Honoring the Fravashis -- Ancestor Guardian Spirits

The rite, step by step

1. 1

   Preparation

   Wash your hands and face. Set a clean space with the candle, water, food, and flowers. Place photos of your deceased loved ones where you can see them. Light the candle. Say: 'I light this flame so that the Fravashis of my ancestors may find their way to me. As they chose to fight for Asha in the beginning, so they continue to guard the living.'

2. 2

   Light Incense

   Light incense. Say: 'I offer this fragrance to the Fravashis of the righteous -- those who fought against the Lie and chose the path of Asha. May this smoke rise to wherever you dwell and carry my remembrance to you.'

3. 3

   Name the Righteous Dead

   Speak the names of your deceased family members and loved ones, starting with the most recent. For each, say: 'I honor the Fravashi of [name]. You chose to enter this world. You fought for Asha in your own way. You are remembered.' For those whose names are lost: 'And all the Fravashis of my line, whose names time has taken but whose sacrifice remains -- I honor you.'

4. 4

   Recite from the Frawardin Yasht

   Say this adapted passage from Yasht 13: 'We worship the good, strong, holy Fravashis of the righteous, Who are great and all-knowing. Who maintain the sky, who maintain the waters, Who maintain the earth, who maintain all that is good. Their glory goes forth with great power. They come forth like flying birds, With strength and far-reaching power. I call upon the Fravashis of my ancestors to be present.'

5. 5

   Offer Water and Food

   Place the water and food before the ancestor display. Say: 'I set out water and food for the Fravashis. May you be refreshed. May you be satisfied. Know that your living family remembers you, honors you, and carries your fight for Asha forward.'

6. 6

   Seek Guidance

   Sit quietly. Speak to your ancestors about what is troubling you or ask for their guidance. The Fravashis are not passive -- Yasht 13 describes them as powerful, active, and invested in the welfare of the living. They fight for you. Ask: 'What do you see that I do not? What strength of yours do I need today?'

7. 7

   Close

   Say: 'I give thanks to the Fravashis of my ancestors and of all the righteous dead. Return to your luminous dwelling. Know that you are honored. Know that the fight for Asha continues. I carry your fire forward. Ashem Vohu -- Righteousness is good; it is the best.' Let the candle burn as long as safely possible. Dispose of water outdoors the next morning.

More rites of this path