Working With Our Ancestors

Working with our ancestors can be a powerful way to learn more about where we come from, as well as who we truly are at our core, at the soul level.

Our ancestors carry information, gifts, talents and insight that we’re meant to tap into in this life. They are constantly reaching out to help guide us, and give us strength when we need the support. Connecting with our ancestors means connecting with the energies and forces which gave us life. This goes much further than simply knowing our family tree, although that’s an excellent place to start.

One way that can help us build a more concrete connection with our ancestors is asking the elders of our families and communities to tell their stories and share their memories. We can learn of the ups and the downs of our family line, and understand more of where we came from. Another way to build a connection is through creating an ancestral altar.

How To Setup Your Ancestral Altar

You can start your ancestral altar by placing photographs of family members who have passed on or objects which have been passed down from them. This is a great way to personalize your connection. Many cultures do this every day by lighting incense at their family altars, and taking time to tell them about what’s happening in their lives, offering their ancestors support and also asking them for guidance. Some people also offer a daily offering to their ancestors to give gratitude for the love and support their ancestors offer them. Building a reciprocal relationship is important in ancestral works, just as it is in all spiritual work.

We Also Have Spiritual Ancestors

As well as our blood ancestors, we also have ancestors of spirit. These beings could be from past lives we have already lived that want to help us in this life, or teachers and mentors from our cultural, historical, or spiritual lineage with whom we feel a kinship. A great way to explore this is to find some time for meditation and see who comes to mind. Intuitively, you might already have an idea as to who one of these beings might be to you.

Celebrate Samhain With Your Ancestors

Samhain is a time-honored pagan tradition celebrated as October turns to November. Samhain is a festival of the Dead, meaning “Summer’s End.”

It’s usually celebrated by preparing a dinner to celebrate the harvest. The holiday is meant to be shared with our ancestors, as well as those still with us. You can do this by setting a place at the table for those on the spiritual plane, providing an offering for them for every serving throughout the meal. You’re meant to enjoy your meal with your ancestors, so take this time to welcome in those ancestors who want to join in on the festivities.

Building ancestral relationships is a beautiful asset to your spiritual journey, but most importantly, with all of this, always give gratitude and respect for working with these spirits. There are many books out there to explore more on how to do ancestral work, but please be respectful of other cultures and their practices. Do your research to make sure your experience is safe and incredibly beneficial for you and your personal connection.

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