Connecting with Ancestors

I was born at the end of fall, when the world around us is seemingly preparing for a period of rest. It's a time when the trees are mostly bare, and the greenery has transitioned into shades of brown. While this might seem melancholic to some, I believe there is a unique beauty in this bittersweet season.

Being the firstborn in my generation brought significant changes for many people around me. It marked a new chapter in their lives, filled with anticipation for what lay ahead. However, as with many things in nature, these moments of joy were intertwined with a sense of grief and loss – acknowledging that change often comes hand in hand with letting go.

There is a shared understanding that fall serves as a bridge between past and present, inviting us to honor our roots and seek guidance from those who came before us.

Across cultures worldwide, this particular season is revered as a time for connection with our ancestors. It serves as a reminder to honor our roots and embrace the wisdom passed down through generations.

As we collectively navigate through these fall days, I encourage you to take some time for introspection and connection with your own heritage. Whether it's through rituals or conversations with loved ones, there is much wisdom to be gained from embracing our ancestral ties.

Where to start

I started with a conversation with my grandfather, who had been the closest and oldest living relative at the time. We sat down together, he was sipping on dark liquor that seemed to help loosen his lips and peel away the familiar sugar coating from stories I've heard countless times before. As he delved into tales of the year of my birth, he gradually traveled back in time, to stories of his great grandmother.

In those moments, as he weaved together the threads of our ancestral tapestry, I realized that there were questions within me that I didn't even know existed. The stories he shared not only provided answers but also ignited a sense of curiosity.

Piecing together the intricate puzzle of generations of people’s stories takes time and dedication. Researching heritage brings challenges and unique rewards.

It becomes a hobby that never truly ends.

Creating Space

To create a sacred space within my home, I have designated an area where I can honor my ancestral traditions. It may not be grand or expansive, but it holds great importance for me. On this altar, I represent my ancestors and each of the elements that hold significance in my culture - fire, water, earth, air - through a white candle, rocks, shells, and other symbolic items. Creating a place they recognize from their own spiritual practices on earth.

Creating connection

In my first attempt to rebuild my connection with my late grandmother, I started a ritual of having "coffee dates" with her. Just like when she was alive, I would sit down over coffee and share details about my life, express how much I missed her, and reminisce about our cherished moments together.

I found that by creating space for silence and stillness during these coffee dates, I could feel her presence and receive messages from her. It was through feelings, intuitions, and even symbols that our connection grew stronger.

I encourage you to explore cultural ways of maintaining connections with loved ones who have passed away. Find moments of stillness where you can reflect on shared memories and express your thoughts and emotions openly.

In these moments of reflection, find solace in recognizing that change is an inherent part of life's journey. Just as nature undergoes its own seasonal transformations, we too experience shifts that shape our personal growth.

Season of transition

This time can often evoke a mix of emotions, from the bittersweet joy of nostalgia to the comforting embrace of cherished traditions.

Navigating through this period can sometimes feel overwhelming, but taking a moment to truly connect with the essence of autumn can be transformative. It is during this phase that we have an opportunity for introspection and exploration, where we may uncover answers to questions we didn't even know existed within us.

Embracing this season with an open mind and heart, we allow ourselves to be in tune with nature's rhythm and find support in ancestral wisdom.