Ancestor Reverence

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.

Course curriculum

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    1. Welcome to Class!

    2. Copyright Agreement

    3. How to Use this Course

    4. Questions?

    5. Before we begin...

    1. Chapter 1 Objectives

    2. Introduction to Ancestor Reverence

    3. Why is Ancestor Reverence Important?

    4. Who are the Ancestors?

    5. Ancestor Reverence Around the World

    6. Egungun

    7. The Living Assist the Dead

    8. Common Aspects of Ancestor Reverence Across Cultures

    9. The Essence of African Traditional Religion

    10. Ancestors and African Religions

    11. Hoodoo and Ancestor Reverence

    12. Ancestor Reverence and New Orleans Voudou

    13. Ancestor Reverence and Native American Cultures

    14. Ancestor Reverence Word Search

    15. Test Your Learning: Introduction

    1. Chapter 2 Objectives

    2. Ancestor Reverence for Adopted Individuals

    3. Archetypal Ancestors

    4. Cultural Ancestors

    5. Generational Ancestors

    6. Regional Ancestors

    7. Who are Your Ancestors?

    8. Assignment: Seven Generation Family Tree

    9. Seven Generation Family Tree

    10. Chapter Quiz: Types of Ancestors

    1. The Ancestor Altar

    2. What is an Ancestor Altar?

    3. Ancestors, Spirits, and God

    4. African Shrines, Altars, and Ancestors

    5. Preparing Sacred Space

    6. Paying Homage to the Ancestors

    7. Making an Ancestor Altar or Shrine

    8. Setting Spiritual Boundaries

    9. Chapter Quiz: The Ancestor Altar

    1. Chapter 4 Objectives

    2. How to Develop a Relationship with Your Ancestors

    3. How to Address the Ancestors

    4. Pouring Libations

    5. Confronting Ancestral Trauma

    6. Generational Trauma

    7. Historical Trauma Among Indigenous Peoples of the Americas

    8. How to Heal African Americans’ Traumatic History

    9. How to Deal with Undesirable Ancestors

    10. Praying for Souls in Purgatory

    11. Prayers for the Dead

    12. Ancestor Elevation

    13. Ancestor Elevation Ritual

    14. Seven Day Elevation Ritual

    15. Prayer to Rest in Peace

    16. Ancestral Offerings

    17. Chapter Quiz: Developing a Relationship with Your Ancestors

    1. What is Ancestor Magick?

    2. Ancestor Connection Candle Spell

    3. Ancestor Money or Chinese Hell Bank Ritual

    4. Al Anima Sola

    5. Ancestor Working to Improve Finances

    6. Meal for the Ancestors

    7. To Feast with the Dead: The Dumb Supper

    8. The Dumb Supper & How to Make the Dumb Cake

    9. Final Exam

About this course

  • $150.00
  • 67 lessons
  • Community forum
  • Self-paced
  • Certificate of Completion

Pricing options

Explain how different pricing options might be valuable to different segments of your audience.

Student benefits

Check out all the perks you receive as a Crossroads University student.

  • Lifetime access.

  • Work at your own pace.

  • Access to Conjure Corner, the official forum for Crossroads University.

  • Certificate of completion.

  • Unparalleled cultural education.

Social proof: reviews

“Only a fool tests the depth of a river with no feet.”

5 star rating

Couldn't ask for better

Donna-Jane Woollam

Absolutely amazing course, enough detail and information to whet the appetite but not so much to overwhelm the novice with too much detail. Actually looked into various bits in greater detail, brilliant precursor for anyone buying one of your boo...

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Absolutely amazing course, enough detail and information to whet the appetite but not so much to overwhelm the novice with too much detail. Actually looked into various bits in greater detail, brilliant precursor for anyone buying one of your books. Couldn't find fault

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5 star rating

I am hooked now I just want more knowledge

Vicki Southall

Very good very in-depth I seriously want to do them all now

Very good very in-depth I seriously want to do them all now

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5 star rating

Highly recommend

Julian Dalton

There is just so much you think you know, but don't. I highly recommend this course for any beginner interested in the basic foundations of New Orleans Voodoo.

There is just so much you think you know, but don't. I highly recommend this course for any beginner interested in the basic foundations of New Orleans Voodoo.

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5 star rating

Hervoragende Einführung !!!

Thomas Zimmermann

wirklich großartige Einführung, viele sehr informative auch alte Texte, guter Mix aus Text, Video Quiz erleichtern die Aufnahme der Inhalte, es wird viel Wissen vermittelt , bin sehr sehr begeistert, eindeutig das beste Onlineseminar welches ich ...

Read More

wirklich großartige Einführung, viele sehr informative auch alte Texte, guter Mix aus Text, Video Quiz erleichtern die Aufnahme der Inhalte, es wird viel Wissen vermittelt , bin sehr sehr begeistert, eindeutig das beste Onlineseminar welches ich besucht habe absolute Empfehlung Thomas aus Wien

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5 star rating

Very Informative

Ashley Barbier

I have learned a lot.

I have learned a lot.

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Instructor

Denise Alvarado

Founder/Instructor

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.