Everything Under the Moon

I guess this spell is more ancestor honoring than speaking with the dead

Gateway Spell
to communicate with the dead

you will need:
two blue candles, 6-8"
one white candle, 6-8"
one charcoal disk in a fireproof dish
matches or a lighter
two teaspoons of dried Solomon's Seal
Approximately 25 seaside pebbles

1. Place the blue candles at the western quarter of the circle and place the white one to your left.
2. Light the charcoal, then the blue candles, and face the 'gateway'(the space between the two candles), saying:
Ancestors of blood, ancestors of spirit,
You are honored here.
I call my beloved dead to this gateway
Only those who wish me well may enter
Sprinkle incense onto the charcoal.
3. Name the friends or relatives that died within the last year:
I Remember(name) who is my (friend, family whatever they may be)
I want to say this to you _______
4. For each person, place a pebble near the white candle. Next, remember those who have passed away before this last year, and then the people who you wish to commemorate.
5. When you have finished, and the pebbles are heaped around the white candle, light it, saying:
All are mourned, remembered, and honored
6. Say farewell, and close the gateway before the circle is closed. Return the pebbles to the sea (or wherever you collected them)

Hmm... I've got a Celtic Ancestor prayer in my BOS.. not sure if this is exactly what you're looking for though. But thought I'd include it in case you wanted to alter it or take certain elements

Celtic Invocation of Ancestors

Hail Lady of the Lake and the Merlyn of Britain,
Ancestors of those who follow the path of the
Order of the Northern Way, I summon and stir thee!
Come and be welcome in this holy place

To the Ancestors who have come before me
Come and be welcome as my honored guests in this holy place

I don't think the solomon's seal is that vital. If you have rosemary sitting around, you can burn that. as for the charcoal, thats just what your using to burn the solomon's seal (or rosemary) juniper would work well, also.

Another:

Spell to Summon the Dead:
A sage stick, five white candles and incense are needed.

Hear these words, hear my cry,
Spirit from the other side.
Come to me, I summon thee,
Cross now the great divide.
Beloved spirit, [name],
We seek your guidance
Commune with us
And move amongst us

You light the blue candles after casting the circle. Place the blue candles in the west point of the circle and the white candle beside you on the left.

Are you wanting to speak to them or just honor their spirits? There's all kinds of ways to talk summon them, basically just a few white candles and some herbs/incense that attract spirits, and mostly calling them by name (unless you just want random).

If you're just wanting to honor their memories of those you've known, try the asian method, I personally think it's the best. You simply arrange something like an altar with their pictures some flowers, some of their favs if you know them and burn incense and say a few prayers for them, thank them for having lived so you now can.

If you want to honor all your ancestors do the same only with a family tree and drop some of your blood on the incense saying you honor those who's blood has become your own and once again thank them for you being here, as it was their actions that lead to such.

Anyway you go about it may sure all of you is in it. I would put something very personal and heart felt together. I mean if you want a spell or ritual why not put together yourself and put you whole heart in. Take what's been offered and make something of you're own. It may not be the best put together or whatever, but since you took the time to do such and your hearts in it, your ancestors will be very pleased, and that is what it's all about, honoring and connecting with those that lead to your being.

ravencry-
in the second spell, how are the incense, sage and 5 white candles to be used?

Smudge yourself with the sage, light the incense and place the 5 candles around you to form a star. Sorry it was so vague, I found it online.