As many of you know, this Shaman is very connected to his ancestors in multitudes of ways. First off, there is the bloodline connection. This binds me to each and every one of them, regardless of whether or not I liked them or even knew them. Through this bloodline connection they are able to reach out to me for any number of reasons. I, too, am able to reach out to them.
Secondly, we are all connected to the ancestors throughout the world and the universe by simple virtue of being a part of it all. As such, there are no ancestors that we cannot contact. And sometimes when doing so we discover that we are, in fact, the reincarnation of our own ancestors. But we are also able to connect to the ancestors of all of Nature. There is nothing in this world that is unnatural. If it is here, it is because it is part of the entire makeup of the world. So the ancestral forests and rivers and animals and birds are all a part of that connection, and that is why it is so important that we, as caregivers to this earth, take care of it all.
This is also why we can access all of this through meditation, contemplation, trance and even the utilization of sacred medicine plants. We don’t necessarily have to be a trained shaman, such as myself, to be able to access this consciousness. It is important, however, to learn how to access this consciousness, over time, without having to depend upon the medicine plants. They are there to help us to learn how to open the door. If we do not learn that, then we are failing as students of the plant medicine beings.
I happen to come from a very long line of mystics, healers, witches and shamans on both sides of my family. I have made it a daily practice to honor the ancestors of my lines so that I can keep a strong relationship with them. After all, they do tend to have valuable insights and inspirations to share!
I am also aware, however, that in my family I am the last one to practice this. After me, we reach the end of the line. That is, of course, unless one of my children decide to take up the mantel and continue with the traditions and connections. I do not, however, feel the need to pressure them to do so. I feel that it is important that they come to this naturally and of their own accord. Otherwise it is more of a burden and obligation than it is an honor and responsibility.
Knowing that the end of the line is near, I find that I am moved to share the traditions and practices with anyone who would be interested in this type of spirit connection/magic. I don’t really care if we are not blood related. If I can help you to figure out how to connect with your ancestors more deeply and regularly, then I will be a very happy camper! After all, once I am on the other side of the Veil, perhaps you will want to call on me now and then. And I would be thrilled to be able to assist from the other side.
I am now in my 60’s. I noticed that, once I hit that number, I became acutely aware of there being much more of my life behind me than there is before me. That changes things. I now treasure every single day that I am here an refuse to waste it on anything that is not life affirming. I also refuse to spend one single moment on a level of cluelessness that stops the flow of energy or knowledge and wisdom or insights and inspirations.
After I am gone, I am going to have to trust that all that I have shared with my children, my family, the world, will live on and help to keep things balanced and harmonious. This is much the same as my own parenting style. After so many years, I simply have to trust that I have done the best I could as a parent and that my children will make whatever choices they will make with that wisdom and understanding in mind. I trust them. I know that they will be alright, even in my absence. Because once the end of the line arrives, there isn’t anything I can do to change any of it anyway. All I can do is be ready for when someone calls out from this realm, and then answer the call.
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