Honoring the Ẹ̀gún: Staying in Alignment with the Ancestors in Yorùbá Tradition

In Yorùbá tradition, staying close to our ancestors—known as Ẹ̀gún—is more than a spiritual belief. It’s a way to remain grounded, guided, and whole. The ancestors are not far away—they are here with us, witnessing our steps and shaping our journey. When we keep that connection alive, we are never truly alone.

This relationship is not reserved for priests or initiated devotees. It is everyone's right and responsibility. Honoring the Ẹ̀gún is not about grand gestures—it’s about living in a way that acknowledges those who came before us and walking in step with their wisdom.

Here are grounded ways to stay aligned with your ancestors:

Speak to Them Often

You don’t need fancy words. A simple “Thank you” or “Walk with me today” is enough. Speak to them like you would a trusted elder. Set aside a small space in your home—perhaps near the base of a tree, a quiet corner, or a simple place on the ground with a glass of water and a candle. This becomes a sacred place to call their names, offer your prayers (àdúrà), or sit in silence and listen.

Pour cool water (omi tútù) on the ground as a gesture of refreshment. Offer fruit, cooked food, or items they loved (àdìmú). These small acts build a living relationship.

Follow the Ways They Taught

The old ways were not just about rituals—they were about how to live. Visit the elders. Cook traditional meals. Tell your children the stories. Participate in seasonal festivals. Attend Egúngún ceremonies if they are held in your community. If not, create a space where you are.

Even small things—like sweeping with intention, singing an old song, or offering a kola nut—can root you deeply in ancestral memory.

Listen for Their Messages

Your ancestors speak in dreams, in the quiet of meditation, and through signs in nature. When something heavy lingers, it may be a nudge to listen.

Divination through ẹ̀rìndínlógún or Ifá offers formal guidance, but day-to-day awareness also matters. They may call for a cleansing bath (èwẹ̀ ní lara) or for you to correct something in your behavior. They may simply want you to rest.

When you listen, you walk with a clearer vision.

Let Your Character Speak for You

What good is prayer without good behavior? Your ancestors want you to live with honesty, kindness, and humility. In Yorùbá, this is called Ìwà Pẹ̀lẹ́—gentle character.

Be someone your ancestors would be proud of. Apologize when wrong. Give when you can. Speak truthfully. The path to spiritual alignment runs through everyday actions.

Don’t Forget the Living

Honoring your ancestors means taking care of your family, too. Call your elders. Check on your people. Share food, stories, and wisdom. Learn your lineage if you don’t know it—and share what you do know.

The Ẹ̀gún live in our blood, but also our relationships. Strong roots make for strong branches.

Walk with Pride

The lives of our ancestors were not always easy. Many endured enslavement, exile, or loss. But they also knew joy, love, and community. They built, healed, protected, and preserved.

You are the continuation of all they survived. Don’t walk with shame. Walk with pride. Carry their names. Tell their stories. Keep the flame of their memory burning.

“Bí a bá gbàgbé orí ilẹ̀, a máa sùn lẹ́yìn.”If we forget the ground beneath us, we will sleep backward.

In ClosingYou don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be sincere. Honoring the ancestors is about relationship, not performance.

Speak to them. Pour for them. Live well because of them. Their hands are at your back, steadying you for what’s ahead.