The prophet's dictionary guide to the supernatural

control over the family and its offspring. They were actively involved in the lives of the family’s descendents as spiritual intermediaries and vigilant intercessors between the family as a tribal clan and its tribal deities. In spiritual contexts, these spirits are tied by blood relations and are the first point of contact between the natural and the supernatural access the family enjoyed, exercising the privileges of the demon power that governed the family. Ancestral spirits were steadily petitioned for favors, aids, or blessings by prayer and sacrifices that were offered to them from the surviving kin. Traditionally, they were the first consulted in major decisions, not only because they served as the guardians of the family line, but also because, as spirit beings, it was accepted that they had firsthand knowledge of what was to happen on earth. When betrayed or offended, these beings were expected to mete out punishment on disobedient family members. Depending on their relations with the demon spirit, the family’s agricultural plot could suffer famine or enjoy fortune. They themselves could contract an illness or live in abundant health. Catastrophe or calamity could befall them or they could live an existence of prosperity and peace. Generally, ancestral spirits were identified or adopted as elders who died and were presumed elevated to their deity status. Some were believed to be joined together with the spirit of the clan’s god, totemic, upon their demise. After death they were commemorated with a figurine in their image, which was thought to possess supernatural powers. The figurines were believed to motivate the deity’s power by the execution of the rituals carried out by them. The clay figure was cherished as the reincarnated kinsman when he or she was not awaiting reincarnation to be born in a later family member. Daniel 11:38; 2 Kings 17:29; Amos 8:14; 1 Kings 11:33; 2 Kings 1:2. Also Exodus 12:12; 2 Kings 17:21. 58. Ancestral Worship—The worship of departed relatives whose death was believed to leave a power and prominence void in the clan. Ancestor worship is based upon the family’s continued connection with the tutelary spirits of its genealogical line. The surviving elder, matriarch, or patriarch was responsible for ministering to the spirit in the netherworld, with the appropriate funerary rites and posthumous observances to appease the familiar spirits overseeing the family. The purpose was to assure the deceased experienced no second death and had a guarantee of eternal power, position, and prestige. The survivors of the patron ancestor took on the responsibility of agreeing to allow their earthbound spirits to inhabit them at will. It was upheld to enable the