Portland Spirit of the Earth

A Ceremonial Evening to Connect with your Ancestors by sharing food and stories
Presented by, Earth & Spirit Council

This ceremonial evening will be an opportunity to remember and honor those who came before us and learn more about how to keep ancestor memory alive within ourselves and our families.
Many cultures around the world honor their ancestors at this time of year, although these ceremonies are less common in Euro-Western cultures.
The intention of this ceremonial evening is to create a space where we can all reconnect with our ancestral heritage, appreciate diverse cultural practices, and engage in meaningful ceremony. During this time when the veil between worlds is thin, we have a unique opportunity to learn about and communicate with our ancestors.
Preparation:
Decide which of your ancestors you would like to sponsor. You may already know a lot about your ancestor, or you may need to do some research. Talk to others in your family about your ancestor, look at old photographs, learn about the time and place your ancestor lived, and/or do some genetic research. You may decide to honor someone who is not genetically related to you, but is a teacher or important to you in some other way. Learn their story, if you can.
What to Bring:

• An Ancestor Symbol: A photo, drawing, rock, emblem, or any item that represents your connection to your ancestor.
• Stories and history of your ancestor
• Food: A favorite dish of the ancestor you are honoring or a traditional ancestral food to share.
• Flowers: If you know your ancestor’s favorite flowers, please bring a bouquet, otherwise bring any flowers!

Everyone is welcome, whether you choose to sponsor an ancestor or simply wish to learn. This is a time to remember all our ancestors and the Indigenous peoples and ancestors of the land we inhabit.
We hope that you will want to bring this ceremony back to your own families.
Schedule:

• 5:45 PM: Arrive, set up food, place photo or item on altar
• 6:00 PM: Introductions, history, and setting the structure of ceremony
• 6:30 PM: Divide into smaller groups – share ancestors story with small group.
• 7:30 PM: Share food with everyone - Eat!
• 8:00 PM: Return to the large group for sharing and closing circle
• 8:30 PM Cleanup and safely head home
• This evening is limited to 30 people, so if you want to come, reserve your spot now!
• PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
• NO TICKETS AT THE DOOR
• This event is donation based