5 Steps To Pour A Libation To Your Ancestors
“Pour libation for your father and mother who rest in the valley of the dead… Do not forget to do this even when you are away from home. For as you do for your parents, your children will do for you also…”- From The Papyrus of Ani dating around the 13th century BC in Ancient Egypt.
From ancient times, Africans in traditions like Vodu have revered God, spirits in nature, and their ancestors by pouring a libation. Libation is defined as “ an amount of alcoholic drink or water poured out in honor of a god or a dead relation.” In modern society, although this sacred practice is not as prevalent among contemporary Africans, we see some Diasporan Africans (or African Americans) make reference to this tradition by “pouring one for the (deceased) homies” with a bottle of liquor in popular culture.
In the spirit of Sankofa (an Akan word signifying going back to one’s roots for strength), in this article, I will share five simple steps to pour a libation to your ancestors and spirit guides based on my experience as a third-generation Vodu and Afa (Ifa) priest. There are other ways to offer a libation but this is what I have been taught by my elders. While it is customary for devout practitioners and priests to offer libation every morning, it is also okay to just offer libation when you can or do so once a week. You can also do a libation at any time of the day except around noon when the Sun is at its highest point in the sky.
Pouring a West African Spirituality Libation - 5 steps
Step 1: Be barefoot and face East. In Vodu tradition, it is considered disrespectful to engage in spiritual work while wearing shoes because shoes are considered dirty objects unfit for sacred spaces or rituals. You face east because this is where the Sun rises from every morning and you want your prayers to be heard just like how the Sun rises.
Step 2: Pour water or liquor in a glass, mug, or plastic cup. In traditional communities even today, it is common for people to use a mixture of water and cornflour (called Dzatsi) as well. For liquor, if possible, the drink should be clear (not dark alcohol like whiskey or rum unless specified by the deity or ancestor) to ensure that your prayers are well-intentioned and pure.
Step 3: Hold the glass, mug, or plastic cup in your right hand and start pouring the drink on the earth directly. For those indoors that ca not go outside, you can fill a small bucket or bowl with sand as a substitute. (You will need to frequently change the sand because it can get smelly with time). If you have been initiated into a Vodu, it is also possible for you to pour the liquid on them directly (if they take alcohol).
Step 4: While pouring the liquid, pray to the Creator of the universe (God), nature, and spirits you want to or are working with. Mention the names of the deities and their secret incantations (gbesa) if you know them. Make sure to physically say your wishes by whispering or speaking out loud. Common things to ask for are long life, prosperity, happiness, wealth, or the fulfilment of your destiny (known in Ewe as Se). When doing this, visualize all the things you wish to manifest for yourself. After asking for positive things, you can also ask for protection against negative things, including death, illness, poverty, bad luck, or enemies.
Step 5: Now transfer the glass to your left hand and offer a libation to your ancestors. (An ancestor is any deceased person who is in your direct bloodline or, in some cases, an individual who has contributed to your life while alive). Mention the names of those you wish to offer the libation to and thank them for your life. You can also ask them to manifest positivity in your life or protect you from negativity as you did in Step 4. When you are done with your prayers, say Atse (pronounced Ache) which translates to, “it must happen” in the Ewe language to affirm your prayer. Now you can end the libation.
During libation, it is important to be very specific and clear about the positive things you want and when you want to see them manifest. I have personally found it very productive to say my personal or professional goals for the day or week during my libations to set my mind in the right frame before my day begins. In fact, the power of (positive) self-affirmation is not only backed by Vodu but also by science. Several empirical scientific studies (Claude Steele’s 1988 Self-Affirmation Theory) have shown that self-affirmation can boost self-esteem, encourage positive behavioural change, and rid negative thoughts in an individual. So next time you’re faced with a challenging or emotional situation, try offering a libation to your ancestors or spirit guides.
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