The Sacred Role of the Family Altar

Throughout history, the family altar (mosamo) has been a sacred space where people connect with their ancestors, seek guidance and maintain spiritual harmony within the household. It serves as a bridge between the living and the spirit world, a place of reverence and deep connection.

In many cultures, the altar was a source of wisdom and protection, reinforcing the family’s spiritual foundation. However, over time, religious and political influences centralized spiritual practices, shifting the power of the altar away from the family unit.

This article explores the history of the altar, its evolution and why reclaiming it is essential for spiritual awakening.

The Ancient History of the Altar

The concept of an altar predates organized religion. In indigenous African traditions, as well as in many other ancient cultures, families maintained household altars dedicated to their ancestors and deities. These sacred spaces were used to:

• Communicate with ancestors through prayers and offerings.
• Seek guidance and protection for the household.
• Express gratitude for blessings and abundance.
• Meditate and reflect on life’s challenges.

Altars were typically simple yet deeply symbolic, adorned with elements representing nature, such as water, fire, earth and air. Each item carried meaning, serving as a channel for spiritual energy. Over generations, these altars reinforced the bond between ancestors and their descendants, ensuring that wisdom and traditions were passed down.

Each family household had additional uses for the altar, tailored to the specific needs and guidance of the ancestors. The structure and arrangement of the altar often varied from one family to another, reflecting the unique spiritual practices and prescriptions passed down from generation to generation. This variation meant that no two altars were identical. Each one was a personal, sacred space that reflected the family’s spiritual identity and connection to the universe.

Understanding and connecting to Modimo

In addition to these common purposes, altars also served a special role in connecting with Modimo –  the universal spirit, as understood in the Bapedi tradition. Modimo is a word that refers to the supreme and all-encompassing spirit that existed before the family spirits – Badimo (ancestors), who were honoured on the altar. This connection with Modimo was deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual practices of the family unit.

It is important to note that the word Modimo was later borrowed by religious founders to refer to the God of Israel when introducing the Bible to our ancestors. However, in the original context of the Bapedi people and many other indigenous African cultures, Modimo was not confined to a singular, anthropomorphic deity. Instead, it was understood as a universal, ever-present force that created and permeated all life – a force that transcended individual family spirits and connected all things. 

Understanding the difference between the God of Israel and Modimo requires an open mind, deep reflection and a willingness to explore beyond inherited beliefs. Through awakening, intellect and diligent research, one can begin to see the distinction and appreciate the wisdom our ancestors carried.

The beauty of spirituality is that, as you deepen your awakening journey, you begin to remember that Modimo – the universal force is not only within you but is you. Modimo is your ancestors (Badimo), guardian angels, spirit guides outside your family lineage, sources of intelligence, Mother Earth and all she carries, the stars, the planets and the universe at large. There is no separation – only oneness.

While religion often teaches separation, spirituality invites you to recognize that you are not apart from divine energy; you are it. The names we use simply help us call upon this presence and the wisdom unique to each name as we co-create throughout our life’s journey.

The choice to connect with the Divine – whether through Modimo, the God of Israel, any other God or  deities, plays a profound role in shaping both individual and collective consciousness, influencing how we manifest our realities.

Africans have always been deeply spiritual, often making up the majority in places of worship. Yet, despite this inherent spirituality, many continue to face challenges in areas such as economic freedom, overall well-being and success in various aspects of life.

The impact of historical injustices and imposed beliefs has left a lasting imprint, leading to a disconnection from ancestral wisdom. Over time, spiritual traditions that once guided and uplifted communities have been diluted or lost, replaced by narratives that positioned them as less valid or powerful.

Healing from this separation and reclaiming the wisdom of connectedness could open pathways to greater fulfillment and empowerment. Through unity, self-awareness and a deeper understanding of our spiritual heritage, we can step into the full potential of what is possible.

If you are interested to learn more about the difference between the God of Israel  and the Creator (Modimo), I recommend that you get yourself a copy of my book Principles & Tools of Creation at Amazon or send an email to bookings@lifewithterry.com to purchase a hardcopy.

Ancient Wisdom: Energy Does Not Die

Our ancestors held deep wisdom, understanding that energy does not die, and that consciousness continues beyond the physical realm. They were not only connected to the spiritual forces around them, but they also knew the importance of maintaining an ongoing relationship with the spirits. Their awareness of the continuity of life and energy meant they saw the value in constantly nurturing the bond with their ancestors, ensuring that the flow of wisdom, protection, and blessings never stopped. In this way, they were far wiser and more awakened than we often give them credit for.

For many of us, the teachings we were exposed to, whether through religion or cultural shifts taught us to connect with the ancestors of Israel, such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as well as to guardian angels introduced in the scriptures. Yet, in doing so, we were often condemned or misunderstood for honoring our own ancestors. The connection to our family spirits was often viewed as less important or even inappropriate. This misunderstanding of the Bible and spiritual practices led many to disconnect from their own ancestral roots, causing confusion and spiritual dissonance.

Reconnecting with our own ancestral lineage restores the balance and reclaims the lost wisdom of those who walked before us, allowing us to honor both our spiritual heritage and personal faith.

The Shift: How Religion and Political Power Centralized the Altar

As organized religions emerged and political structures strengthened, spiritual authority became centralized. Institutions sought to control access to the divine, shifting sacred practices away from households and into churches, mosques and temples. This transformation had profound effects:

• Religious Institutions Took Over: With the spread of Christianity and Islam, the practice of maintaining a family altar was discouraged, often labeled as primitive or idolatrous.
• Colonial and Political Influence: Colonial powers suppressed indigenous spiritual practices, replacing them with centralized religious structures that served political control.
• Loss of Direct Spiritual Connection: Families became reliant on religious leaders to mediate between them and the divine, diminishing their personal connection with Modimo and ancestors

This shift was not just about faith. It was a strategic move that consolidated power, creating a structure where spiritual and political authority resided in institutions rather than in individuals and families.

Reclaiming the Family Altar: A Return to Spiritual Independence

Despite centuries of suppression, the practice of maintaining a family altar is experiencing a resurgence. Many people are awakening to the realization that they do not need an intermediary to connect with the divine and their ancestors. Reclaiming the altar is a form of spiritual sovereignty, allowing individuals and families to restore their sacred traditions. Without this practice, we risk losing the connection with these powerful spiritual forces and losing sight of their role in guiding and protecting us.

How to Reconnect with the Family Altar

1. Create a Sacred Space: Choose a quiet corner in your home to set up your altar. It can be any designated area.
2. Incorporate Natural Elements: Use candles (fire), water, stones or soil (earth), and incense or fresh air (air) to symbolize balance and harmony.
3. Include Ancestral Symbols: Photos of loved ones, personal items, or cultural artifacts can strengthen the spiritual connection.
4. Offer Prayers and Gratitude: Regularly speak to Modimo and  your ancestors.  Offer food or libations, and express appreciation for their guidance. Speaking to Modimo means that you access sources of intelligence beyond the family lineage.
5. Listen and Observe: Pay attention to signs, dreams, thoughts and feelings that may be messages from your ancestors.

By restoring the family altar, we honor the wisdom of those who came before us and create a powerful spiritual foundation for future generations. Spirituality, unlike religion, is not solely dependent on sermons to reveal understanding. When we listen to the voice within, with the sincere intention to connect with Modimo le Badimo, wisdom flows naturally.

The journey of reclaiming the family altar is more than a spiritual practice; it is a movement toward self-discovery, self healing and empowerment. By acknowledging the past and actively reconnecting with ancestral wisdom, individuals can awaken to their true spiritual power. This act of reconnection does not reject religious beliefs but rather restores balance, allowing families to hold space for their traditions alongside modern faith practices.

Consequences of Disconnection

However, it’s essential to understand the consequences of remaining disconnected from our ancestors. The negative impacts of this separation can manifest in various forms:

• Spiritual Disconnect: Without the guidance of ancestors, individuals may feel lost, lacking direction and purpose.
• Generational Trauma: Unresolved ancestral wounds can pass down through generations, affecting mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
• Disrupted Flow of Blessings: When we neglect our ancestral connection, we may block the flow of blessings and wisdom that could support and guide us through life.
• Unfinished Business: Our ancestors’ desires and dreams may remain unfulfilled, affecting our family’s growth and progress in both spiritual and material realms.

Without these sacred spaces, the role of ancestors as spiritual guides becomes unclear and can be forgotten. The deeper spiritual connection between the living and the deceased becomes lost, and family spirits may lose their purpose in guiding and protecting the lineage. The altar restores this bond, ensuring that ancestors continue to play an active and meaningful role in the lives of their descendants.

However, as  we rebuild our connection with our ancestors, we are not turning away from any spiritual heritage. Instead, we are reclaiming what was always ours—honoring those who came before us, understanding their role in our journey, and allowing them to guide us as we walk our own paths.

The Outdoor Altar: A Sacred Space Beyond the Home

An altar does not have to be confined to indoor rooms. Outdoor altars are just as powerful, if not more so, than those inside. Those who are able can build a thatched hut or create a sacred outdoor space to honor their ancestors. The key is to maintain cleanliness and reverence for the space. Just as we wouldn’t live in filth, neither should the spirits. Cleanliness invites blessings and maintaining a sacred space shows respect for the spirits’ presence.

Start with What You Have: Trusting the Call to Begin

The most important part of starting your ancestral connection is to begin with what you have. Don’t wait for perfection. If you feel the call to start, take action with what’s available to you right now. The power is not in the material but in the intention and the energy you bring to the practice. The knowledge and wisdom is also within waiting for you to start.

The Spiritual Mosamo (Altar): Connecting Anytime, Anywhere

While Mosamo exists as a physical space, it is not meant to confine or limit our connection with Modimo and Badimo. We can commune with them anywhere, at any time. The family altar serves as a sacred place for privacy, clarity, offerings, celebrations and, in some moments, the freedom to simply be, to grieve, release and connect deeply with our ancestors.

Beyond the physical space, every family has a spiritual Mosamo – an ancestral gathering place that exists beyond the seen realm. This spiritual kraal is ever-present, allowing us to access the wisdom and guidance of our lineage wherever we are.

In the next issue, we will unpack the importance of your sovereignty, filtering energy in order to have a healthy relationship with Modimo and Badimo.

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