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As we step into a new year according to the Gregorian calendar (many cultures celebrate the new year in the spring), I’ve been reflecting on the practices that help me feel anchored and connected to myself. For Black people, reclaiming spiritual practices rooted in our ancestral wisdom is not just a means of empowerment—it’s an act of resistance against the erasure of our cultural and spiritual legacies. Over the years, I’ve discovered that rituals and spiritual practices for growth like altar-building, journaling, and meditation provide a powerful foundation for cultivating inner balance and clarity.
As a certified embodiment facilitator, my mission is to help others live their most aligned and empowered lives. Below, I’m sharing three accessible rituals that have been transformative for me, along with insights into their cultural significance and how you can incorporate them into your life. My hope is that these practices help you enter 2025 feeling spiritually grounded and empowered, ready to embrace the year ahead with purpose and intention.
Let’s get into it:
Building an Altar—A Sacred Space for Connection
One of the most grounding practices I’ve embraced is creating an altar. I built my first altar in December 2023 after a birth chart reading with Jonathan L. Dent, an astrologer, numerologist, professor of theater, Reiki practitioner, meditation coach, and Abôrisà (a devotee of the Orisha, divine forces in the Yoruba spiritual tradition). Jonathan recommended that I build an altar not only to deepen my connection with my ancestors, guides, and intuition but also to help me connect more deeply with my own gifts.
In many African diasporic cultures, altars are sacred spaces for honoring ancestors, connecting with spirit, and setting intentions. Growing up, I never saw altars in my family. But as I’ve deepened my spiritual journey, building one has become a way to reconnect with my lineage.
An altar can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Mine sometimes includes photos of my younger self (as part of inner child healing), candles, crystals, and spiritually significant items like shells or herbs. Each morning, I light a white tea candle, cleanse myself with palo santo, speak affirmations, or simply express gratitude and ask my guides for support.
If you’re new to altar-building, start by designating a small area in your home. Add items that resonate with you—perhaps a meaningful piece of fabric, a plant, or objects from nature. The key is intention. Your altar becomes a living expression of your connection to spirit and self, evolving as your journey unfolds.
Journaling—A Portal to Inner Wisdom
Journaling has been my go-to practice for years, especially when life feels chaotic. As someone who’s been a writer for most of my life, I find something profoundly healing about putting pen to paper and letting my thoughts flow. This practice feels connected to the griots—storytellers and record keepers in West African traditions—who preserved the wisdom and history of their communities.
When I journal, I sometimes let my thoughts and emotions spill freely onto the page. Other times, I use prompts like:
“What do I need to release before stepping into this new year?”
“What intentions do I want to set for the months ahead?”
This process clears mental clutter and reveals what’s truly in my heart.
If journaling feels daunting, remember it’s not about perfection or eloquence. Some days my entries are messy lists. Other days, they’re heartfelt letters to my future self. The act of writing is what matters. If you’re unsure where to begin, try listing three things you’re grateful for each day. Over time, you’ll find your rhythm.
Meditative Offerings—Cultivating Stillness and Presence
Meditation can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve been told there’s a “right” way to do it. For me, meditation is less about clearing my mind and more about creating space to listen—to my intuition, my ancestors, and the divine.
One way to deepen this practice is by incorporating offerings. You might hold a bowl of water or light incense at your altar, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. You can ask for guidance or simply sit in gratitude. This practice connects deeply with traditions across the African diaspora, where offerings are a way to communicate with spirit and show reverence.
If meditation feels inaccessible, start small. Try sitting quietly for two minutes, inhaling deeply, and exhaling slowly. As you grow more comfortable, you can expand your practice to include affirmations or guided visualizations. The goal is to create a moment of stillness that nourishes your soul.
Personalizing Your Practice
What I love about these rituals is their adaptability. Whether you’re working with limited space or navigating a busy schedule, each practice can be tailored to fit your life. Don’t be afraid to make them your own—spirituality is as unique as you are.
For me, these practices have been a lifeline during challenging times, helping me navigate self-doubt, anxiety, and financial stress. They remind me that I’m never truly alone; my ancestors’ wisdom flows through me, and the tools for healing are always within reach.
As we enter 2025, I invite you to explore these rituals with curiosity and an open heart. Let them guide you back to yourself, grounding you in your roots and empowering you to step boldly into the new year. May this be a year of growth, alignment, and unshakable inner strength. I’m claiming that for you.
Steph R. Long is a Chopra-certified Ayurvedic health educator, meditation instructor, and well-being coach. She’s also the founder of holistic wellness and coaching company SRL Well-Being and the former Deputy Director of Enterprise for Refinery29 Unbothered, where she oversaw health, wellness, and spirituality content. For more wellness tips, follow her on Instagram and YouTube, and subscribe to her podcast.
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