I honor and work with the Three Kindreds: the Nature Spirits, Gods and Goddesses, and the Ancestors. The later tends to fall to the sidelines all too often in my daily practice, which is very unfortunate. I pride myself and my tradition for paying better attention to the beloved dead, but I know I have room for improvement. And since most cultures who venerate ancestors share the belief that they are more likely to help you than the other spirits due to their vested interest in the tribe, it makes sense to keep that hospitality flowing!
A fellow ADFer really inspired me by posting about having coffee with her ancestors. I’m not much for coffee, but I could surely share tea! The only problem was that my ancestor altar had become a tiny corner on my bookshelf which is relegated to a hard to reach corner in our new place. Boo!
It suddenly occurred to me that I had space over the hutch my father refurbished for me! What’s more, it is in the dining room where I can enjoy a cup of tea with my ancestors! And not only that, they can join us for every meal! (Talk about super convenient for Samhain!)
After I moved the altar to its new home, I felt called to make some Irish soda bread. I never made traditional soda bread before, so I searched for a manageable recipe. I wasn’t sure if I would like it without raisins or caraway seeds, but it came out wonderfully! And of course, the first piece went to the ancestors. Today, as Bee and I enjoyed our breakfast, I shared some tea with my ancestors, invited the beloved dead, and delved into some Celtic studies. It occurred to me the ancestors were talking to me through the history book… How appropriate.
Author M. A. Phillips 
Very nice altar! I need to do dedicated corners for the three Kindreds too. Working on it!
I really need to improve my ancestral work, too. For me it’s difficult in several ways–I share a room with my boyfriend now (and the rest of the house is shared with three of our best friends!), so space becomes an issue. I’m also a very busy person (work two jobs and keep up a social life/relationship and spiritual practice already), so finding time is necessary. But I’m determined to do it somehow! I know I need to.