ALEXANDRIA'S ALCHEMY
ALEXANDRIA'S ALCHEMY
Ancestor reverence is the practice of honoring and respecting our ancestors, recognizing their influence on our lives and the wisdom they offer. It involves acknowledging their struggles, sacrifices, and achievements, fostering a deep connection that transcends time. By creating rituals, altars, or simply reflecting on their legacies, we cultivate gratitude and seek guidance from those who came before us. This practice not only strengthens our sense of identity and belonging but also helps us navigate our current challenges with the support and wisdom of our lineage. Ultimately, ancestor reverence invites us to remember that we are part of a larger story, one that continues to shape our lives today.
The idea of creating an altar has been with me for the past year. I considered making one for my late paternal great-grandmother, Cora, who stood out to me. Although I let the idea linger in my mind, I never took action.
This past May, I went home to Maryland for my brother’s graduation. While waiting for our table, my father, sister, and I sat at the bar. My father began talking about his paternal great-grandmother, Delia, describing her as a significant businesswoman in St. Mary’s and Mechanicsville, where she owned several properties and businesses. As someone who owns a brick-and-mortar store and is quite entrepreneurial, I wondered if she could be one of my guides. I also mentioned to my dad that I had recently felt an intuitive nudge to create an altar. He encouraged me to do so, sharing that he had similar thoughts.
Around this time, I noticed a series of synchronistic and serendipitous events. I recalled asking my guides if Delia was one of them. A few days later, while scrolling through my iPhone pictures—something I often do to reflect—I noticed the name Delia. It turned out to be a screenshot of my unfinished sequel to my novel, *Must Love Drama*, where my protagonist’s therapist is named Delia. I was astonished, having completely forgotten about the character and the fact that she was depicted as a guide. This felt like confirmation.
Intrigued by these synchronicities, I wanted to explore my ancestors further. I began going to sleep asking for guidance, which led to vivid dreams about relevant figures in my life.
Your ancestors and spiritual guides are always near, offering intuitive nudges to help you connect with their wisdom and honor their legacy. These subtle hints may come as dreams, sudden thoughts, or feelings that inspire you to explore your family history.
Pay attention to the signs—perhaps a particular name keeps coming up, or you feel drawn to a specific tradition or place. These are invitations to delve deeper into your roots and learn about the values and experiences that shaped your lineage.
Months later, I booked a reading with a woman I met in Los Angeles back in 2017. We stayed connected after meeting at a charity event. When we first met, she sensed that I was experiencing grief, which was accurate; I was navigating a deep “dark night of the soul” following the passing of a former lover. Flash forward to today, she has sent me gifts and even predicted my daughter’s arrival, reaching out just before I announced my pregnancy to tell me that a little girl was excited to have me as her mother.
During the reading, she mentioned that my ancestors were trying to reach out and urged me to create an altar. She reminded me that any guidance I sought was with them. This felt like further confirmation. She advised me to set it up, learn about spiritual protection, and make offerings to my ancestors.
Taking this to heart, I ordered some items and researched the best ways to incorporate all the necessary elements. I also bought stones to facilitate communication with the other side.
While waiting for my supplies to arrive, I felt compelled to do some automatic writing. I was guided to listen to an artist named Michael White, particularly his beautiful song “The Blessing Song.” I started from the beginning of the album, and the first track featured various tones, quite different from what I expected. As I wrote down the names I wanted to connect with—Delia and Cora—it felt as though someone else was guiding my hand. I learned that Delia valued legacy and property, urging me to make decisions that would benefit me financially. Cora emphasized personal happiness, encouraging me to leave if I wasn’t happy. I also sensed a need to connect with my maternal line, and the name Anne or Annie emerged. They indicated she was lighter-skinned from my mother’s side and expressed pride in “all the girls.”
I couldn’t recall my maternal great-grandmother’s name, so I called my mom, who told me her grandmother went by the name Elizabeth. However, the only Annie she could think of was my older cousin who passed away at 26, and it happened to be her birthday. I was astonished at the coincidence.
After speaking with my aunts, I learned more about my great-grandmother: her name was Lorraine Elizabeth, and she was very fair with red hair, almost white-passing. She died young. My cousin Annie’s name was Anne Elizabeth; she was biracial and also passed away young. I have a hunch they may be the same soul, but I could be mistaken.
Whenever I connect with people who died young, they tend to reincarnate quickly.
Added Later: I forgot to mention that I talked to my dad after the “channeling,” and he provided more context. He said he could see them giving that advice based on what he knew about Delia and Cora’s personalities. He mentioned that Delia’s children did not ensure that all of her properties and businesses were properly managed after her passing, which aligns with my impression that she was upset about this. He also noted that his grandmother Cora often advocated for taking the path of least resistance, so he wasn’t surprised she would encourage me to let things go when they become too difficult. Additionally, he surprisingly—and somewhat hesitantly—said he understood why my cousin on my mother’s side might come through. He conveyed that I embody a sense of freedom that she may admire (in death), as she felt stifled by those around her and sought to move away to feel liberated.
A few days later, still thinking of my grandmother Cora, I considered calling my grandma for more information. I made some final decisions regarding my business and felt compelled to attend a business credit event I had marked on my calendar. It felt like a random choice, but I knew I had to go. The event was held in a co-working incubator space, predominantly attended by older African American individuals, which surprised me as I had expected a different demographic.
During the event, an older black woman next to me was lively and responsive to the presenter. At one point, she mentioned she wasn’t from Dallas, and an intrusive thought whispered “North Carolina, South Carolina.” I held onto that thought.
At the end of the presentation, we spoke, and I asked where she was from. She replied, “North Carolina.” When I told her I had guessed correctly, she asked, “How could you tell?” I said, “I know my people.” She resembled my father’s mother’s side, and I suspected a familial connection. When I showed her a picture of my grandma, she was amazed, saying my grandma looked just like her family. We compared surnames, and one of hers was Wright, which is my great-grandmother’s maiden name, and she was from the same area.
These synchronicities excite me as I continue to connect with my guides. I’ve set up my altar for meditation and guidance, and I’m learning more about ancestor reverence—the dos and don’ts. I’m also exploring hoodoo to connect with my ancestors who may have practiced it.
Acknowledging our enlightened ancestors is a powerful way to connect with those who have transcended their earthly struggles and are here to guide us. These ancestors, having gained wisdom and insight, can offer invaluable support as we navigate our own lives.
However, it’s essential to exercise discernment in this practice. Not all ancestors in our family line may be elevated or beneficial. Inviting in every spirit without consideration can lead to unwanted spiritual attachments or negative influences.
To foster a positive connection, focus on honoring those ancestors who embody wisdom, love, and guidance. Establish clear intentions when creating your space or rituals, and trust your intuition to recognize the energy that surrounds you. By honoring the enlightened ones, we can cultivate a nurturing environment that invites support while protecting ourselves from any unhelpful energies.
Ancestor reverence is the practice of honoring and respecting our ancestors, recognizing their influence on our lives and the wisdom they offer. It involves acknowledging their struggles, sacrifices, and achievements, fostering a deep connection that transcends time. By creating rituals, altars, or simply reflecting on their legacies, we cultivate gratitude and seek guidance from those who came before us. This practice not only strengthens our sense of identity and belonging but also helps us navigate our current challenges with the support and wisdom of our lineage. Ultimately, ancestor reverence invites us to remember that we are part of a larger story, one that continues to shape our lives today.
The idea of creating an altar has been with me for the past year. I considered making one for my late paternal great-grandmother, Cora, who stood out to me. Although I let the idea linger in my mind, I never took action.
This past May, I went home to Maryland for my brother’s graduation. While waiting for our table, my father, sister, and I sat at the bar. My father began talking about his paternal great-grandmother, Delia, describing her as a significant businesswoman in St. Mary’s and Mechanicsville, where she owned several properties and businesses. As someone who owns a brick-and-mortar store and is quite entrepreneurial, I wondered if she could be one of my guides. I also mentioned to my dad that I had recently felt an intuitive nudge to create an altar. He encouraged me to do so, sharing that he had similar thoughts.
Around this time, I noticed a series of synchronistic and serendipitous events. I recalled asking my guides if Delia was one of them. A few days later, while scrolling through my iPhone pictures—something I often do to reflect—I noticed the name Delia. It turned out to be a screenshot of my unfinished sequel to my novel, *Must Love Drama*, where my protagonist’s therapist is named Delia. I was astonished, having completely forgotten about the character and the fact that she was depicted as a guide. This felt like confirmation.
Intrigued by these synchronicities, I wanted to explore my ancestors further. I began going to sleep asking for guidance, which led to vivid dreams about relevant figures in my life.
Your ancestors and spiritual guides are always near, offering intuitive nudges to help you connect with their wisdom and honor their legacy. These subtle hints may come as dreams, sudden thoughts, or feelings that inspire you to explore your family history.
Pay attention to the signs—perhaps a particular name keeps coming up, or you feel drawn to a specific tradition or place. These are invitations to delve deeper into your roots and learn about the values and experiences that shaped your lineage.
Months later, I booked a reading with a woman I met in Los Angeles back in 2017. We stayed connected after meeting at a charity event. When we first met, she sensed that I was experiencing grief, which was accurate; I was navigating a deep “dark night of the soul” following the passing of a former lover. Flash forward to today, she has sent me gifts and even predicted my daughter’s arrival, reaching out just before I announced my pregnancy to tell me that a little girl was excited to have me as her mother.
During the reading, she mentioned that my ancestors were trying to reach out and urged me to create an altar. She reminded me that any guidance I sought was with them. This felt like further confirmation. She advised me to set it up, learn about spiritual protection, and make offerings to my ancestors.
Taking this to heart, I ordered some items and researched the best ways to incorporate all the necessary elements. I also bought stones to facilitate communication with the other side.
While waiting for my supplies to arrive, I felt compelled to do some automatic writing. I was guided to listen to an artist named Michael White, particularly his beautiful song “The Blessing Song.” I started from the beginning of the album, and the first track featured various tones, quite different from what I expected. As I wrote down the names I wanted to connect with—Delia and Cora—it felt as though someone else was guiding my hand. I learned that Delia valued legacy and property, urging me to make decisions that would benefit me financially. Cora emphasized personal happiness, encouraging me to leave if I wasn’t happy. I also sensed a need to connect with my maternal line, and the name Anne or Annie emerged. They indicated she was lighter-skinned from my mother’s side and expressed pride in “all the girls.”
I couldn’t recall my maternal great-grandmother’s name, so I called my mom, who told me her grandmother went by the name Elizabeth. However, the only Annie she could think of was my older cousin who passed away at 26, and it happened to be her birthday. I was astonished at the coincidence.
After speaking with my aunts, I learned more about my great-grandmother: her name was Lorraine Elizabeth, and she was very fair with red hair, almost white-passing. She died young. My cousin Annie’s name was Anne Elizabeth; she was biracial and also passed away young. I have a hunch they may be the same soul, but I could be mistaken.
Whenever I connect with people who died young, they tend to reincarnate quickly.
Added Later: I forgot to mention that I talked to my dad after the “channeling,” and he provided more context. He said he could see them giving that advice based on what he knew about Delia and Cora’s personalities. He mentioned that Delia’s children did not ensure that all of her properties and businesses were properly managed after her passing, which aligns with my impression that she was upset about this. He also noted that his grandmother Cora often advocated for taking the path of least resistance, so he wasn’t surprised she would encourage me to let things go when they become too difficult. Additionally, he surprisingly—and somewhat hesitantly—said he understood why my cousin on my mother’s side might come through. He conveyed that I embody a sense of freedom that she may admire (in death), as she felt stifled by those around her and sought to move away to feel liberated.
A few days later, still thinking of my grandmother Cora, I considered calling my grandma for more information. I made some final decisions regarding my business and felt compelled to attend a business credit event I had marked on my calendar. It felt like a random choice, but I knew I had to go. The event was held in a co-working incubator space, predominantly attended by older African American individuals, which surprised me as I had expected a different demographic.
During the event, an older black woman next to me was lively and responsive to the presenter. At one point, she mentioned she wasn’t from Dallas, and an intrusive thought whispered “North Carolina, South Carolina.” I held onto that thought.
At the end of the presentation, we spoke, and I asked where she was from. She replied, “North Carolina.” When I told her I had guessed correctly, she asked, “How could you tell?” I said, “I know my people.” She resembled my father’s mother’s side, and I suspected a familial connection. When I showed her a picture of my grandma, she was amazed, saying my grandma looked just like her family. We compared surnames, and one of hers was Wright, which is my great-grandmother’s maiden name, and she was from the same area.
These synchronicities excite me as I continue to connect with my guides. I’ve set up my altar for meditation and guidance, and I’m learning more about ancestor reverence—the dos and don’ts. I’m also exploring hoodoo to connect with my ancestors who may have practiced it.
Acknowledging our enlightened ancestors is a powerful way to connect with those who have transcended their earthly struggles and are here to guide us. These ancestors, having gained wisdom and insight, can offer invaluable support as we navigate our own lives.
However, it’s essential to exercise discernment in this practice. Not all ancestors in our family line may be elevated or beneficial. Inviting in every spirit without consideration can lead to unwanted spiritual attachments or negative influences.
To foster a positive connection, focus on honoring those ancestors who embody wisdom, love, and guidance. Establish clear intentions when creating your space or rituals, and trust your intuition to recognize the energy that surrounds you. By honoring the enlightened ones, we can cultivate a nurturing environment that invites support while protecting ourselves from any unhelpful energies.