The Glass of Water for Your Ancestors

Many families in Louisiana keep their dead close. You do not need an elaborate altar to begin — a single glass of clear water is a respected starting point.

Setting it

1. Choose a clean, high shelf away from where you sleep.
2. Fill a clear glass with fresh water.
3. Add a photo, a name written on paper, or an object that belonged to someone you loved.
4. Light a white candle and say their names aloud. Tell them how you are.

Tending it

Change the water weekly, or whenever it turns cloudy. Offer coffee, a flower or a bite of a favourite food on special days. Listen more than you ask.

Who to call on

Begin with ancestors who loved you well. You owe nothing to anyone who harmed you.

When you want Celeste to do the work

Everything above is yours to practise at home. If you would rather have Celeste prepare the work for you, Celeste offers Ancestral & Home Blessings and private Ancestral Channeling — composed by hand at her table in New Orleans and delivered privately as a PDF to your email. Visit Celeste's shop.