What thoughts do you have on the instructions below-- Whether you're Santeria or not?

Question

Take a piece of white cloth with frayed edges and place it like a table cloth on a small table or bookshelf. Place nine small glasses in a circle on the table. One is usually larger than the others, and can be put in the middle. In this middle glass, always keep fresh water as an offering of energy to your ancestors. In this glass also put a religious symbol of significance to your ancestors - for example if they were Christian, a cross. You can of course include more than one symbol for more than one religion. Remember, it doesn't matter if your not of their religion, you're doing this for them, honoring their choices by displaying their chosen symbols. Fill the other glasses with fresh water as well. It's nice if you have photographs of departed family members to put those on the altar as well. Offer your ancestors a small portion of every meal you eat. Sometimes it's nice to make a meal especially for them, something you know they loved in life.

Put flowers on the altar from time to time. Burn a white candle once a week. (Traditionally this is done this Sundays.) Just sit with the altar while the candle burns and talk to them. It's best not
to call on anyone recently dead because they have their own work to do for themselves. But if you were especially close to someone who died years ago, talk to them. Do this enough and they start to respond.Nothing to it. They want to help you.

Answer 1

It sounds similar to a "limpia" which is a cleansing ritual (the first part) the second part is very similar to what my family has done in the past, until my mother lost her faith in god and we didn't have to do any rituals anymore. I crawled on my knees for yards in meditation,(ruegar) i think its called. lit candles, climbed peaks to light candles. I like those memories. thanks for bringing them back.

Answer 2

i think of the ritual which you describe appears like a stable one. My kin practices one the place all of us pass out to the cemetery on a stunning day (many times a weekend day) and sit down close to the graves of our companion and teenagers and meditate in silence on what ever is bothering us or to speak silently with people who've skipped over. some individuals take slightly soil from the floor the place we are sitting and positioned it into vials that we've on chains around our necks. It keeps us in track with the spirits of people who got here earlier. It provides this variety of feeling of peace and nearness of companion and teenagers. for sure those individuals who're christian are not prepared in this custom.

Answer 3

I'm not much of believer in rituals....but these instructions must mean something to someone.

I respect my ancestors....I would not be who I am today without them.

But this one is a bit strange don't ya think? LOL!! :)

Answer 4

sounds like it should work on the surface. i would want to look more into the religion and make sure that you were not accidently leaving something open. or possibly inviteing spirits that may not be welcome.

Santeria usually requires blood as an offering to any spirits.
especially Bubbaluia 9sp) (ST, Lazerus) and Papa Gao (sp)

Answer 5

I think you need to make your question more specific- it could mean several things. What kind of thoughts specifically? In relation to my faith? On the chances of success of the instructions? On the way the paragraphs were written? In terms of quality of the instructions? etc etc etc
I'd answer you, but I really wouldn't know what question I'd be answering.

Answer 6

My thoughts ? Why all the ritual ???? .....and what is this supposed to do for you ? You'd probably freak if somebody really showed up !

Answer 7

hmm... cool!

Answer 8

Um ... wtf? The only "dead guy" I want or need to talk with is Jesus.

Answer 9

omg bff jill inbd stfu wtf ttyl bbl gtg thx