Ancestral Clearing

Harvesting and eating fresh produce makes me think of my biological family. Both sides of my family were great gardeners, lovers of flowers and backyard picnics. Today I made cucumber and carrot pickles. I was fascinated by the vibrant colors and smells of the chopped veggies and so proud that they were homegrown. It took me right back to summertime at my grandparents' house. We would sit on the back patio and eat dinner together on seemingly endless summer evenings.

A connection to the land and enjoying good food are ancestral patterns that I am perfectly happy to carry on. Others, however…not so much. Shamanic practices can help with healing ancestral patterns.

Ancestral clearing is based on the idea that the experiences, emotions and issues our ancestors experienced are present in our DNA and energetic field. That means that we inherit physical traits and characteristics, but also emotional and behavioral traits or even disorders not linked directly to genes. The theory is that we can partner with shamanic practitioners or channels, who will help us contact our ancestors to work through and release these issues, as well as healing our relationship with ancestors that we knew when they were alive. This work can also be done on one's own, by experienced practitioners.

Shamans tend to travel to the realm of the dead, or some other meeting place, to contact ancestors. Many shamans partner with their ancestors in all of their path working, so ancestral clearing is in my opinion a necessary step in building a healthy relationship. Some shamanic practitioners also guide groups of people through journeys of their own to do this work.

Channels will contact ancestors directly, and sometimes even have ancestors speak or move with the channel's body. They will do the same type of guided process that a shaman does, in healing and making peace with ancestors. In some cases, the channel will cut energetic cords tying you to your ancestors.

Another approach was taught to me by a wonderful African priestess - the Table of Light, which heals and clears ancestral trauma. Here is how to build your own Table of Light:

1. Designate an altar or small table to this effort; be sure that it is physically clean.
2. Drape the space with a light colored cloth. (white, yellow, pink or other colors associated with healing and light in your tradition)
3. Add beautiful, healing objects to the space, like quartz crystals, fresh flowers, etc.
4. Add as many candles as will fit in the space safely.
5. Place a glass or bowl of fresh water on the altar.
6. Write down the names of as many ancestors as you know on a piece of paper. If you know the name of one person, but not their spouse, use their familial title, like Grandmother XXX or what have you. Be sure that you list only deceased relatives. Place the paper on your altar.
7. Each day for seven days (or use a powerful number in your spiritual system; I think the intent is to show dedication over a period of sustained effort), refresh the water, light the candles, call each ancestor's name three times, and offer prayers of healing. We are holding them in the light and allowing them the opportunity to heal. Reiki or other energy healing is appropriate here as well.

Whatever method you choose, ancestor work is powerful. I remember having an aha moment when that same African priestess said to me - who do you think answers your prayers or requests for help? It is not always the Divine, or an angel - it is your ancestors! Heal them. Release unneeded patterns. Partner with them, and you will be all the stronger for it.