and society had a different way of how the ancestors would live in the afterlife.

Even in the Christian Bible shows the significance of ancestors, there is a reason why genealogies are included in the Bible. How Jewish people revere Abraham as their founding father since he is the first Hebrew patriarch which is very important to them and their religion. How even Jesus is related to David on both sides. Even immediate family is important like Jesus’s mother Holy Mary. In Norse Paganism it’s said that the kings were descend from gods like the Swedish Royal family related to Freyr. In Shintoism it is said that the First Emperor of Japan is related to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. Japan and other many East Asian countries have a strong relationship and traditions regrading Ancestors.

Why Ancestral Veneration?

Ancestral Veneration is generally taken outside of paganism and witchcraft a very sacred thing for families, they can heal, they can come together, grieve together, reminisce together especially if they knew that person in life. But also asking the deceased loved ones for guidance and protection, to help their family in life whom they love the most. Plus this can help especially if you are into past life regression, we reincarnated with our ancestors many times and they have been able to see us in their time and now. It can be really insightful to understand of who we were in those lives.

Whatever legacy they left behind that you admired from them is continued for generations to come as well as heirlooms, a mother passing down her sentimental items to daughters or their children alike it’s a remembrance of what they were known by as well.

“Cows die, family die, you will die the same way . I know only one thing that never dies: the reputation of the one who’s died.” Havamal, Stanza 77.

If you’re going into paganism or witchcraft or both that are related to your ancestry. Your ancestors are the best teachers and mentors especially if they also have been in these specific practices and traditions. If you want to learn Seidr for instance a magical practice rooted within Scandinavian traditions and you have said Scandinavian roots you can contact a ancestor that practiced it in life and willing to help and teach you. What’s unfortunate about ancestral veneration looking down upon for many centuries making people turn away and against the practice is that it’s said that spirits can become lost if they aren’t being honored or remembered that makes them fade and lost.

Five Myths about Ancestral Veneration and what to expect. This is not going to be sugarcoated, I’m being honest and this what I’ve experienced in my own practice and how many others have experienced as well. I would add on if I forgot anything but these are most common misconceptions I have heard. The red are the myths if you are wondering.

Myth #1: All ancestors on the other side have my best interest and support all what I’m doing This is a common misbelief, now there is ancestors that will support you no matter what and your actions. But if you’re a pagan and a witch there is going to be Christian ancestors who won’t support you at all. Their human spirits with still human functions and beliefs. Not to say you can’t communicate but set your intentions and boundaries before meeting them, some will tolerate and some will make their opinions and beliefs known possibly even try to convince you. I know it sounds like fear mongering but it’s to what you would expect. This doesn’t mean you cannot make contact or venerate them because of it. It’s a choice that is a two way street, even spirits in the other side have freewill just like we do.

Myth #2: All Ancestors are well in spirit No, not exactly, when humans on earth do horrible things or experience horrible things it will take affect in the spirit world no matter what. Keep in mind time works very differently in the other world that it will take centuries for those who are healing to fully recover and those to actually realize their problems, messed up life on earth if they choose to recognize it. Again as I said just humans in the physical world human spirits also have free will and choices.

Myth #3: Only Human spirits are ancestors Nope commonly yes when we think of Ancestors we think of human beings that lived either with us or before us. But this isn’t the case, pets for instance that became our beloved family members and part of our inner circle are our ancestors. My cat that recently passed I had him since I was nine years old, I always thought and treated him like family because of that he merged into my family circle. Also animals can symbols of family, like a bear, an owl, an elephant, etc. that they can be represented as your ancestors as a whole.

Myth #4 : Ancestors are limited to just blood family Also a misconception, close friends and even adopted family members are considered to be close family. Some people won’t have blood relatives in life and find their found family which is just as valid and meaningful like a blood family is. This also goes to if you’re a person that likes to write you might venerate your favorite author, if you like to draw or paint you can venerate an artist that you admired a lot. Your family might have patron saints, deities, or local heroes and spirits that have been part of your family for generations. That’s why it’s nice to know where your family originated from what country, village, city, etc.

Myth #5: No Ancestors of mine did anything wrong Everyone’s ancestors did something horribly wrong in their lifetime, some were messed up people. But there are good ones that aren’t like that anymore, if you want to venerate them that’s up to you and your practice. I personally don’t do it because especially if they did something wrong and have no remorse for it I ain’t venerating none of them.

There is no reason to be afraid.

I know I seemed to be fear mongering in the previous part that’s because I don’t want to sugarcoated of which is most likely to be expected.

The Bottom line when contacting (if you want to have contact with them) and venerating your ancestors is that their no different from a human person in this physical realm. They will have personalities, likes, dislikes, opinions, beliefs like any other human being BUT from my experience a lot of my ancestors are very wise, humorous, kind, and non-judgmental. My advice if you really want to contact someone who is going to be supportive and helpful in your paganism and witchcraft, ask specifically for that person I usually ask for ancient ancestors pre Christian wise but there many folk witches and pagan ancestors that are more modern and recent that can most definitely help you! Speak to them like any other human interaction would be as if you’re talking to a living friend, family member or complete stranger you’re meeting for the first time.

How to Communicate with your ancestors

I have mention “contacting” your ancestors you can speak with them it’s not impossible.

1. Meditation and dream work: Most common and effective way to really get them to communicate you and send signs is through dreams. Meditation for a clear and close connection with them.

2. Tarot: Very common and just as effective, my most recommended first step when communicating with your ancestors. Using a tarot deck can help with putting your foot through the door. There is a great book which will recommend at the of the blog that does ancestral and tarot together.

3. Pendulum and a spirit board: This is more in depth but it has been very effective for me and many others to really connect and communicate with my ancestors. It’s good to state your intentions and boundaries before doing any of said above, but this is where you really need to set it. Before starting grab the pendulum over the board don’t let it swing and say, “I ask of the good and supporting ancestors that have me in good intent and support of my path and practice, I would like to meet you”. Of course you get specific like “I would like to meet an ancient Roman ancestor” that’s just an example of how it would go safely and respectfully.

4. Just talking to them. Yep sounds easy enough, you would just get something that represents ancestors or even a specific ancestor. For instance your grandmother’s rosary and just talk to them or pray to them. It’s a very simple and comforting way to bond with your family.

Offerings

This is going to be a “it depends on the ancestors” but there has been a universal notion of what ancestors do really like. From items, food, drink, etc.

Rosaries for catholic ancestors or the cross for Christian ancestors generally speaking

Pagan symbols for your pagan ancestors

Statues of ancestral gods or saints or other important entities

Sweets: Cookies and cakes are very popular

Alcohol: my Germanic ancestors love it when I offer beer, mead, ale. But also wine and other alcoholic beverages for others.

Regular libations like water, coffee, tea. juice, etc. good substitute if you cannot use alcohol.

Their meals from their home country, my Italian ancestors, recent and ancient love it when I make them pasta.

Incense some cultures call it the food for spirits

Heirlooms

Family photographs

Candles

Coins

Book of the dead, if you meet an ancestor you can record them down into a book that is solely for your family and to be passed down on and on. It’s a memorial service to them that someone knows their name and who they were.

Specific traditions that your ancestors came from for instance libations of wine for your Greek ancestors.

Good ancestral veneration books that personally helped me a lot and I know a lot of others to get started.

Ancestral Tarot by Nancy Hendrickson she helps how to contact and connect with your ancestors and ancestry using tarot

Ancestral Grimoire by Nancy Hendrickson like Ancestral Tarot she goes how to connect with your ancestors but this time how to really work with them. One of the exercises is to work with an ancestor for a month and a different for the next one.

Honoring your Ancestors by Mallorie Vaudoise she gives good information on different ways to connect with your ancestors, the different types of ancestors, she does have a Southern European and Catholic folk magic take to it which is fine but it’s not the sole focus of it but she does put good information in the book to help someone get started. 

Badass Ancestors by Patti Wigington also good beginners guide to ancestral veneration and how to connect through meditations and develop relationships with them even how to deal with problematic ancestors. She goes into how to research your genealogy and useful tips!