Spiritual Practices for Connecting with Ancestral Wisdom Using Crystals

Like crystals, ancestral wisdom can be a source of healing, spiritual guidance, love, comfort, peace, and grounding. Crystal healing and ancestral work are safe and fuss-free practices when embraced with humble, loving intentions. Today, you’ll discover methods for ancestor work and how crystals can help support this enriching, affirming practice.

When we seek to connect with ancestors— whether a beloved grandmother or a distant tribal ancestor— communicating with them can deepen personal understanding, spiritual connection, and self-knowledge.

There are misconceptions out there about the safety or sanctity of Ancestral work. While protective stones can help ground and shield our energy, there is little to fear if you come to your practice with sincere, loving intent.

Once you have set your intention, you can connect with Obsidian, Black Tourmaline, or Hematite to be your guardians during your practice, shielding against negative influences and fostering a safe and supportive space to connect with ancestors.

For instance, you can hold your crystal in your hands, take a few grounding breaths, and ask the stone to be with you during your practice. You may wish to seal this invocation with an affirmation like amen, or so it is.

While ancestor altars are most common around Samhain (an observance you can learn more about in a previous post), some people enjoy the comfort and warmth of having one up year-round.

Traditionally, ancestor altars feature elements and ornaments that honor, celebrate, and please the ancestors one wishes to remember and revere, like a pipe for grandpa or a teacup for grandma. Additionally, rose quartz can amplify the love and connection you want to represent, and clear quartz can help raise the vibration and bridge the distance between you and your loved ones on the other side.

You can also explore a variation of automatic writing. Placing selenite and amethyst nearby for intuition and clarity and to heighten your vibrational awareness, you can write messages or questions for your ancestors and log the intuitive impressions and responses you receive from the loving energies who attend.

Finally, you can place a moonstone and lepidolite — for intuition, relaxation, receptivity, and calmness—near your bed to invite dreams that bring the wisdom and guidance of your ancestors. Consider keeping a dream journal nearby so you can write a question in it before bed and jot down the response upon waking.