CONNECTING TO HERITAGE

Ancestral
Roots

ANCESTORS SPEAK

When Was the Last Time You Honored Your Ancestors?

Our ancestors are an important part of who we are. They live within our cellular DNA and can provide us with a sense of foundation. Although these bonds are established before we are born, knowing your heritage can be a rewarding experience, reveal much about your core identity, and gain a sense of appreciation.

Ancestral connections can help us discover family traditions, our cultural history, and connect us with relatives who may be at a distance. In addition, this knowledge can empower us by learning their stories, inspire present and future lifestyle choices, allow us to feel connected to something greater than ourselves, and help pave the path of knowing who you are.

Although some may be physically disconnected from their family, when on the path of ancestral discovery, it can feel confusing, but it’s important to note that our ancestors already know who we are. While those who lived before us are an essential part of our bloodline, there are others who also contribute to our ancestral lineage because they have had a strong part in our life, past and present. Ancestors include adopted parents, teachers, beloved friends, and other authority figures. We also have ancestors that go beyond our family tree. All is connected within the circle of life ~Spirit, earth, sky, water, air, animals included.

Just like humans can be deceptive and unreliable, this remains true for ancestors. Not every ancestor works in our best interest so it’s important to be intuitive and use discernment when making these connections. While you should not take these interactions for granted by always asking, your ancestors are not there at your beckoning call giving you all you desire– this is a partnership and loving relationship. Simply calling out and talking as if you were speaking with a good friend can inspire these sacred conversations. The more you interact with your ancestors, the more comfortable you will become. They can help deepen your spiritual practice, contribute to your instincts, intuition, and guide you on your path of enlightenment. Historically, there is a portal that opens annually near Halloween and Day of the Dead (October 31st – November 2nd) where the dead and the living can commune effortlessly. It is also said that between 3am-4am the veil between the living and the dead is thin and prime time to communicate with the unseen.

You may unknowingly connect to your ancestors. Deepen a connection with your roots by honoring them through daily rituals, like meditation (adding Calea-Zacatechichi helps), cleansing your space and building a sacred altar and lighting candles (preferably white), placing fresh flowers, saying prayers, chanting mantras, Florida Water offerings, pouring libations, sipping on coffee or whiskey, smoking cigars, placing their photos, putting out things they used often, saying their names, visiting their gravesites, artistic expression, and fulfilling your life’s purpose.

(*Although many speak of placing food and drinks on their altars, I am not a fan of attracting gnats and other unwanted bugs, so instead I cook meals and as I eat and drink, I commune with my ancestors in gratitude and thanksgiving.)

Do you know when your ancestors are near? I know my ancestors are close by when I see them in my dreams, pick up on their scent, see pennies, nickels, feathers, or hear a familiar song. Of course there are many other ways, but these come to mind at the time of writing this. Ancestors speak to us and through us. If you are having challenges connecting, a powerful prayer/mantra that I use and has guided me without fail is:

To my benevolent ancestors, known and unknown, I acknowledge, appreciate, and honor your presence in my life experience. Thank you for drawing closer to me today as we break through ancestral trauma and revolutionize beliefs. Lend me your eyes to see with new perspectives, talk with my mouth so that I boldly speak with confidence, work with my hands creating meaningful and beautiful things, and walk with my feet in wisdom and love.