I’m not someone drawn to building altars or shrines, nor do I often visit churches or traditional places of worship. For me, there’s nothing more sacred than my own home. Every spiritual connection or encounter I’ve experienced has happened either at home or in nature. To me, everything and everywhere is a place or being of worship.

However, last week, I felt compelled to create a spiritual bóveda in my home. A bóveda is a sacred space rooted in Afro-Caribbean spiritual traditions, designed to connect with spirits and ancestors. It’s typically a white cloth-covered table adorned with items such as glasses of water (to attract and amplify spiritual energy), candles, flowers, and personal or religious objects representing one’s spiritual guides.

On my table, I placed white roses, glasses of water, a white candle, a picture of my father, some of his belongings, and rosary beads with a cross—items that carry his Catholic influence, as many of the objects belonged to him. A bóveda serves as a space for prayer, meditation, and communication with the spiritual realm, offering practitioners a way to seek guidance, express gratitude, and deepen their spiritual gifts. The specifics of the setup and rituals vary based on the practitioner’s traditions, lineage, and personal connection to the spirits.

Last week, I was feeling spiritually stuck, overwhelmed by a wave of challenges coming at me all at once. In my frustration, I turned to my cousin in Cuba and, for the first time, shared with her my abilities and visions. She revealed something that profoundly resonated with me: we come from a lineage of mediums—espiritistas. She told me that my grandmother, aunts, and even she herself have the gift of connecting with spirits. Her words made so much click into place for me, offering a sense of understanding and belonging.

She guided me, encouraging me to speak directly to my guides through the bóveda. She explained how to set it up and suggested that I sit in meditation, seeking guidance during this turbulent time. Following her advice, I created the space and began to reach out to my guides.

Last night, something truly extraordinary happened. My daughter asked, hesitantly, if she could sit with me at the bóveda. Though I could sense she was nervous, I knew she was eager to join me. We sat together in meditation, and I gently guided her on how to connect with our ancestors, respect the spirits, and acknowledge her guides. I worried it might be a lot to ask of someone so young, but her desire to participate was genuine.

After about 10 minutes, I received words of encouragement and guidance during my meditation—though I can’t even recall them clearly because something else happened that eclipsed everything. When I glanced over at my daughter, she was gazing up at me, tears welling in her eyes.

When I asked what was wrong, she told me that my father had come to her. She had asked for him to appear, and he came to her as a glowing, white circular light. She asked if he guides her, watches over her, and sees all that she does. She said she felt an immense, overwhelming love as he assured her that he does guide her, he does watch her, and he is always with her.

Afterwards, she burst into tears and hugged me tightly. I couldn’t hold back my own emotions, and we shared an incredibly powerful moment together.

The lineage of mediums lives on in her. She is going to be so powerful.