Every year, about three weeks before Halloween, or Samhain in the Celtic tradition, I create and alter to my ancestors with pictures as far back as I could find. Seeing their faces reminds me of whose shoulders I stand upon and whose burdens I carry.

Woven into the clay of my body are their strength, tenacity, kindness, passion for community building, fire (both positive and destructive), a tendency toward isolation, and relational dysfunction. We are a tapestry of our lineage’s greatest strengths and greatest weaknesses.

We hold both—the light and the dark. This is being human. And because we carry both within us, we can lean into the strength and resources passed down to support the challenging and noble work of healing inherited burdens. In many traditions, it is believed when we do this work, we are healing our lineage in both directions, past and future.

It is a heroine/hero’s journey to traverse the shadowlands of our lineage to emerge feeling more whole, lighter, and with a new perspective to shine light in the dark corners of this world and within ourselves.

It is our work to do, as no one can take this journey for us. And we are not meant to take this journey alone—gathering in circle with others, time with a close friend, connecting with Nature in all her forms, seeking professional support, AND seeking support from our benevolent ancestors—are all part of our unburdening journey.  

Those of you who have been on retreat with me, worked one-on-one with me, or read my book—are aware of the heart practice I share to deeply connect with Nature. This practice can also be extended to our benevolent ancestors.

In a quiet, meditative state, taking your seat within your heart, ask an ancestor that is dear to you or perhaps a benevolent one you don’t know—to be with you. I’ve used the term benevolent a few times, as this is important. This is a well-meaning, kind ancestor, as not all are.

In this state, you are working with the imaginal and expanded state of consciousness, so turn your mind off and allow the experience to unfold. Once you feel connected, offer your appreciation for their contribution to your lineage, and if you feel moved, ask for support with burdens/wounds you carry from your lineage. When you feel complete, give gratitude for this dear one coming to be with you and supporting you.

During this time of celebration, when it is believed to be a thin space between our world and the spirit world, honor those ancestors who you feel moved to show respect for or those who have been elders to you that are not in your family line. Connect with them, listen/feel what arises.

Honoring slows us down, connects us to our roots, and to the cycle of life. In this transition time between the light and the dark, may light continue to tend to your heart.

With much love,

Kathleen