Samhain marks the end of the harvest and the start of winter. In many Pagan and witchcraft traditions, this is a special time when the boundary between the living and the dead is believed to be at its thinnest. It is an ideal moment to honor ancestors. Creating an ancestor altar during Samhain is a meaningful way to remember your loved ones, seek their guidance, and keep their memory alive in your home.
You can make your ancestor altar a permanent part of your home, or set it up just for the Samhain season. Choose what works best for your space, your practice, and your traditions.
Start by choosing a quiet, respectful spot for your altar. This could be a small table, a shelf, or a corner of a room. Clean the area physically, then cleanse it energetically—perhaps by wiping it down and using incense or sprinkling salt water—to prepare it for sacred use.
The main item for your ancestor altar is a skull, which symbolizes mortality, remembrance, and the spirit of your ancestors. This does not have to be a real skull. You can use a ceramic or resin skull, a candle shaped like a skull, a drawing, or even a photograph. During Halloween, decorative skulls are easy to find. Choose one that feels right for you and your ancestors.
Covering the skull is a traditional sign of respect and mystery. You can use a handkerchief, hat, scarf, sunglasses, or any meaningful item. Remove the covering during rituals or when you want to connect with your ancestors, and replace it afterward to close the connection.
Place photos of your deceased loved ones and ancestors on the altar. If you do not have photos, you can use written names, family heirlooms, or objects that represent your family line. These items help create a bridge between you and those who have passed.
Add personal items that belonged to your loved ones, such as jewelry, letters, gifts, or inherited objects. Each item should have meaning and remind you of the ancestor you wish to honor.
Set aside a spot on the altar for offerings. Use a small plate, bowl, or tray for food, drink, incense, spirit money, or other gifts for the spirits. Offerings are important—they show gratitude and help maintain a relationship with your ancestors.
During Samhain, it is traditional to open the space ritually. Mark the four directions around your altar and take a moment to center yourself. Invite your ancestors to join you, and ask for guidance from spiritual guardians. You can do this with a prayer, meditation, or a simple spoken request.
After the ritual, cover the skull and leave it on the altar. When you want to speak with your ancestors, remove the covering, light a candle or incense, and make your offerings. Talk to your ancestors as you would to honored guests, sharing your thoughts, questions, or thanks.
A traditional offering is Ghost Water. To make it, visit a graveyard at midnight on the full moon before Samhain. Bring a glass container of spring water and leave it on a grave where the moonlight can touch it. Retrieve the water after midnight but before dawn, then bottle and label it for your altar. Some people add a splash of anisette liquor to the Ghost Water when offering it, as the resulting milky cloud is said to look like a spirit appearing.
Graveyard dirt is another powerful offering, symbolizing a direct link to the dead. If you cannot collect real graveyard dirt, you can use powdered mullein or patchouli, often sold as “graveyard dust,” as a respectful substitute.
Incense is also a common offering. Use blends made for Samhain or ancestor work. Spirit money—imitation currency from playsets or specialty shops—can be burned with prayers, wishing your ancestors abundance in the spirit world.
Keep your ancestor altar clean and tidy, and refresh offerings regularly. Dispose of old offerings respectfully, such as by placing them in running water or at a crossroads—both are traditional ways to return gifts to the spirit world.
Always approach your ancestor altar with respect and sincerity. Your ancestors deserve remembrance and gratitude. By honoring them, you strengthen family bonds and invite their wisdom and protection into your life.
While Samhain is the best time to create or renew your ancestor altar, this sacred space can offer comfort, guidance, and connection all year round.
