Quick Specs
- Author: Mallorie Vaudoise
- Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
- Format: Paperback, 224 pages
- Best for: Building an ancestor altar, developing a veneration practice, mediumship foundations
A Grounded Introduction to Ancestral Practice
Mallorie Vaudoise is a spiritualist, folk Catholic, and initiated Olorisha of Italian descent who draws on both her heritage and her formal initiations in her practice. This book reflects that depth: it’s not a generic introduction to ancestor work but a carefully developed guide rooted in real tradition and lived practice. Published in 2019, it has become one of the most consistently recommended titles on the subject for English-speaking practitioners.
Ancestor veneration is one of the most widespread spiritual practices across human cultures, and Vaudoise’s approach is notably inclusive. She distinguishes between blood ancestors, lineage ancestors, and affinity ancestors, making the practice accessible to readers regardless of their relationship to their biological family. Journal prompts at the end of each chapter help you build a practice that’s genuinely yours.
Practical, Ritualistic, and Deeply Personal
The book covers altar building, making offerings, prayer, spiritual hygiene, mediumship, herbal allies for ancestor work, and a selection of spells. Vaudoise also addresses difficult territory including healing ancestral trauma and working with complicated or harmful ancestors. The writing is warm and conversational rather than academic, making it approachable for readers at all levels.
How to Use Honoring Your Ancestors
Build a meaningful, sustainable ancestor veneration practice step by step using Vaudoise's framework for altars, offerings, and relationship.
- Read and Reflect Before You Build
Work through the early chapters on who ancestors are before setting up any physical altar. Vaudoise's framework for understanding blood, lineage, and affinity ancestors will help you make intentional choices about who you include in your practice.
- Build Your Ancestor Altar Gradually
Start with a simple surface, a white cloth, a glass of fresh water, and a candle. Add photographs or objects representing your ancestors over time. Vaudoise's altar guidance helps you understand each element and maintain the altar for ongoing work.
- Establish a Regular Practice
Ancestor veneration benefits most from consistency. Vaudoise recommends simple daily or weekly check-ins at the altar, including fresh water, a spoken greeting, and brief prayer or conversation. Use the journal prompts to track your development.
The Tarot Fellow Standard
I carry this because Vaudoise writes from genuine practice rather than theory, and the book has held up as a reliable reference since its release. If you’re drawn to ancestor work and spirit practice more broadly, it pairs well with other titles I stock. Browse my spirituality and spirit work section or explore my full books collection to find complementary resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Vaudoise introduces the concept of affinity ancestors, people who are not blood relations but influence your path. The book is accessible to adoptees, people with unknown ancestry, and anyone with a complicated relationship to biological family.
Vaudoise draws on Italian folk Catholicism, Latin American spiritual practices, and her Orisha initiation, but she encourages readers to adapt the material to their own background. It has been used by practitioners across many different traditions.
Yes, Vaudoise addresses this directly. She provides guidance on approaching ancestors who were harmful, healing ancestral trauma, and setting appropriate limits in your practice. She treats this as necessary for grounded ancestral work.
The book is 224 pages in a warm, conversational style accessible to beginners. Experienced practitioners also find value in it because Vaudoise covers nuances introductory books skip, including ancestral trauma and personal mediumship work.
Book looks very interesting.
Books were wrapped appropriately and even though I’m only 1 state over, they would definitely be safe for farther travel! This shop is great, shipped so quick. I’ll be ordering more!