One of the most beautiful things about the path of a Paq’o is the philosophy of: “Whatever works.” This means that the people who learned this path were aware that there are things that function that may not be perfectly described in history or lore. This allows for a beautiful open-mindedness when it comes to change and growth. When the Spanish took over the Inca’s, they were taught about Jesus and Christianity. And some of the Paq’os tried to leverage that. We have to pray to Jesus to stay safe, I wonder if my ceremonies will work if I invoke Jesus…? And some found that for them, it really did.

When my mentor taught us about this path, he introduced us to Ancestry Alters very early on, and was clear that this is not a traditional Q’ero process or belief. He had learned it from a Voodoo Practitioner and it had served him well in his shamanic path. After my time practicing, I too teach this to all of my students. It is invaluable as both a relationship building tool, as all as a support in the times that are the most difficult for you on this path.

Why? When I was thrown into this path, I was having incredibly vivid dreams. So real as to be surreal. And when I would wake up, I felt like I hadn’t slept at all. I was extremely tired, I couldn’t protect myself spiritually, and honestly, it really amplified my feelings of going crazy… When I connected with the fact that this could have to do with my spirituality, I reached out to my mentor to ask for help. And he informed me that I needed to set up an ancestry alter. It is a space I create for my ancestor to be present in this world. And by leaving offerings to them, you start building relationships with the spirits there, and you create a place for exchange. When I say that, please don’t hear anything about a transactional relationship. It is NOT transactional. There is a term that is very important to me called, Sacred Reciprocity. This term talks to the idea of a Gift Economy. I will do this work for you. It is a gift, and I have no expectation of return. And at times, those who receive that gift feel the overwhelming need to “balance the scales”. This can come forward as a gift in kind, or offering what they can to you or someone else in need. It is about offering what you can offer, for the fact that you can, and seeing how the energy can grow from there.

He instructed me that in creating my ancestor alter, I was connecting with a group of people (that have passed on) that have a clear interest in the success in my life. By having an ancestry alter, it is a means of connecting and creating relationships with people that are vested in your success, and are likely to offer you help once they know you can accept it. These do not need to be blood relatives, these do not need to be specifically people you ever knew. But people that you can have faith would have your back. On my alter, I have family members from both sides of my blood family. I have people that are close family of good friends who took me in. I also have spirits and deities that have informed me that they would like to be present (and I agreed).

How? I think the “how” here is a bit too obscure to really go into. How do you describe a relationship or reciprocity with any form of depth that people can really understand…? I don’t know if I can really describe to you the depths of how it works. What I can say is this. I can tell you how to create yours. I can help you learn to grow your alter, but I cannot tell you how to be the best build of those relationships, nor how to understand the gifts you have received.

To build your (most-minimal-starter) Ancestor Alter, you need a few things.

1. At least 1 photo of an ancestor you would like present. (I recommend during this learning phase, select an ancestor you met if possible)
2. You need 4 stones to anchor it. (There are no limitations or requirements on these stones. If you have the funds and enjoy shine crystals: Buy some. If you like walking on the beach, find four stones along the water that seem to call to you. They can be pieces of gravel that people think look funny, or they can be giant shaped amethyst crystals.)
3. You need a piece of cloth maybe 20″x20″
4. You need some sort of chalice. (yes, I mean drinking glass, but chalice is so much more fun to say.)
5. You need a candle.

This will help you set up your start alter. Put the stones in the 4 corners of the cloth. Put your photo up, add water to your chalice, and light your candle. That is it.

I personally feel like there is a piece that was helpful for me to be at this alter, think of my ancestor(s) and offer time to hear/listen. Even if you never hear anything, the time is valued. For me, relationships are about reciprocity. I offer my time, presence, light, and water, and accept whatever they offer. From my experience, this exchange is SO much more powerful that seems possible.

And from here, I would say that you can do no wrong. If you feel like all four of your stones need to be in the center, or your photo(s) need to hang above the alter, or you need 2 chalices because your ancestors liked orange juice as well… change it up and see how it feels. If you have some abilities to sense or hear them, they might tell you clearly what you need to change… Also, a caveat I would add is to be cautious about what you put on there and offer. For instance, if you love bacon, but your entire like are vegans, that might not be the best relationship-builder. If most of your lineage is European-Caucasian, and you have Native Americans on your alter, Alcohol might insight some negative feelings.

I welcome you questions and insights from your work below.