Ancestor Altar - 11 Mistakes You're Making | Yeyeo Botanica 

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1. Maintain cleanliness of area 2. Maintain cleanliness of glass 3. Always come with gratitude & humility 4. Don’t place the deceased on alter presumptuously 5. Don’t mix the Ancestral Altar with other Altars 6. Don’t place photos of living people on altar 7. Always offer fresh offerings 8. Don’t threaten to withhold offerings in exchange for their help/work 9. Maintain cleanliness of white cloth 10. No black cloth on altar 11. No black candles 12. Maintain fresh flowers that are soft

I've had one for over 25 yrs. I don't think you can make a mistake in making your ancestral altar. Let the spirit lead you, you'll feel what's right and wrong for it. I do the same thing my grandma did. Everyone has there own way. She lit a candle and that's it. I light a candle and a incense. I ask them to intercede for me since they are closer to God. I talk to them all the time just like when they were here. My great grandma called me a natural I didn't know what they meant then. My mother has helped me since she died. She died from a drug overdose and yes she's on my altar and my biggest comfort. They lead me to my healing I'm listed as terminal and died over 20 time's from a bacterial infection. I've had over 39 surgeries and every one they said I would never walk again. But here I am ans here I stand. But one thing my grandma didn't do was put out food for them we had a cousin who did and my grandma thought that was funny since the dead don't need our food because they don't eat in the spirit world they live off our memories even if we didn't know some of our ancestors personally. But as I say let your spirit tell you what's right for you

A simple wooden table, clean white cloth, white candle and a clean glass of water - in a clear glass - that's it. KISS.

I’ve felt my ancestors tell me that they need an altar, and I’m clearing space to create one and I’m very excited about it.

Update ...so I asked my ancestors to confirm that they didn’t like the roses by showing me a pink butterfly for yes they love the roses or a blue butterfly for no they don’t like the roses. At work I encountered a photograph with a blue butterfly. Needless to say the roses have been replaced with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. 💐🌺🌸🌼Thanks again 😉

2020 ! The year to uplift your ancestors!

I'm never demanding anything from my spirits team. Them know what I want already

Thank you for telling me how to better honor my ancestors!

Also in Latin America we highly honor our Ancestors!❤

Too often we neglect the altar. Yes it must be cleaned. CLEAN WATER is a must. I have been guilty of this in past. Thank you

I give offerings to my ancestors everyday. Rice,black Sesame seeds,money,basil and all my love every single day.

My cousin died in a car accident earlier this year and I began reaching out to her through an altar and my life has been amazing ever since. I've literally had random checks come in my mailbox which was very helpful. I ofcourse had the right intentions. I never asked her for anything. My intentions where always pure.

Heey....I'm from Brazil and I see lots of people doing those mistakes too......actually even I did some in the past.....here we praise a lot for African ancertors and Gods of nature, even though I see more asking and demanding than thanking......I see that you're really clever about spirituality and give important advice............Normally I say to people that, if you take more or less care about your ancertors, they will take more or less care of you too.

To remember your dreams when you wake up lie still and quiet and your dreams will come to you.,always have pen and paper next to your bed .Sometimes you will only remember a word or a scene will flash through your mind, write it down and with time you will be writing pages.Every few months go back to what you wrote down and see what they told you.

Its crazy how I got a reading and was told to connect with my ancestors and this video popped up at work I asked if anybody was watching anything spiritual on the tv everybody said no so I'm guessing this is my sign to fr connect with them thank you for this video because I didnt know where to start

Thank you. Kinfolks who learned from our big mammas root work etc... Keep putting down grits, pork chops or how your folks ate in the physical. Watch them businesses prosper, new plush jobs, checks out of no where and them illnesses go away like clock work. In my opinion the ancestors altar is most powerful and they gangsters. I’m in awe sometimes and I give thanks. Listen to your thoughts because they’re close once you open up that portal( altar). All is mind and the universe is mental

This was the best video I've seen yet. Since my altar is so close to the floor and ants like to visit I place dried food like rice beans sweet potatoes apples and such for them. I explained to them why real food isn't available and they seem to understand. On big holidays are when I place the big plates for them but i have to remove it after an 1hr before the ants come. The ants make it hard for us but we make it work.

I actually unintentionally made an altar. It just started as a cute little space that grew with candles and stones and then I put a cute photo hanger above it with my family (some have passed and other haven’t) above it. And it kept growing from there. However, I think a subconsciously made it but I think I may be combine an intention altar and an ancestor altar by mistake. I think I will creat another sacred space for my ancestors. Thank you for this great information.

I would love more information on an Intention Altar vs Ancestral Altar. I didn’t know they had to be separate.

happy to learn I've been doing most of this intuitively. I read something that told me "they are your ancestors, you will feel what is right"!

You are so well spoken! 😻 Thank you for all of this good info!

This is perfect, I always say many people forget to thank their ancestors and often only come when they need money or have problems but we need to welcome them always in our lives like she said we are here because of God and them

Agreed...& Well said 🙌🏼 Your boveda or ancestor altar of any kind is and should be part of your lifestyle or maybe you shouldn't have one. One hand washes the other.They're not a genie in a bottle to do all of your bidding.

Thank you !!! Definitely will make some adjustments I do believe they wanted me to see this. Blessings to you

Give thanks queen. I needed this. Came right on time now I have even more tools to better honor my ancestors. Ase

I am keeping mine, simple Instant water and money burning everyday.and white candles.

You are speaking facts as facts to be told. I believe in cleanliness. I don't have a home (i am homeless) to place an altar but whenever and wherever I am I tried to keep a clean space. Many times I need to burn a candle yet I can't because of my situation. I am so glad I found your channel by mistake (best mistake I have a stumble across). Keep the prayers up. Thank God for your channel. Be safe...Be kind....and Be blessed every day.

My cousin died tragically and I have her on my alter. Everything is going great regarding my relationship with them.

I found your channel last year and absolutely love it! Grateful for your words of wisdom and clarity on questions I've had. Funny enough, I was in the process of setting up a small space for my Grandmothers, when I decided to put some soothing music and went on you tube where I found this video first on my feed. :)..Blessings always.🌈🙏🏻

Thank you for that wonderful video! Marigolds are also used in many cultures as offering for the dead: "Traditional flowers for the muertos are marigold (flor de muerto) chrysanthemum, jasmine flowers (for the spirit of death) and calalilly flowers. Burning copal incense is always recommended on any occasion not limited to Dia de los Muertos. According to tradition, bright yellow and orange marigolds help the departed find their way back home. The spirits are welcomed by the marigolds’ strong scent as the flowers adorn graves and stylized altars."

SUPER helpful!! I've received a wealth of knowledge (and correction) from this video alone and I thank you Teacher Elemi @Yeyeo Botanica. Blessed be.

I have been learning very much from you... You put everything into perspective for me... I’m grateful for the time that you put in making your tutorials!.. Thank you!

I feel I was guided the whole time when I was creating my alter because I've made none of these mistakes with the same explanations you were giving on why not to make those mistakes. 😌😁

This is great information. Thank you.

Mummy left us enough to pay for our marriage and for a deposit on this apartment; so I'm very grateful.

This was so helpful and refreshing. I really appreciate this info thanks so much.

New subscriber,👍 I really appreciate you for this video, I now realize I'm guilty of a couple no-nos! Thank you so much for this very helpful information 😊

I have plants instead in my altar. We care very specially for them. I’m so happy with this content. It’s always good to check in . There’s so much growth. :) thanks! 💖🇵🇷🙏🏽

Thank you for this information! I’ve been wanting to start an altar and I’ve also been seeking advice but no one could help. Glad I found your page , blessings to you !

Thank you I need to go home tonight and make some adjustments to my ancestor altar

Before coming into ifa I had an ancestor alter, that same nite I added a white cloth to my shrine esu came to me in a dream, and I had a nest of mockingbirds in my patio doorway.

I’m learning about “ancestors” so this helps. Thanks.

I am so glad to have found and added u!!! I see them all the time and have never thought of starting my own. Wow!!! I need this after losing my son, and everyone else!!! Wow!!! Thankh u!!!

This was an amazing post!!!!! I still have some things I need to improve on but, this video is also proof that I’m taking care of them, and I am noticing that it’s helping them. ☺️☺️☺️☺️💜

Thank you for this video, it was informative.

Omg!!!!!! I've been doing it all wrong..thank you sooo much

Thank you this information is highly valuable. Much appreciation for your time and energy.

Thank you very much for this great Video! Also reminder

I love Elemi’s videos! I adore the way she speaks and educates. It’s going to be a lot of fun making my ancestor altar and I’m glad I found these videos 🥰

I love coming to your store everytime I go to Jersey. So, after I saw this video i went home to rearrange and clean my ancestor altar. I had a HUGE chunk of blue sage and I lit it and put it on the altar and I left my room. I come back, the blue sage is GONE. I SWEAR, I can't find it now. I guess that they didn't like it. Thanx for this message.

Very insightful! Thank you Elemy!❤

Helpful! I knew some things but learned a few. Thanks!

Thank you so much for this important help and guidance. I'm subscribing and going to follow. I've been shown by my ancestors to create a special place and doing research on the proper way. So thank you

I believe the spirit lead me to your videos ☺️

Thank you I've had an altar for years and everything you say is so true thank you so much

This was extremely helpful! Thank you!

OMG, I'm building a new altar now,😱🤯💯 A lot of these things I learned the hard way, TFS 🤗

Yes Mama! I made a lot of these mistakes with my first ancestor altar and there were extremely consequences! I was guided to make another altar recently and I believe they led me to this because I kept it simple this time but I put me and my pop pop picture up today and some 2020 intentions and guess what I got led to this video! Thank you!!!

Thank you!! This is so helpful for a beginner, eye am soul grateful for this video!!

This was so insightful and needed!

This was sooooooooo awesome I am going to subscribe

Thank u so much 🤗. Treat them well yes.

Thank you for the information on how to better honor our ancestors! Many blessings to you.

Thank you. Very nicely done ; also crystal clear and pleasant! A wonderful contribution to the community.

Thank you so much, very articulate, very informative i'm a francophone i understand everything that you have said. I just started my journey with my ancestors. I subscribe to your Chanel thank you

Thank you for the clear explanation, in my ancestor altar, I actually have photos of me as a child with my grandmothers which I will remove. Às̩e̩

I always love your videos this one as they all are is wonderful. You gave me an ancestral veneration tune up! Watching you is a wonderful way to start my day! Thank you

Thank you so much! I don’t have an alter yet. Never learned how. This helps immensely!

Very much true ❤️❤️❤️❤️! Thanks for this video ✨✨✨✨ Goddess

I have visited your store in Newark when I worked there. Bless your gifted soul of precious knowledge. Your store is worth visiting if you live in or visit Newark, NJ. I love your fantastic positive energy.

Thank you SO MUCH! this was so important and informative, this message came to me like a blessing 🧡

That was very informative! So relieved that I’m not doing most of those mistakes. There are two I need to improve upon and a few tips to do. Thank you!

Thank you Queen daughter of mama Osun, I’ve learnt something new from this video. Ase

I am impressed much love ❤️ from South Africa 🇿🇦

Omg 😯 this is amazingly insightful! Thank you 🙏🏾. Such a great teacher! 🥰

The part on how to communicate with you ancestors and let your request be known really helped.🎩💕

Wonderful video. You hit on a point I was unsure about but thank you for clarity. Mixing my altar was my no no. I’m going to separate accordingly. Ase!

I was addicted to drugs for years and when I got sober I felt this instinctual need to get to my people , in an effort to get to know myself better. I don't know where to begin. I did my DNA test but I don't know, I just don't know where to get started or how. When I do pray to my ancestors, sometimes I don't feel connected at all. Thank you for this video, it helps.

So Happy to see this video. I have been working with spirit for so long and agree 1000% with this message. Thank you for keeping the knowledge. Blessings and respect.

This is a beautiful video! Kudos Elemi!

Im.on the process of making a altar for my husband ancestors and mine as well. We honor them separately because he is native Mexican and I am Irish and European.

You answered so many questions I've had about altars, thank you!

Thank u my sister - so, so much. This was so informative!❣

You were in my recommendations. Thank you for this video and I am now a new sub. ❤👍🏾

My picture is above my alter with my great aunt 🤦🏾‍♀️ taking it down when I get home. I have to clean it and give them an offering today

I have never had a water on my altar except during a cleansing ritual during a full moon. Thank you so much!

Thank so much for sharing this😍🤗

Omo Elegba here Thank you so much for a great video and reminding me of some great and important points!!! Ase O!

I've been thinking about setting one up ,I'm a mix of European ,Arab ,and a drop of Indian ,I just want to thank them for for what my child and I am today

I had my water in a basic vase. Then today was my dads funeral. I took his flowers and put them in the vase but got a goblet for the water. We went to the reception and when I came back, the goblet was full of little bubbles. The flowers were sunflowers, white roses, orange & pink roses... I hope it’s a good sign

Much respect to you for sharing such important information ℹ️!

I bless Yahweh the very first day I stumbled on your videos. Thank you so much for all your teachings. You're doing wonderful great. I have to set up an alter for my ancestors and with your guides it will be so easy now for me. I'm grateful. God bless you. Daâlú!

ThAnkh you.....cleanliness is next to godlyness.this was so informative...so glad you cleared this up my daughter made an altar for her dad and I told her not to put any pics with them two up just him so glad I just felt that was the right way...

There were some good points made here, however it is always best to get information from your Babalawo/Priest on how to engage with your alter. It is always good to keep in mind that when one is doing a lot of spiritual work the alters will always reflect that as well.

This was a truly knowledgeable video I really truly enjoyed it thank you🥰

My grandmother had a beautiful rose bed. She loved them. In this case would it be okay to leave a fresh rose with thorns cut, for her for a short while I wonder?

Oh wow thank you very much I appreciate you and you wisdom I watched the video about ancienter alters wow I have to clean it up and make sure the water is clean that you ma

I personally use a windowsill where I attached some string from one side to the other, then used mini pins to put up pics of my ancestors in this window. I don’t have much room and this felt right to me. I leave offerings to them as the mood strikes (usually 3-4 x per week) and I know it helps me stay connected. One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was to give them OUR best. One person may be wealthy and can give fancy things. Another person might be poor and can only share the little they have. The spirits know what we can offer and don’t judge if we can’t afford a giant spread. That’s what’s so amazing about them :)

Thank you for this information. I needed this!!!