Welcome to Night 4: The Feast Of The Dead.

Setting out food for the dead during midwinter is one of the oldest practices on earth. You see it in Germanic, Slavic, Celtic, and Roman traditions, and even in A Christmas Carol, which plays on this idea: during the liminal days of winter, the dead can cross over.

For this practice, you feed the ancestors real food from your table, like guests. They consume the essence of the food, and are able to cross the distance between their world and yours. Families left chairs empty at the table, kept fires burning through the night, and set out full plates in hopes of reaching their ancestors.

Tonight's practice:

Set a plate for your dead at your table, on your altar, or by the hearth, and give them whatever you're eating tonight. Sit down with your plate and theirs, and when you're ready, speak aloud:

I call to the ancestors of old, those of power and healing deep in my line, those of protection and goodwill. Feast with me tonight and let us know one another.

Eat your meal, talk to them if you want, and listen if they talk back.

Communication from ancestors rarely comes as literal voices. It's more often a memory that surfaces unexpectedly, a mood that doesn't match the night, a sudden knowing about a pattern in your family, or a dream that comes later. Whether you feel the physical presence of ancestors in your room, experience a strange sensation, or feel something emotional come up within you about your childhood, know that the feast is working as it should.

Leave the plate out overnight, and by morning you can bury the remains, leave them outside, or dispose of them knowing the offering was received.

I've loved seeing everyone's practice on Instagram. I've been reposting some of your practices in my stories - check them out if you want to see what others are doing.

And if you share yours and tag @teaandrosemary, each share earns you another entry into all of the giveaways (there will be over 8 winners).

Missed a night? Everything from all past days lives here.​

If you've been thinking about Shadow Society, your first month is $88 (then $111/month after). This is where we go deeper into the mysteries year-round: shadow work, live ceremonies, deity work, and a library of workshops and trainings. January's focus is the Crone Mysteries.

Use the code YULEGIFT to receive the first month's discount.

​Join For $88​

Night 5 is divination night. I'll see you tomorrow.

Alex