Free spell for November: Apollo ancestor letter

This spell is meant to be used with Apollo, who on the surface may seem like a one dimensional god of the sun- but the ancient Greeks were very observant in their surroundings, which would later influence the various roles of their gods. It is a fact that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, but spiritually what do these directions represent?- birth in the east and rest in the west. This is actually why even today many gravestones will be positioned with the setting sun, representing peace in the afterlife, but the sun doesn’t stop here of course as it is always reborn and symbolically dies every night- or does it?

Well to the ancient Greeks Apollo was given the title of far-shooter, hekēbolos, a name only shared with Hekate. This title could refer to his arrows of healing but if that were the case why does Hekate also share the name? Many scholars believe the title instead referred to them working from afar, always busy and landing their objective. So even when Apollo is past the horizon in the far west, he is now viewed as a chthonic being who travels into the underworld and comes back. Despite the vast pantheon of this religion there are very few deities linked with this aspect, as some of you already know once you’re dead you can’t come back and neither can you visit them unless it's your time. So some ancient Greeks would petition a psychopump (a divine guide for souls going into the underworld) to come to our realm and intervene with their messages being delivered to their ancestors. 

So the focus of this free spell of the month is using that aspect of Apollo, as hekēbolos, to deliver a message to our dearly departed when he descends into the west at dusk. To perform it you’ll need to gather the following around or near dusk:

• A good sized piece of paper and a pen

• A tealight (preferably a yellow or white colored one)

• A fire-proof metal vessel

• Some frankincense incense, but this is optional

Write your words as if they were rays of sunlight- beautifully and sincere. Apollo is also about inspiration and creativity so if you feel compelled to write a poem instead or something else then please feed into that, if not then a simple introduction and statement of your intentions for the ancestors shall suffice. Below I will provide a simple layout of how I wrote my letter but this spell is meant to be intuitive- if there is a specific person you wish to contact them write their name, otherwise it could vague as I will demonstrate:

I write this letter to the men and women who came before me, to those who came before them, and to those generations who are far and unfamiliar. I write this message to establish a link, for I am your blood, I am your kin, and I am your descendant ______. 

To those who are of the highest good, may you guide me so that I may know of what dangers or threats lay before me, so that I may grow wise and insightful. 

To those who may elevate me from guilt or shame for what my roots are, so that I may embrace and love thyself. 

And to those who will care for me so that I may experience what it is to be myself at my fullest potential. 

In return I will remember your names, your stories, and your image if you answer my call. I will leave you offerings of what you took pleasure in during life whether it be treats, drinks, or simply flowers. 

If you come to me in a dream, around the midnight hours of twilight, come forth to me and let me experience you for who you are. By blood and bone, and spirit and stone, so shall it be.

Once you’re finished go ahead and light your tealight, once it's been set ablaze go ahead and place it within the metal vessel. If you have your incense begin to burn it at this time, go ahead and proceed to recite the following:

Apollo, great far shooter, distant western glow.

Hekēbolos, hekēbolos, hekēbolos

See this petition that I grant onto you

And deliver it as you descend from my view

As you travel also bring to them your truth and light

To give them hope and something to look forward to tonight

With the ashes that remain go ahead and take them outside whilst facing the setting sun. Hold this ashes in your hand and whenever you’re ready to release them say the following before hand:

On wings of warmth and westward gleam

Allow their presence to come in a dream

I thank they greatly golden wonder

As you now begin to fall asunder. 

Blow them westward and settle down for the night. With this spell you are opening that link with the ancestors but ultimately it can be used to conjure forth any departed spirit from good friends, teachers, or even those who can further elevate your growth. These spirits may not be recognisable at first and sometimes they may not even come in human form, but whoever appears be sure to greet them with respect and begin to practice setting up an ancestor altar afterwards.