Appeasing The Ancestors

According to traditional Chinese philosophy, some illnesses or other afflictions, particularly those of a chronic nature, may be caused by unhappy Ancestral Spirits. Ancestors may be aggrieved because a grave is neglected, or perhaps illness and disaster result from a lack of sufficient sacrificial offerings to sustain beneficial energy. These ancestors aren’t necessarily malevolent; they just lack enough energy and power to keep harm from your door.

What can be done?

First of all, feed them, and feed them well. Have certain days where they are invited to dinner, set places at the table for them, and have a nice chat. Take picnic lunches to grave sites, and share food with them there on sunny afternoons.

Secondly, verify if a grave needs tending. Make improvements if you can. If this is impossible, if a grave site is situated in a location beyond your reach, in parts unknown, or does not, in fact, exist, then explain this to the Ancestors in detail, including what your plans are for compensation. Divination may be in order to receive their opinions on the matter, too.

You can also create a small shrine or ancestral altar in your home, with old pictures or memorabilia and leave small offerings of sweets etc.

And last but not least, burn paper offerings. The traditional offering is  joss paper – called “spirit money” or “ghost money.” In a pinch, any paper resembling money will do.

From: The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells