Ancestor Reverence
Price
$150
Duration
67 lessons, work at your own pace
About the Course
Ancestor reverence is a practice that has been around for thousands of years in many cultures and traditions. It is based on the idea that our ancestors are still with us, in spirit, and that they can offer us guidance, protection, and blessings. By honoring and communicating with our ancestors, we can deepen our connection to our roots, heal ancestral wounds, and learn from their wisdom.
In this course, you will learn the basics of ancestor reverence, such as how to set up an altar, how to make offerings, how to invoke your ancestors, and how to ask for their help. You will also explore the benefits of ancestor reverence, such as how it can enhance your personal growth, your relationships, your career, and your spirituality. You will also learn how to deal with challenges that may arise, such as ancestral trauma, unresolved conflicts, or negative influences.
The African Traditional religions (ATRs) such as Voudou, Espiritismo, Ifa, and Lucumi have specific ways for working with the ancestors. Spiritual traditions like Hoodoo and Conjure do not, though there are similarities such as using nine glasses of water and pouring libations. You have much more flexibility when working with your ancestors from outside of a religion. What you will learn in this course are tried and true techniques that share common practices with the ATRs that you can integrate into your own practice while developing an ancestor reverence practice that is most meaningful to you.
This course is suitable for anyone who is interested in learning more about ancestor reverence, regardless of their background, beliefs, or experience level. Whether you have a strong connection to your ancestors or you feel disconnected from them, this course will help you cultivate a meaningful and rewarding relationship with them. By taking this course, you will not only honor your ancestors, but also yourself and your descendants.
Your Instructor
Denise Alvarado
Denise Alvarado was born and raised in the unique culture of New Orleans, Louisiana and has studied indigenous healing traditions from a personal and academic perspective for over four decades. Denise is a member of the American Anthropological Association, the Association of Indigenous Anthropologists, and the Association of Latina/o & Latinx Anthropologists. She is the author of Witch Queens, Voodoo Spirits and Hoodoo Saints, The Magic of Marie Laveau, The Conjurer's Guide to St. Expedite, Editor in Chief of Hoodoo & Conjure magazine, Journal of American Rootwork and Gumbo Ya Ya, and over twenty books that focus on folk magic traditions of the American South. Her provocative artwork has been featured on several television shows including National Geographic's Taboo, The Originals, and Blue Bloods. Denise is a rootworker and tradition-keeper, a spiritual artist, and a teacher of Southern indigenous folkways.