Setting Up An Ancestors Altar – Honoring “Transgender Day of Remembrance”

Why is it important to honor the dead? In this case of the “Transgender Day of Remembrance” on Nov. 20, 2020, it’s a form of peaceful protest. In the eyes of violent times, many civil rights leaders have proven that peaceful protest is most effective. 2020 has had more transgender deaths than any other year recorded. There are amazing organizations counting the murders and their service is priceless. The recognition of the dead is powerful and in this case, is heightened, because the circumstances around it are often intense. Now that the world is uniting on this topic the conscious energy and awareness around these deaths are growing. Conscious energy is understanding we are all connected, we are one race, the human race. So to murder someone is to inflict pain on oneself. Sadly, the number of murders still climb, clearly, not everyone has learned this vital lesson.

I keep an altar and honor those that have come before me. I feel that they died, certainly unfairly, to create a path for me and others like me. They expressed themself out loud and in that joined a loud cry for equality all of us join when we step out of the closet. Their death did not go by unnoticed. Their impact continues. I believe by honoring them I lend to the energy of equality they deserved. When you communicate with these guides on the other side you realize there are no ‘others’ and we are all one energy. They were embodied in the past and now are conscious in a different form. We come to realize the difference between humans and those on the other side, is only form–like the difference between water, steam, and ice.

So each day I stand or sit with my altar and I am connected to the ones that I honor as allies. I also welcome other transgender spirits to me, as an ally. Many have helped me understand that because of the circumstances of their death, that they are now guides for the modern activist. I have felt this to be true with drag queens, transgender people, and anti-racist activists. Many of today’s activists would greatly benefit from a closer relationship with their ancestors and allies on the other side. Simply remembering them helps you to stay focused on this very important goal of equality. Honoring them helps you know they are at your side to keep you safe, or whatever you might ask for. Daily routines can help our mental health feel more stable and a belief in a higher power also supports better mental health. These are many reasons to make your honoring of ‘Transgender Day of Remembrance’ a year-round practice. Set up your altar today to honor our transgender ancestors, their life and death will inspire us to push forward now, as we all fight together for equality.

Steps to Setting Up an Ancestors Altar:

Note: ANYTHING that you inherit from an ancestor should be part, like a table, a table cloth, cups, bowls, and other things you might have on hand. Most ancestors are welcoming and loving, they no longer carry their ‘humanness’ – so they don’t hate anymore. So even if your great grandmother wasn’t comfortable with transgender people, it’s okay, unless you just feel that it’s not. Listen to your GUT here.

1. Set up a table with a table cloth
2. Add any items you have from ancestors that want to be on the table
3. Choose a few Transgender people you wish to honor. Do your research about them and see what you can find of their story.
4. Print off things to remind you about this person that you choose to honor.
5. Add a candle or one for each ancestor, be sure to keep it attractive not cluttered. What do you value? You should feel comfortable looking at the altar.
6. Decorations are a great addition. When it’s appealing to the eye your more likely to stay committed.
7. If you know something they love like certain flowers, cupcakes, or anything be sure to make an offering of that for them. Including alcohol in a shot glass is perfect.
8. When you’re setting up play music that reminds you of them, their favorites, or positive energy ghz available online.
9. Be sure to stay focused on your love and gratitude for them in your set up time. Make sure everything is kept clean and organized.
10. Make a habit of making offerings of their favorites every week. OR if you don’t know their favorites, say their name out loud. I honor “insert name here” – If you don’t know their name, Jean Doe could work till you do.
11. Daily take just a few minutes to say ‘Thank you!” At least one thing that you have that you are grateful for.
12. Daily take just a minute to make a commitment to your ancestors like “Today I will clean this room” Making a commitment to yourself, commits to them too. This honors the whole connection. (No more than 3 commitments- so you can be sure to keep them, don’t break these commitments)

If you have more questions, want to keep learning with Hollis you can reach out for 1on1 mentorship or stay tuned to the blog for more.