Akhu Offerings

The Akhu are the ancestors. Along with a shrine to the Netjeru, Kemetics (along with other Pagans and people of indigenous faiths) also have a shrine set aside for their beloved dead. And Aset in particular is associated with this practice. After Wesir died, She gave Her dead husband offerings. She instituted the rites to honor the ancestors. And at the Temple of Philae, Aset was taken in a Procession to Wesir’s Temple at Biggeh to oversee the Priests giving offerings to the slain God once every 10 days (Ancient Egyptian week). Wesir here represents all of the dead.

Ancestral Altars

*images of the dead (no living people in them)
*offering bowl for water libations
*implements associated with the cultures of your ancestral dead
*a candle or electric lamp
*incense or essential oil

These altars can be placed in many areas. Mine like to be in the living room.

Offerings to the Dead

*water
*beer
*fruits and vegetables
*meat
*bread
*milk
*wine
*pastries
*desserts
*candy
*flowers

What is specifically offered to the dead is not consumed by the living. If one wishes to share a meal with them, I’d place a small portion of what you are offering on a separate plate and then eat the rest yourself.

The Ka is inherited from the dead (and the gods). When one offers to the dead, one is cleansing one’s own ka and the kau of one’s Ancestral Line. When you heal yourself, you help heal your ancestors.

To dispose of offerings, either:

*pour them out as a libation to the earth
*Place them in a trash bag and throw them away in the trash

Everyone has ancestors. Anyone can do this practice. If you have some ancestors that you’d rather not honor due to abuse or for some other reason, you don’t have to. Go back farther. There will be those Blessed Dead who will appreciate your devotional acts and wish to help you. And you don’t have to know them. They know you.

Notes: Books I’d Recommend

*Laura Patsouris. Weaving Memory: A Guide to Honoring the Ancestors. Asphodel Press, 2011.

*Tobe Melora Correal. Finding Soul on the Path of Orisa. Crossing Press, 2003.

Honoring the ancestors is a third of this book.