Ancestralization: August 23-27, 2023

Read more about Ancestralization here

Tuition: $250, plus Lodging & Meals

New Here? Read more about visiting the ECV: [ CLICK HERE ] 

We’ve provided a basic list of the essential gear you will need during your stay. Most important is warm clothing in layers, warm coat/jacket, rain gear and good footwear. For those planning to sleep in tents or cabins, please bring extra warm sleeping bags as it may be chilly at night.

Lodging: options include cabin rental, staying in the lodge and tenting.

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided, beginning with Wednesday dinner and lunch on Sunday before departure.

Arrival/Departure:  Plan to arrive by 4:00 pm on Wednesday evening, no later than 6 PM. Activities end on Sunday between 12:00 – 1:00 PM. Lunch will be provided, and you can plan to depart around 2:00 or 3:00 pm after helping to return the space to its original state.

What To Bring For The Ritual – Please Read!

• Pictures of the deceased loved one(s) to be ancestralized. If photos are not available, bring mementos of deceased loved ones or write their name on paper as a substitute. Do not bring photos of the living and the deceased. **
• Candles – red for the Ancestor altar, yellow and/or brown for the Earth shrine. It is important to have long-burning candles, so the shrine stays fully lit during the vigil. The 7-day candles in glass are ideal as they require less attention and are safer. Please avoid scented candles. As a substitute, you may bring white candles if red ones are not available.
• Fresh flowers, sacred items to decorate the Ancestor altar and Earth shrine.
  Offerings – cornmeal, tobacco, whole foods including fruits, vegetables etc.
• Pieces of fabric or old clothing belonging to the deceased, if possible. Ideally of natural fabrics (no metal or other inert materials).  Do not bring clothing that belongs to you.
• Knife for whittling branches, if you have one.
• Celebratory outfit for Feast to Honor the Ancestors.

**Note about photos. Be sure that photos do not depict anyone that is still living. Protect original photos by covering with plastic, laminating, or bringing copies.  Black & White photos disappear when laminated – copy and laminate the copy.